Meteorologist Britta Merwin

You are right, the title says California not Colorado! Although everyone in my life knows I think Colorado is the best state in America, California is not too far behind in my book. My Dad has been a California resident for over ten years now and I recently got back from visiting him in beautiful Napa, California!

One highlight on my trip was an adventure to Bodega Bay, approximately 40 miles northwest of San Francisco. The area is beautiful, known for its rocky coastline and impressive surf.

These beachfronts are not meant for the sunbathers or weak swimmers. The diverse ocean floor leads to erratic wave patterns, deadly rip currents and sleeper waves! Sleeper waves, also known as rouge waves, are extremely large and strike the beach with little warning. Unexpected beach goers have become victims of these giant killers.

Also, temperatures at the coastline are usually very cool all year round with strong winds helping keep people out of the water. The only people who dare to enter the water are some of the strongest surfers but signs combing the beach warn visitors to keep their distance from the shoreline.

Another reason to stay out of the water, if dangerous currents and cool temperatures weren’t enough is something called the Red Triangle. Great white sharks are known to feed off of the large population of marine mammals like harbor seals that live along the Northern California coastline. Although I didn’t see any great whites, I did see about a hundred harbor seals at Goat Head Rock.

The group of seals finds a safe home where the Russian River dumps into the Pacific Ocean. Many fish are found in the area providing plenty of food for the group and the river provides a safe haven from the dangers of the open ocean.

The area also provides a great location for rising pups and luckily I arrived just in time for baby season! I got within 30 yards of a Mom and her pup enjoying the surf! It was amazing to observe the animals in their natural environment.

My trip was very peaceful; it is amazing how Mother Nature can revitalize even the busiest soul. So on that note I leave you with this picture, which for all you yoga nuts out there I call “Warrior on the Beach”