Here on the California Coast, north of San Francisco, a beached trawler has become quite the subject among photographers and artists. Perhaps this scene on Tomales Bay may someday be the west coast version of New England's Motif #1, gathering more and more interest with every new publication. Lying high and dry on a sand bar, this ghost ship can't be missed on the way to the Point Reyes National Seashore from Inverness.
   The Point Reyes area, named the Point of Kings in 1603 by Spanish explorers, juts out into the Pacific Ocean for miles. Adding to the mariner's woes, Point Reyes is one of the windiest and foggiest locations on the entire coast. From 1870 on, the Point Reyes Lighthouse provided a steady beacon on the headland. Today, the lighthouse is retired from service and is a part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Areas along this headland create the perfect outpost to watch the gray whale migration. Because this point of land juts out so far into the ocean, visitors are very close to the whale migration route. Whales are not the only attractions. Along this rocky headland, harbor seals, sea lions and elephant seals will keep inquisitive visitors entertained. Coastal scrub and grassland provide sanctuary for a herd of Tule elk. This 2600 acre coastal habitat, the Tule Elk Preserve, is an exceptional area to view the resident elk. Brought to near extinction during the late 1800s, today's population of Tule elk, nearing 4000, are from a single herd of 30 near Bakersfield.

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