Camping at Morro Bay - Blog post

I recently attended the SMSM seminars in Morro Bay with my 7th grade son. What a fabulous time we had! We started off the weekend by setting up our tent in the dark thanks to the back up on the 405, but with many friendly and experienced campers (and Boy Scouts) nearby, it all worked out just fine. An owl was hooting above us as we built our version of a weekend "nest". By the time we woke up in the morning, the camp ground was full of John Adams families.

Saturday morning started off a bit foggy as we headed to Stop #1: Sandy Shore: The Salt Marsh. Turkey vultures, sea otters, and on location dissecting of a jelly fish were just a few of the highlights. We were lead by two of JAMS finest science teachers -- Ms. Levin and Mr. Post. Mr. Post's son, Jason, currently a grad student at UCLA (and JAMS alumni) was on hand to share his expertise. The kids really looked up to him and enjoyed the information he shared.

Stop #2: Montana De Oro State Park for tidepooling, where some of the students got a bit wet, but they had the opportunity to explore a variety of sea life. Feeding sea anemones was a big hit, as was identifying and touching sea stars and chiton. Students were drawing pictures and answering a variety of thoughtful questions to make sure they got their seminar credit.

After lunch on our own, we drove to Stop #3: Elephant Seals Walk (north of San Simeon). If you haven't had a chance to see these amazing creatures up close and personal, I suggest a car trip up the coast in the near future. We met a wonderful docent who was sitting on a director's chair along the beach. She filled us with elephant seal facts and answered all of our questions. The beaches right now are full of juvenile seals, as the mature seals are out feeding, getting ready for birthing and mating season. Last year, the first birth was around December 17, with over 4000 pups born through March. What a sight that must have been. If you are interested in learning more, here is the contact information:

Friends of the Elephant Seal Central Coast
PO Box 490
Cambria, CA 93428
805-924-1628
fes@elephantseal.org
www.elephantseal.org

Saturday night we had a potluck at the family camp ground, arranged by Lisa Johnson, a SMSM parent. There was a fire for warmth and s'mores, and an opportunity to hang out and get to know each other. The kids had a blast running around, creating forts, and exploring the camp ground. What a relief to be out in nature, away from electronics, and to have the opportunity to PLAY! Ms. Levin was right in the midst of all of this with her two adorable children (and supportive husband). We really appreciated her presence, leadership and sense of humor!

Sunday morning we woke up to a light rain. Most people at the campground packed up and were out early. We lingered a bit, speaking for myself, I was hesitant to return to city life. Our car pool made a stop in Morro Bay for clam chowder, and then to a local apple orchard through a thunderstorm, no less, to purchase apples right from the tree.

If you haven't attended a family camping weekend with the Science Magnet, you have the opportunity to do so May 20-22, 2011. This trip will be to Joshua Tree National Park, which is another park not to be missed -- spring flowers, desert turtles, the night sky -- need I say more??? Send in your reservation now to Ms. Levin via email -- tlevin@smmusd.org. Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of Los Angeles. Here is the website to learn more http://www.nps.gov/jotr/ See you then!

P.S. If you have never camped before, don't let that stop you. It's a lot of fun, and our JAMS families are willing to help out. We are really a part of a wonderful community!