Day 1-Redwoods
We will meet you at San Francisco Airport by 2:00 PM and begin our journey at Big Basin Redwood Park, home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods. Depending on timing, we may go for a short hike and then fall asleep under the giant trees. (camping, meals: D)
Day 2-Paddle with the Otters
Today we head toward the Pacific Coast Highway and being our first paddle at Elkhorn Slough which is full of wildlife. After paddling most of the day, we will head south toward Carmel Vally where we will taste some wonderful wine and spend the night in Monterey. (lodge, meals: B, L)
Day 3-Monterey
Your morning is free, and if you want to relax, we highly recommend that you take advantage of the world famous Monterey Aquarium, where you can see more otters and some of the marine life that lives along California's coast. Those who'd like to be more active, can join us in a paddle in Monterey Bay where you hear some barking sea lions. In the afternoon, we will head farther down to Big Sur where we will setup in a secluded campsite which overlooks the ocean. You will fall asleep under the stars while being lulled to sleep by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. (camping, meals L, D)
Day 4-Hiking Big Sur
Eat a hardy breakfast, because we are going to head up the hills and through the tranquil redwood forests to an amazing overlook where you can see for miles up and down the coast. We will eat lunch on the trail and will sleep well tonight. (camping, meals: B, L, D)
Day 5-Hearst Castle and Paso Robles Wine
In the morning we pack up camp and head south to the majestic and historic Hearst Castle, where you can tour the mansion ($24 extra), or walk the esplanade, stroll through the gardens, or just relax on one of the terraces and soak in the magnificent views in a tour of the grounds. In the afternoon we head to Paso Robles, where you can taste of some of the best wine in the world. We will spend the evening camping in Morro Bay along the coast. (camping, meals: B, L, D)
Day 6-Morro Bay and Microbrews
In the morning, we will paddle around Morro Bay, exploring the mud flats, eelgrass beds, and tidal wetlands. Along our way, we may see an endangered Snowy Plover or watch an otter float on its back. In the afternoon, we head south to a small town, named Buellton. After setting up camp at a beautiful and rustic walnut farm, we can head off to taste some more wine or take a tour of a popular microbrewery. (camping, meals: B, L, D)
Day 7-Rolling Hills and Santa Barbara
We arise to a quick breakfast and a short hike along beautiful rolling hills and through oak forests which are endemic to California. We will head south to Santa Barbara where you are free to explore the beaches and downtown shops. We will spend our evening in a lodge or B&B and dinner is on your own at one of the many wonderful restaurants. (lodge, meals: B, L)
Day 8-Channel Islands
We break camp early and head south where we will hop on a ferry and head out to the isolated land and seascapes of the Channel Islands. We will setup camp on Santa Cruz island and enjoy a day hike home to at least 600 plant species, well over 120 species of land birds including the endemic Island scrub jay and golden eagles. Enjoy the sunset over the Pacific and meals under the stars. (camping, meals: B, L, D)
Day 9-Paddling the coastline
We hit the water again and paddle along the unique and varied coastline including isolated beaches, and scenic geological formations such as arches and sea stacks and emergent rocks that provide habitat for seabirds, seals and sea lions. You can spend the day kayaking, snorkling, or head for a long hike across a "mountain" range with amazing views of the vast expanse of wilderness area. (camping, meals: B, L, D)
Day 10-Goodbyes
We board the ferry and head back to civilization. We will end our trip in Los Angeles, where we will say our goodbyes at one last farewell dinner. (lodge (on your own), meals: B, L)
