As another Drake's Estero paddling
season closes, I thought I would take the opportunity of my first blog post to offer
some thoughts on what makes this such a special place to explore. It is true that the estero lies further
afield than other potential paddling venues, deep in the heart of the Point
Reyes National Seashore. It is also true
that the prevailing northwest winds can often present a challenge to those
paddlers making the return trip up Schooner Bay in the afternoon.
However, those willing to brave the extra
drive and afternoon workout are rewarded with one of the most amazingly vibrant
and gorgeous waterways on the west coast.
Drake's Estero, along with the greater Point Reyes Peninsula, is a
region of unparalleled beauty and, though it be located a mere stone's throw
from the bustling, burgeoning hum of the San Francisco Bay Area, it is one
which seems almost unmolested by the steady march of modern urban
development. As many will know, this was
very nearly not the case; for the late 1950s and early 1960s saw the
possibility of a highly urbanized West Marin.
It was the alarmingly voracious appetite of this potential development
which secured the region's future; eventually placing about it a nearly
unparalleled bulwark of protection before which the plans for an urbanized West
Marin crumbled like the breakers upon its massive sea cliffs.
It is for this reason that those who paddle
on Drake's Estero or explore along the towering white bluffs of Drake's Bay can
quite literally see for themselves what their namesake saw in 1579 when he
became the first European explorer to set eyes on the region. As the great historian Samuel Elliot Morrison
writes “Because Californians have foresightedly made this shore into state
parks or reservations, the coast Drake examined has escaped “development.”
One can gaze on a Drake's Bay almost as
untouched by humans as when the “Generall”[Drake] passed that way.”1 Add into this context the sheer amount of
wildlife which inhabits the estero; with harbor seals, leopard sharks, bat rays
and a multitude of different seabirds and raptors existing in abundance, and it
becomes one of the most rewarding places to kayak on the entire West Coast or
indeed the world. Because of the
estero's importance as a harbor seal habitat, the waterway is closed to
recreational boating from late February to early July. This means that we will now patiently look
forward to another great season of paddling Drake's Estero, as well as the
prospect of being able to explore the changes which take place during our
absence. If you want to experience this
awesome place for yourself, don't hesitate to sign up for one of our
paddles. See you in July!
1. Morison, Samuel Elliot. European Discovery of America:
The Southern Voyages, A.D. 1492-1616. New
York: Oxford University Press, 1974. Print.
