Unforgettable Sailing Adventures
Journey from Vancouver to Mexico
And you thought this was a blog about sailing but surprise, we’re stuck at Pillar Point Harbor waiting on a package that decided to take its sweet time like a tortoise in a race with a hare. Our brief visit to the Halfmoon Bay area turned into an unplanned vacation and marked by unexpectedly cold and foggy weather. The thick fog has been a constant companion, enveloping the harbor and surrounding areas in a blanket of gray. It’s a stark contrast to the sunny California weather we had anticipated.
We’ve had to adjust our plans and find ways of staying warm and entertained. Thanks to three breakwaters, Pillar Point is one of the most protected and safest harbors.
Despite the weather, we’ve made the most of our time here, traipsing along the California coast trail, hiking the cliffs at Pillar Point Bluffs, exploring the trails at Quarry Park and cycling around the small city of Halfmoon Bay. The fog has added a sense of mystery to our days, but it has also made us appreciate the rare moments of sunshine even more.
El Granada, the village surrounding the harbor, is a bustling little town with an active marina where you can snag fresh fish right off the boat but is most widely known as the location of the Mavericks. Mavericks is a surfing location outside of Pillar Point Harbor where the waves can routinely crest at over 25 ft and top out at over 60 ft after a strong winter storm in the northern Pacific Ocean. The break is caused by an unusually shaped underwater rock formation. We challenged ourselves to find movies shot in the locales of where we visit and enjoyed a movie night watching ‘Chasing Mavericks’.
The local wildlife is practically throwing a party with sea creatures galore including a 30ft humpback that we’re pretty sure is our new best friend.
We’re hoping to break free by Tuesday and continue our journey south, dusting off the sails, discovering new destinations and hopefully, sunnier skies.
Whale Encounter at Pillar Point Marina
As we paddled in from the Harbor to the docks of Pillar Point Marina, we were greeted by an unexpected visitor—a majestic 30-foot humpback whale. The sight of this gentle giant gliding effortlessly through the shallows was both awe-inspiring and humbling. We watched in amazement as it feasted on an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, seemingly oblivious to our presence.
Thankfully, experts say the juvenile whale is not stranded, it worked its way into the inner harbor from the ocean nearby the historic Mavericks surf spot and should make its way back to sea on its own.
Above the Clouds at Quarry Park
Our morning at Quarry Park was the perfect way to shed some energy while escaping the fog. We peddled our bikes through the charming town of El Granada, passing community gardens and a well-kept pump track where we squeezed in a few laps before tackling the ascent to the peak of the South Ridge trail, where the sun greeted us with warmth and the sky opened up to brilliant blue. Quarry Park spans 517 acres and is a stunning mix of grassy hillsides, coastal ridges, and expansive eucalyptus forests alongside inviting pine and cypress groves, all interconnected by a network of 25 trails. Even if mountain biking isn’t your preferred activity, there is something for everyone of all ages to enjoy in this beautiful outdoor space.
Pillar Point Photo Gallery
From foggy mornings to sunny afternoons, each day was full of adventure.
Fascinating Insights About Pillar Point
Marine Life
Pillar Point is home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals, sea lions, and whales. It’s a hotspot for marine biodiversity.
Scenic Trails
Pillar Point offers some of the most scenic hiking and biking trails in the region, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding cliffs.
Surfing Destination
Pillar Point is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers from all over the world to its famous Mavericks surf break.
Bird Watching
Bird watchers will find Pillar Point to be a haven, with numerous species of seabirds and shorebirds frequenting the area.
Local Culture
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