Day trips in West Marin

This Sunday, Aug 3, 2008, the NYT had an article about day trips around Pt. Reyes. That's my brother on the far left kayaking with Blue Waters Kayaking on Tomales Bay. The article is a good summary of things to do around Pt. Reyes. I've pasted it below.

A mere 40 miles north of San Francisco, Tomales Bay is a tranquil coastal estuary that stretches 12 miles along Highway 1. As you drive north, wetlands give way to sandy beaches and calm waters that open into Bodega Bay and the Pacific, perfect for kayak exploration. Rentals and tours are available from Blue Waters Kayaking in the towns of Marshall and Inverness (415-669-2600; www.bwkayak.com).

Wildlife abounds. There are herds of elk on Tomales Bay Point on the northwest side of the bay — part of Point Reyes National Seashore — while harbor seals frolic in the water or lounge on the sand.

Hog Island oysters are grown in Tomales Bay, and you can grill your own at the Farm, the Hog Island Oyster Company’s bayside picnic area (20215 Highway 1, Marshall; 415-663-9218; www.hogislandoysters.com). Nearby Point Reyes Station is home to the Cowgirl Creamery, specializing in organic artisanal cheeses. Among its award winners is Red Hawk, an aged triple-cream made with organic cow’s milk (80 Fourth Street, Point Reyes Station; 415-663-9335; www.cowgirlcreamery.com).

Ten miles north in Marshall, you’ll feel deliciously away from it all at Nick’s Cove, a string of 1930s-era cabins over the water, with an affiliated roadhouse by the San Francisco restaurateur Pat Kuleto (23240 Highway 1, Marshall; 866-636-4257; www.nickscove.com; from $225).Want to bed down even closer to nature? There are several campgrounds in the area, and a handful of permits are available each day for boat-in camping on the west-side beaches (415-663-8054; www.tomalesbay.net).