I’m really impressed with California’s State Park system. My experience is limited and localized, for sure, but those I have visited are great. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one such park. Located just south of Carmel by the Sea, it’s a place where rugged headlands with abundant wildflowers and Monterey cypress trees meet the edge of the sea. Several trails hug the shoreline and offer great views of the ocean and cliffs. Being from the east coast, the lush vegetation and wildflowers caught my eye. The vegetation is adapted to salt spray, strong winds, frequent sea fog and nutrient-poor soil. The fog provides moisture which helps the plants avoid evaporation stress. Other wildlife did not go unnoticed. I watched both harbor seals and sea otters foraging and doing their thing in the ocean at the base of the cliffs. Brown Pelicans and cormorants were trading along the nearshore.