49.31 Montana de Oro: Oats Peak, via a different route, of 12 miles.

We visited the park, Montana de Oro, on our way to Northern California and stopped in at Morro Bay on our return. This gave us another four days in a special place on the central coast. The regional park, in our opinion, is superior. It has challenging hikes with good ascents, gorgeous foliage, much color and views that are difficult to match, never mind beat. The ocean provides an additional array of sights but the real kicker is the cloud behavior over it and when they encroach over the land. The distinguished morros are an additional attraction ably supported by the bay in the distance. With weather that is mild, what more can a person ask for—a few more days in the region. 

A scene quite early, before the sun stretched and shone fully.

Shot chosen for the foliage but it also includes a hawk below.

Just as we thought we were reaching the peak, 3 or 4 times, they were false.
The morro, the bay and 'coincidentally', the town of Morro Bay
A bench and table provided on Valencia Peak.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey