Apr 20, 2006 2:32 pm US/Pacific
Point Reyes National Seashore
In 1995, the Mount Vision fire devastated Point Reyes National Seashore. A decade later, Tom revisits the park on an eye-opening hike through the recovery zone. Discover outdoors-friendly lodges in the area and take a horseback ride on the ridges. To watch a clip from this week's show.
Point Reyes National Seashore showcases one of the most diverse landscapes of the Bay Area. Rugged coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, sheltered estuaries, grassy plains, dense forests… and plenty of outdoor activities! About an hour's drive from San Francisco, this beautiful area is an accessible retreat for Bay Area enthusiasts.
http://www.nps.gov/poreWith incredible views of Drakes Bay and the farthest land spits of Point Reyes National Seashore, Sky Camp is a popular, hike-in camping destination. Each site has a picnic table, food locker, and charcoal brazier. Pit toilet facilities and potable water are located on-site. Please contact the park for reservations and to obtain a camping permit.
http://www.nps.gov/pore/activ_camp.htmThe Blackthorne Inn is tucked away in a densely-wooded canyon on Inverness Ridge. Travelers will enjoy the seclusion and comforts of this inn, and marvel at its eclectic architecture and history. The Eagle's Nest is a tower-top room with a 360-degree view of the surrounding forest.
http://www.blackthorneinn.com/The big pane windows of the Back Heron Inn allow magnificent views of Tomales Bay and Inverness Ridge. The Tomales Bay Trail is accessible, here, and birdwatching and even bass fishing from a small pond on the property are popular activities for guests.
http://www.blackthorneinn.com/blackheron.htmlOlema Druid's Hall is an open, airy, and luxurious getaway in one of the area's most historic buildings. A cozy cottage in the back gives you immediate access to a ridge hike that overlooks the Point Reyes area.
http://www.olemadruidshall.comManka's Inverness Lodge is a renovated hunting retreat from the turn of the century. Comfortable beds, crackling fires, fine dining, and interaction with the world outside are hallmarks of this popular destination. Manka's boathouse property features a room that opens up to a dock on Tomales Bay.
http://www.mankas.comThe Bar-Or is a working ranch that offers rooms appointed with modern décor, on-site spa services, and horseback instruction and guided trips.
http://www.bar-or.com/Information for featured and other outdoor lodges, including special offers and promotions, can be found at the Point Reyes Lodging Association website, or by calling (800) 539-1872.
http://www.ptreyes.com/Five Brooks Stable provides horse rentals and guided individual and group horseback tours to scenic destinations within the southern boundaries of Point Reyes.
http://www.fivebrooks.com/Tom Stienstra's books, Bay Area Recreation and Northern California Cabins and Cottages, have additional information on the locations featured in this show.
http://www.tomstienstra.com/books-html/bayarearec.htmlhttp://www.tomstienstra.com/books-html/cabins.html
