Many of us want a healthy life style. We want to die from natural death and not some sickness so we try to figure out what diets we should follow. We want to know what we should eat and what we should avoid eating. We want to be physically strong for as long as possible so we exercise regularly. Now staying active and eating healthy is a great thing but we are actually forgetting the most important ingredient to health, that is community. We focus so much on our own achievements, accomplishments, and goals that we forget to spend meaningful time with our families and those who are in our communities. I learned from reading Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell that a town in Roseta, Pennsylvania had learned the secret to living a long life without any heart attacks. This group of Italian immigrants enjoyed their cultural meals and many were overweight but none suffered from heart attacks. I’m sure you are as surprised by this information as I was. These Italian immigrants had three generations living under the same roof and because the community was so close-knit they had a reduced rate of heart disease.
We love backpacking and hiking because it helps our family to connect better with each other. What better way to learn about love, trust, and life skills then when spending time with those dear to you? On this backpacking trip we learned that it is wise to bring extra water with you. There was portable water at the campsite but the pipes were damaged so the water was extremely dirty. My husband was so disappointed when he turned on the water facet and out came murky water. We knew that there was a nearby waterfall so we walked to it and collected water there and then boiled the water before cooking with it. My husband was also bit by a tick so I learned how to use a tick remover and removed the tick which was still alive. Previously when our daughter Eve was bitten by a tick on two separate occasions I used tweezers to pull out the tick. I learned that the tick remover is a far better choice even though I was so scared to use it on my husband for fear that I wouldn’t do it right. When out in nature, unplanned things happen and you have to figure out solutions as a group and these lessons will be remembered forever.
Trail
We decided to walk longer and see more because the trail part is probably my favorite part about backpacking. We parked at Bear Valley Visitor parking lot and then walked the Bear Valley trail to Glen, and then to Stewart until we got to Wildcat Camp.
On our way back we took the Coastal trail to Bear Valley.
There is lots of wildflowers during this time of year. You’ll want to stay on the trail because there is poison oak throughout the trail.
Wildcat Camp
I was so excited when my husband pointed below and told me that we were setting up our tent surrounded by so many mustard seed flowers. The camp is but a short distance from the Wildcat Beach and Alamere Waterfall. There are many group campsites so that means that the space you have reserved can be shared with others outside of your group. There is portable water, picnic tables, garbage bins nearby, and restrooms.
Alamere Falls
There is only one other waterfall like Alamere Falls in California. This waterfall is classified as “tidefall.” A tidefall is a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. This waterfall drops 40 feet to the beach below. It can get as wide as 25 feet during rainy seasons.
Oh how I wish I hadn’t worn my new boots. I had blisters on both my feet. Whenever I see sand all I want to do is take off my shoes and run barefoot.
This waterfall is only 1 mile from Wildcat Camp and an additional 5.5 miles from the parking lot at Palomarin.
Arch Rock
I have hiked to arch rock twice before and my husband three times. This was actually our favorite hike located in Point Reyes. Arch Rock is no longer located on the map because in 2015 a section of a high bluff had crumbled killing a woman and injuring her hiking partner.
We enjoyed passing by it and remembering how we had hiked down to the beach and enjoyed a picnic at the bottom of Arch Rock. Nature is ever changing. We were fortunate enough to have enjoyed Arch Rock when it was still standing.
Thank you for reading our post. We share a new post every Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm.
Jenna
I love hiking, and grew up backpacking in the summer. this is such a gorgeous spot!!
Kristy Bullard
I love all of your beautiful photos! I would love to see these trails and waterfalls in person one day! It looks like a very peaceful adventure.
Gladys Parker
I love those beautiful ocean views and the waterfalls are breathtaking. I haven’t been hiking since I was a teenager. I, too, read about a very healthy town in Finland I believe that had 3 generations living together and were very community oriented. Also they lived to be very old but healthy.
Elizabeth O
This looks like a really great place to explore and hike through. Alamere Waterfall looks really gorgeous indeed. I love seeing your adventures.
Kirsten
Props to you for homeschooling your kids. I’m not smart enough to home school my 12 year old son. When he was having trouble in school I thought about it but just don’t think I could do it. I love all the places you traveled to. They all look really cool to visit. I would love them all as a photographer. I LOVE the waterfalls. I have yet to go to one to photograph. So glad to hear you all enjoyed your travels!
Ashley
Ugh, ticks are the worst! They are my least favorite thing about being outdoors or hiking. They are so gross and I’m always paranoid about them latching on to us.
Kelly Edgar
What a gorgeous location to hike! Your photos really capture the true beauty of nature. I’m glad that you both love hiking and spending time outdoors 🙂
Pat
Point Reyes sounds like such a beautiful place to hike in and camp. Your photos are beautiful.
Lisa RIos
This looks gorgeous! how amazing to have a waterfall within walking distance!
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo
Such gorgeous scenery! I’m not into camping, but this place makes me want to give it a shot. 🙂
Alison Rost
Sounds like a lovely place to go to. It’s good that you found a waterfall to make sure you guys had clean water during your trip. The place is breathtaking and worth all the effort.
Megan
I love the story of this community –– it really does show you the value of love and friendship. Your photos from this trail are beautiful 🙂
Miljana
Great post! Walking and exploring are awesome, especially when being done with family. You are very inspiring!
Rene
Wow! They are overweight but none of them suffered from heart attacks– that is shockingly amazing!
Julia
Those are really great view! I love your pictures! And the background is so beautiful.
Regine L.
I love to experience hiking! It would be a wonderful experience!
Renjul
Backpacking and hiking is a wonderful way to bond with your family. It is also a great way to connect with nature.
Jurlen
Wow! That’s a very nice place to visit! It is the perfect place to go camping and hiking!
Gine
I love the waterfalls! Love the breathtaking views! It really highlights the beauty of nature!
Reg
Arch rock is a nice place to hike! I want to go there someday with my family.