PV Hike: Abalone Cove, Smuggler's Cove & Sea Caves


Details
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/d/1/2/event_159687922.jpegOur hike will take in two beaches (Abalone Cove and Smuggler's Cove), tide pools, beautiful bluff-top viewing areas, and dramatic crisscrossing trails. We will come across important natural marine resources at the bottom of the Portuguese Bend landslide area. Two promontories, Portuguese and Inspiration points, frame Sacred Cove (aka Smuggler's Cove) with its sea caves, black sand, and rare plants. Low tide is at 9:18 but you may want to bring some shoes/flip-flops you don't mind getting wet if you want to explore the caves, tide pools, etc.
Our Hike will start at a former basalt quarry with trails that wind around the top of the quarry bowl. Dramatic cliffs are characterized by faults, folds, sedimentary bedding and igneous intrusions with many crystals and fossils, and provides tons of ocean views.
We'll go all the way to the official pay lot at Abalone Cove. Our return trip will cover additional trails. Hike will be about 6 miles with about 800 ft elevation gain (mostly on the way back). Pace http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/2/f/8/event_160049432.jpegwill be commensurate with a sightseeing hike so don't forget the camera Bring sturdy hiking shoes--there are a couple of loose and steep segments.
Directions
Click on the link above for map and directions or plug the location into gps. Park for free at community center or on street.
Post Hike Lunch
Optional lunch will be at Nelson's at Terranea Resort (http://www.terranea.com/palos-verdes-restaurant.php). Its only 3.5 miles away on Palos Verdes Drive. Nelson's is a tribute to Mike Nelson, the character played by Lloyd Bridges in the famed Sea Hunt television series. Use the following address in your GPS:
100 Terranea WayRancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Information (310) 265-2800
See also http://www.terranea.com/palos-verdes-restaurant.php
Note: Self Parking is $5.00, Valet Parking is $5.00 w/validation ($10.00 without). We can save a few bucks by carpooling (or hiking haha)
The Organizers and members of Hiking With Dean are not professional leaders, guides, or mountaineers. The function of the member or organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who shows up for a trip/meetup (and their guest or guests) is responsible for his or her own safety. By attending a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you and any guests that you bring are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizers, Members of the Hiking With Dean Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities per our ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND LIABILITY WAIVER and Section 6.2 of the Meetup.com Terms of Service.

PV Hike: Abalone Cove, Smuggler's Cove & Sea Caves