Black Sands Beach

So while Benbow Lake was a total flop,

it did bring us to the coolest beach ever...

The Black Sands Beach

It is literally miles and miles of tiny black rocks (not sand!),

and while it's fun to look at from the bluff,

it's even more amazing to play in!

The boys did just that,

and believe me,

you've never seen so many rocks fly!

Rocks were in every crev-ass (as we like to say it! :),

and I do mean it!

This photo makes me want to be there NOW!

It was perfect ocean weather,

a little brisk,

a little overcast,

but so much good warmth emanating
from those perfect little rocks.

Poor little guy!

Owen developed a slight fever and fell asleep

right where he was playing only moments before.

Bella put the kids to work making the worlds first rock sleeping bag!

I couldn't resist getting in on the lay-down action myself!

Pure heaven!

Samuel worked his awesome bod giving rides to the kids...

and I got the best laugh out of seeing poor Owen

take a beating from his brother,

who coudn't figure out why his bud wasn't playing anymore.

Owen was miserable,

but Gabriel thought his reaction was hilarious.

So did I!

Way to the left of the beach were these awesome rocks

that jutted way out into the water.

I grabbed Bella,
who was up for exploring,

and we found the best place to scrabble around.

Turns out it was a point,

so the view from the top was almost 300 degrees of ocean!

Talk about stunning! 

We ran back to get everyone else

and had the best time before heading back.



This place is a must-see for anyone who loves

California and loves the coast (how could you not!).

It's breathtakingly beautiful,

and completely unusual,

which makes it so amazing.

The best part?

As we came down onto the beach,

we past the SCRAGGLIEST people you will ever meet.

Dreadlocks,
dirty pants,
and all their belongings strapped to their backs.

No,
they weren't homeless.

They were backpacking!

It turns out the Black Sands Beach is the ending trailhead

for the Lost Coast Trail!

Woo hoo!

Backpacker magazine describes it as,

"...one of the premier ocean-hugging hkes in the world".

Tackle this 26-mile section, heading south from Mattole River, and you’ll straddle the seam where ocean and land meet. You’ll need to know the tides to pass three key sections where cliffs and waves squeeze tight at high tide , but the reward is well worth the effort: See otters and sea lions, and camp on deserted beaches strewn with sculpturelike driftwood.

 

-Backpacker Magazine

 

Dreadlocks, here I come!