Morro Bay

I spent the better part of a day in Morro Bay, California. Named after the 576 foot tall eponymous rock that helps define the entrance to the harbor, the town is surrounded by misty beaches characterized by plentiful wildlife and crashing waves. The Cayucos State Beach was nearly deserted the day I was there and provided a peaceful place for a couple hours walk and a spot for lunch. After wandering around the beaches I headed into town to get a closer look at the rock itself, a volcanic plug formed when magma hardened inside the vent of an active volcano. Luckily, though Morro Rock used to be freestanding, it had been connected to land by artificial causeway to create the harbor, allowing me to get close-up views of both the rock and of the awesome power of the surf pounding the jetties.