Marin County | Tomales Bay

One of the most wonderful things about living in Marin County is the lifestyle. From quaint towns to vast open spaces and coastal dreamscapes, there is so much to do and see in the area. My favorite weekend jaunt was to travel to Tomales Bay to enjoy a scenic drive and eventually bbq oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company.

Tomales Bay is a long, narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Marin County. It is approximately 15 miles long and averages 1 mile wide, effectively separating the Point Reyes Peninsula from the mainland of Marin County. It is located approximately 30 miles northwest of San Francisco. The bay forms the eastern boundary of Point Reyes National Seashore. Tomales Bay is recognized for protection by the California Bays and Estuaries Policy. On its northern end, it opens out onto Bodega Bay, which shelters it from the direct current of the Pacific Ocean. The bay is formed along a submerged portion of the San Andreas Fault.

Oyster farming is a major industry on the bay. The two largest producers are Hog Island Oyster Company and Tomales Bay Oyster Company, both of which retail oysters to the public and have picnic grounds on the east shore. These particular types of oysters found in this area must be cooked and the best way to cook them is with bbq sauce!

Rodeo Beach | Sunsets

Windswept, exhilarating and covered with unique red and green pebbles, Rodeo Beach is sheltered by cliffs and bounded by a lagoon. No matter the time of day, this sweet spot in the Marin Headlands always provides magnificent photo opportunities. I captured this shot at sunset when I was walking my dogs and enjoying the people around me.

Two military forts once guarded these shores. Fort Barry and Fort Cronkhite, whose structures now serve as National Park Service facilities, were once nerve centers of Marin Headlands military activities long ago.

This beach and surrounding cliffs are amazing to explore and it is easy to lose track of time because there is just so much to see and do.

Marin Headlands | Rodeo Beach

When I lived on my sailboat with my two dogs, the three of us would venture to Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands to start our day.

Rodeo Beach is located in Marin County, two miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge and is part of the the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The beach is characterized by a spit of around 50 meters width at the mouth of a long embayment, known as Rodeo Lagoon; and, for much of the year, the lagoon is cut off from the ocean, making the beach spit a baymouth bar. Part of the beach is sheltered by cliffs and is known for its dark, pebbly sand. Regardless of the season, it is a magnificent place to be.

As the beach is dog friendly, it is a fantastic place to let dogs run free.

Sausalito | Sunsets

Sunsets in Sausalito are sublime. Each evening, I would sit on the back of my sailboat and enjoy a variety of colors as the sun would set over Mount Tamalpais and Richardson Bay.

My sailboat was located at Sausalito Shipyard and Marina. I was fortunate to have a slip on North Dock which meant I had an unobstructed view of my surroundings. With no boats immediately behind me, my location provided the most magnificent views of Richardson Bay, the hills of Sausalito and the shoreline of Tiburon.

I cherished this spot greatly and I sometimes find myself back there in my dreams at night.

Sausalito | Sunrises

Sunrises in Sausalito are spectacular. I captured this moment from the dock of my marina one morning as I was taking my dogs for a walk. Visions like this were a frequent occurrence. Was always a joy to open the hatch to see what Mother Nature had conjured up for me each day.

I absolutely adore how Pelican Harbour Marina looks in this photograph. Sausalito is full of marinas. Here are some of the official marinas and how many slips are found in each one of them: Blue Water Yacht Harbor, 74-slip marina; Clipper Yacht Harbor: the largest harbor in Sausalito with 700-slip marina; Pelican Harbour, 90-slip marina; Richardson Bay, 220-slip marina; Sausalito Shipyard, 100-slip marina; and, Schoonmaker Point, 161-slip marina. There are also several government and private locations to dock as well.

As the waters of Richardson Bay are fiercely protected, each marina must adhere to the 10% Liveaboard Rule. For example, Pelican Harbour has 90-slips. Only 9-slips are allocated a liveaboard status. There are a few marinas that are exceptions to this rule. For instance, Sausalito Shipyard is technically classified as a shipyard and not a marina. It is a former WWII Shipyard that produced Liberty Ships and other vessels for the war effort. For this reason, they have 100% liveaboard status. There are liveaboard communities such as Galilee Harbor and Gates 5 that caters to houseboats, barges, ferry and converted yachts.

Should you ever find yourself in Sausalito, I highly recommend a leisurely walk at sunrise. It is a guaranteed way to start your day right. Moreover, all of these waterfront communities are located within a one-mile of each other. You will be enchanted by the beauty and vibrancy of the area.

Sausalito | Richardson Bay

For many years, I called Sausalito my home. I lived on a 36’ sailboat that was docked at a marina on Richardson Bay. It was high-end camping and I loved every moment of it.

When you live on a boat, you are in synch with nature. There really isn’t anything like it. Of course, Richardson Bay is a special place.

Richardson Bay is one of the most pristine estuaries on the Pacific Coast with extensive eelgrass areas and sizable undisturbed intertidal habitats. It supports an extensive array of animal and plant life. Being a highly dense mecca for a variety of boats, the waters are subject to a "no discharge" rule to protect the elaborate and fragile ecosystems present, including a complex fishery and marine mammals.

This photo features my friend’s art studio moored in the middle of the Bay at dusk. His creations are inspired by the magic of his environment. I highly recommend that you visit his portfolio. I especially encourage that you collect his art.