Tidepools, Bakeries and Baby Chicks: An Outing to Half Moon Bay

We first found the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve completely by accident, after having gotten lost.

What a happy accident! Since then it has become a staple in our outing arsenal. My husband grew up in Seattle and loves to go to the beach there (where he spent many hours as a kid). Getting lost in the world of our California tide pools at the marine reserve must be a little bit like what he enjoyed growing up in Washington.

It's so good, they asked us not to write about it. So, this is about our day in Half Moon Bay area (which includes the marine preserve).

Unlike many of the state parks, reserves and historical sites around California, which would love publicity that might bring more foot traffic and revenue, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve says, "No, thank you."

Since the reserve is there to protect marine life from ever-increasing human influence, you can be sympathetic to the cause. Yet, if you follow its simple rules that protect the animals, it can be a fun learning-filled day for all.

You would want to visit when the tide is low, because the tide pools are fantastic to explore. But, if this seems like too much forethought, there is a nice beach—and at the far end, seals always lazing around. 

• Rule No. 1 to share—don't bother the seals.
• And, Rule No. 2—You can't bring shells home with you. Rule No. 2 is too bad, because I found a huge abalone shell there once. But, we do have fun collecting shells and adding them to our sand castles, taking pictures, leaving footprints (and a sand castle).

After we get sand in our shorts, shoes, hair and anything else, we head into the village of Half Moon Bay to our favorite bakery. I grew up in a family that could have had the bumper sticker, "This car brakes for bakeries," so I consider myself a connoisseur of all types of bakeries.  (From the "sophisticated French" to the "sensible and serviceable," all have value, depending on your mood.) 

The is great to go to with kids and for hanging out and having coffee, sandwiches and pizza, (plus there's a kids' menu).  

Then we hit the to look at the baby chicks and bunnies. It was, however, because of our last time in this store that we have decided to raise chickens for eggs.

So consider yourself warned that walking in with a young child you might come out with a budding farmer all enthusiastic about raising and selling eggs to get his next Bionicle. Who am I to tamp down the entrepreneurial spirit? (Heaven help us when it is time to cull the flock when they stop laying.)

With the rosy glow of our new enterprise firing up our minds, it was time to leave Half Moon Bay and head back across to Silicon Valley to research chicken coops.

Websites

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Friends of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Moonside Bakery

Half Moon Bay Feed & Fuel