It's spring break for us and we've decided to take a short trip to a wonderful place, right in our backyard. A mere 45 minute drive from home, West Marin delivers a punch of the good life. Tiny towns, secluded beaches, and small-time agriculture, including oyster farms - it's all here. It felt like we had died and gone to heaven!
Down the road a short way from our house is our favorite beach, Chicken Ranch. We set-up camp with our next door neighbors from home, and rented kayaks to paddle across the bay for a couple bags of fresh oysters. It was a first for the kid and me, but not for our friends. What we found on the other side of the bay was something that had us scratching out heads and asking ourselves: Er, uh, why haven't we done this before?!
Tomales Bay Oyster farm was nothing short of rocking! The place was literally pulsing with music and good vibes. Every available picnic table was packed with daytrippers, young and old. My favorite moment was when I spotted a little ten-year-old surfer boy, shucking oysters for his mama. I wish I had taken his picture!
After taking in the magic a bit more, we threw our bags of oysters on ice, loaded up the kayaks, and headed back to our place for a dinner of fresh oysters doused in elixir, followed by some hearty burgers for all.