Point Reyes National Seashore

September 13, 2016

California Quail

My favorite hike of the year is the early fall trek through the elk reserve to Tomales Point at Point Reyes.  The elk are in rut and, unlike in a zoo, there are no fences.  The elk are in their natural environment (basically).  It can be an amazing experience when the cards line up right.  This hike has become an annual rite for me.

Black-tailed Deer -- Point Reyes National Reserve, CA

I started at the visitor's station.  I don't usually stop there, but I need some stickers for my new computer.  I got a nice little sticker and a magnet for my car.

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

It was a bright, sunny day in the Bay Area but foggy and cold out on the Point.  That's not unusual.  In fact, that's part of the charm of Point Reyes.  It always seems to be foggy and cold.  My kind of weather.  The fog burned off, for the most part, but it stayed mostly cloudy and dark for the day.

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

On the way out to the pond (roughly three miles) I was afraid I was going to get skunked.  I had seen a couple of groups of elk from a distance, but nothing up close.  I've never been skunked on this hike before, but counting on the pond to fill my photo card had me nervous.  At this time of year, it's normal for a group of bachelors to hang out at the pond.  In the tule elk world, if you're a bull elk you're either a winner or a loser.  There's not much in between.  You're either Fonzie or Potsie, there's nothing in between.

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Pictures don't do these animals justice.  I love stopping here at the pond and watching these animals.  They are hopped up on testosterone (or whatever it is that drives the male elk urges) but there is always an amazing peace that fills this little valley.  Maybe I'm just imagining it, but it feels real, year after year.  God bless these hairy, horny creatures.

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Black-tailed Deer -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Overall, I saw eight separate harems of elk.  I've never seen that many.  I suspect they'll break up into smaller groups over the next few weeks, but I could be wrong.

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Tule Elk -- Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Soundtrack:

• Wilco -- Schmilco