January 7, 2013
Cypress Grove Trail at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Monterey County
Total distance walked: One mile
On a cool January day, my father, sister, and I meandered down the Cypress Grove Trail. We opted for a leisurely stroll as the rest of our family pursued different activities that afternoon.
Harmless looking, yet quite toxic winter stems of poison oak lined the edges of the path. A side trail took us to Cypress Cove, one of many coves located at Point Lobos State Reserve in Carmel, California.
We walked through the Allan Memorial Grove, part of the perimeter hike, and heard noisy sea lions barking in the distance. Dramatic ocean views peeked through gnarled and contorted branches of cypress trees. The trees in the grove continually withstand salty sea spray and wind.
We watched as waves crashed against the rocky crags, then stepped carefully near the cliff’s edge to spy Pebble Beach across the bay.
Point Lobos is uniquely beautiful. The view on the drive out was just as gorgeous as the one mile walk.
Sharing this rare and special time together while bonding on the bluffs was truly unforgettable.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
I agree, it was a rare and special treat. Of all the times I’ve been to that area, it’s the first time I’ve been to Point Lobos. The whole week we spent together in Pebble Beach was a relaxing, fun filled vacation to remember. Can’t wait to go back to Carmel for more oysters and another bloody Mary.
Dad
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New to Californis (almost thirty years ago now) I ran afoul of those innocent-looking poison oak branches, leafless, quiet, unobtrusive and toxic. Three weeks of welting!
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Oh no! A miserable three weeks, I’m sure; and a painful lesson to learn.
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Your photos bring back wonderful memories of a trip my husband and I took. Carmel and the Pacific Coast Highway area are so beautiful!
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I adore that your dad comments on your blog. Tell him I said that, please. I also adore that you hike together.
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I am very allergic to poison oak, so the very idea of it fills me with fear. I’m glad it isn’t prevalent in our area. Even so, I stay on the path!
Thank you for sharing your photographs and memories. I would like to have heard those sea lions.
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Celia, my husband is very allergic too. Unfortunately, we have poison oak growing all over our property here at home. Is yours poison oak or ivy?
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Sadly, poison oak, ivy, and sumac can all be found in Illinois. But dwelling as I do mainly in the city, I haven’t contracted it for many years. The last time I contracted poison ivy, I was in New England and discovered I had it on the plane going home. : (
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Sounds like a miserable trip home.
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