Whale Watching 8/29/2015

Whale Watching Aug 29th, 2015

On August 29th, 2015 Emily and I traveled to Moss Landing, just north of Monterey, CA to go whale watching. This has always been something that both of us have wanted to do, but we have always been fearful of paying the money or traveling to the destination and seeing no whales. We were able to find a good deal on Groupon for the Sea Goddess Whale Watching Tour and it didn't disappoint. We had read on their website that they had had an incredible amount of whales sightings this season, but nothing could have prepared us for what we saw.

Through a two and a half hour trip, we saw about 30-40 Humpback Whales, a pod of about 50 Common Dolphins and nearly 200 California Sea Lions! It was utterly incredible. 

It didn't take but 10 minutes for us to see our first whale, and from that point on there was never a lapse in whale sightings for the remaining of the tour. 

To add to the tour we had the pleasure of having an extremely informative tour guide that answered any questions that we had.

*** Disclaimer: I have always been concerned about whale watching and having to go out far from land to see them. On this tour we never got more than maybe a few miles from shore and we could always see land. 

Scott

Dry Creek Sea Crag 8/15/2015

Dry Creek Sea Crag Aug 15th, 2015

We ventured out to Dry Creek Sea Crag along the California coast, about two hours from the San Francisco Bay Area. This was the first time that we had been out to this area, and man was it beautiful. You climb just yards from the ocean and all day long you get to listen to the waves crashing into the rocks below. 

The hike down was a little intense as you make your way along a steep ridge line with sharp drop offs to the beach/ocean on either side. On the bright side, because of the hike the crowds at the cliff are limited. 

We met up with some fellow Touchstone Routesetters to climb a line called Jury Duty 5.13c. This line climbs just about straight up the cliff face, topping out at about 60 feet. After some great beta from my friends, I was able to send the climb on my third try.

Additionally, this was Emily's third time climbing routes outside, and each time I keep dragging her to intimidating placing (Mickey's Beach, The Grotto and now Dry Creek). However, she is getting more and more comfortable climbing outside and she was able to pick up her first outdoor send of Red Slab 5.10a.   

The only downside of the day was the nasty rope burn I got on the back of my right leg. It was a rather unfortunate event as I didn't even have my foot behind the rope. It just so happened that the way my foot was pointed when it slipped off cause my leg to go right behind the rope. In the photo below you can actually see the exact moment it happened. Both of my feet are off and I am falling just as my leg slides behind the rope. 

The result of the rope burn...

Until next time!

 Scott