2003jan27. Yesterday I visited my favorite place in the entire world, Bean Hollow State Beach. If you’ve driven down the coast you’ve probably missed the small turn-off for this secluded area. The “two coves” bit mentioned at that starved little web page is important. To get to the Southernmost cove, you have to step over the parking lot curb at the point closest to the ocean and clamber down the amazing tafoni formations. Check out the tidepools (low tide is best for this) and wet hiding places between rocks – that’s where the crabs like to skitter and blow bubbles (if you’re extremely quiet and the tide is low, you can hear them). If you’re the patient sort you'll find other interesting marine life including starfish and the wily sea lion. The Northernmost cove (there’s some stairs leading down to it; you can’t get from one to the other, they’re separate) features millions of colorful tiny pebbles that you aren’t supposed to take. I use this cove as a back-up when the other cove is at high tide, but if you continue North up the beach you can still find little tide pools and rock formations. On your way to Bean Hollow make sure to stop at Three Amigos in Half Moon Bay and pick up some ceviche/horchata.
