Located 40 miles (63 km) northwest of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is a relatively hidden gem if you are not from this area. Rolling hills and endless beaches are the main features of this reserve, and if you are a nature lover or a birdwatcher, then this is your kind of place you want to visit.
That time of the year has come again, when the migratory birds return to their old nesting grounds. New and old birds come by, and some of them decide to stay longer. We’ve had company this past month, much to our delight, as the little house wrens treated us once again with their playful mood and cheerful songs.
Nicknamed ‘sea parrots’ or ‘sea clowns’ for their cute appearance, the Atlantic puffins are some of the most loved seabirds. Although they are the smallest puffin species, they are actually tough birds.
With a great promise to see wildlife and a pleasant experience, I was really enjoying the start of the cruise and the surrounding scenery, listening the crew member’s jokes on the upper deck, under a balmy sun. A colourful mix of local humour, stories and songs captured everyone’s attention, including myself. That was when I heard the local joke about the Newfoundland roads, but that’s another story.
I didn’t really notice when the blue sky turned dull grey, and when the calm waters became choppy. I suddenly found myself swinging from a side to another, unable to get a steady grip on my camera.
Getting so edgy, I decided it was time to go downstairs, but will I be able to walk down to the lower deck, or even grab the rails? They seem so far from my sit.. Should I stay, or should I try going downstairs? This was the moment I started to doubt if this cruise was for me..
The story actually started 3 months ago, before we actually moved to the cottage country.
My desire to offer lodging to some new or old winged friends lingered in the back of my mind for several years already. Now, with our upcoming move, and with an imminent spring coming up, one of my first thoughts was to get a birdie home.
Going to Cuba again this year was not originally part of my plans, but when I had to cancel postpone for an unknown date a trip up North, my itchy fingers instead found a last minute ticket, to a Southern Destination.
1000 Places and Memories 