Day trip to Point Reyes Lighthouse

Lydia braces for the wind and the incline.

A vibrant red alge called 'rock violets'

SACRAMENTO, CA - - We've located some areas to take off to for a day trip.  We've been to Point Reyes lighthouse, but that was in 2010.  It seems any trip from where we are staying involves Interstate travel and / or twisty back roads that take 20 miles to go 10..if a relatively direct route were possible.
     One reason to go was that in PR it would be mid-60s and in Sacto the temperature would hover in the mid-90s.  Of course, cool on the cost meant it would be foggy (what's known as the marine layer) and windy.  Great.
     It was hazy and windy when we arrived.  There are 300 steps down to the lighthouse which are closed to visitors when the wind gusts reach 40 mph.  A 20 mph wind would make most people think twice.
     The lighthouse, on the Bay of Farallones, is part of Point Reyes National Seashore.  The light begn service in 1870 and was automated in 1975.
     The rusty red colored substance on the rock in the bottom photo is an 'furry' alge called  Trentepohilia (the scientific name).  More commonly known as 'rock violets' the alge is a survivor species in that it 'lives with harsh winds; salty air and very little moisture.