Beach hike to late lunch at Paradise Cove Cafe

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/9/a/7/event_17770663.jpeg

***Please wear any Columbia Sportswear you may have to the hike for a group photo to send to them as thanks for sponsoring the Weekday Trailblazers. Hats, shoes, pants, shirts, light jackets- the more, the better.

It's that time again- time to stroll the beautiful beach to Paradise Cove for brunch, lunch, or whatever meal they're serving when we get there.

Why do we enjoy this hike so much? Could be the spectacular, sheer cliffs. Could be the white sand beach dappled with interesting rocks. Could be the dolphin pods frolicking 20 feet from the shore. Could be the sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks and barking at us. Could be the rock climbers. Could be the film history made there. Could be we'll see some whales... Could be a lot of things- come see what it is for you.

This is an easier hike- 5.2 miles, much of it along the beach, with 150 feet of elevation. Bring family and friends if you'd like.

We'll start near Pirate's Cove, hike up and over Point Dume into Dume Cove, then make our way along the beach to Paradise Cove. Once we get to Paradise Cove, we'll dine at the Paradise Cove Cafe, where we can literally eat on the beach if the mood strikes. This is a day to enjoy the beach and each other, and we'll take our time in doing both.

If you arrive late, go up and over the cliffs, then follow the beach. Once up on the point, try to hug the beach as much as possible, and you'll be okay. Come back down to the beach on the metal stairs.

*Note: Paradise Cove Cafe is not cheap. Check the menu on their site (link below) for pricing, and remember to carry enough cash or plastic to cover yourself. Portions are generous enough to share, so that's an option if you bring (or make) a friend.

Paradise Cove Cafe (http://www.paradisecovemalibu.com/beachcafe/index09.html)

A few film history notes. For the dudes- Tony Stark's mansion in Iron Man was located on Point Dume where we'll be walking. The mansion was computer generated, so no worries about trespassing. For the ladies- the beach house in Beaches is along our way. Teary-eyed women can trespass at will. * Pirates Cove was the location of the famous Statue of Liberty scene from the end of the original Planet of the Apes movie.

• The Weekday Trailblazers, their subsidiaries, and all Titular Heads, real or imagined, in no way endorse nor may be held liable for trespassing or tear-jerking. Trespassing and intimate knowledge of the film Beaches are serious crimes. Punishment includes, but is not limited to, heavy fines, jail time, and excessive ridicule from fellow Blazers, especially Titular Heads.

Directions:

From Santa Monica, follow Pacific Coast Highway 18-miles west to Westward Beach Road. Turn left, toward the ocean, go beyond the fee collection station to the very end of the road.

From the 101, exit at Kanan Road, follow it south 12-miles to Pacific Coast Highway, then turn right. Westward Beach Road is over the rise, at the foot of the hill, just before the turn for Zuma Beach. This is NOT Zuma Beach. This is NOT Free Zuma.

Parking in the designated lot is $10.There is free parking on the street before the lot, but will require a longer walk to our meeting spot. Meet at the far end of the parking lot, below the cliff.

Note the later start time, to coincide with low tide.