OUTLINE: If there is a lesser known, but equally beautiful part of California, then this is it.  A coastline that stretches north from the Golden Gate Bridge to Fort Bragg just north of Mendocino. Dominated by seascapes and dotted by sea-stacks, there will be plenty of quality photographic material during this short trip. The best of San Francisco is included, and then there is the little ocean peninsula community of Mendocino to point one's lens at . . . a major jewel on this photogenic coastline. San Francisco, Pacific coast, Lighthouses, wildflowers, Mendocino, botanical garden, State parks, Whale watching option and more.

OVERSEAS TRAVEL
<> It is recommended, but not imperative, that you arrive a day early to be fresh and on time for the trip!
<> Early arrival also enables you to explore the gateway city should you wish.
<> A late flight arrival on day 1 of the trip might entail you having to find your own way to the first hotel, if not close to the airport.
<> Please note that the ending date of the trip is the day of your departure flight. Please arrange your flights accordingly.

Clients from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Australasia should depart their home country a day or two prior to Day 1, so that the commencement of this photography tour isn't missed.

DAY 1  |  SAN FRANCISCO to BODEGA BAY
I'll meet your early afternoon flight into San Francisco airport and we’ll earnestly photograph the Golden Gate Bridge and environs from both sides prior to progressing northwestwards on Highway 1. Via Muir Beach and Stinson Beach State Park, and along the San Andreas fault to the peninsula of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Jutting into the Gulf of the Farallones is the Point Reyes lighthouse built in 1870, and this will be our late light subject before continuing on to Bodega Bay for  the night. It's harbor boasts the highest concentration of waterfowl for many miles, and we'll point long lenses at them in the early morning light.
BODEGA BAY, 1 night 

DAYS 2, 3, 4 and 5  |  The MENDOCINO COAST
Sunrise photography on Bodega Head this morning - including the wildfowl on the harbor - prior to taking well-earned breakfasts.  We’ll then journey north throughout most of Day 2 with stops for images of the rugged coastline and highlights such as:  Goat Rock;  Fort Ross State Historic Park;  Salt Point State Park;  the spectacularly situated Point Arena lighthouse built in 1908; plus many a sea-stack and time exploring the regional flora in macro of which the Ice Plant is colorfully dominant.
Days 3, 4 and 5 will be spent leisurely photographing a short stretch of coast that includes: historic Victorian Mendocino; the dwarfed Mendocino Cypresses of the Pygmy Forest;  the quaint Point Cabrillo lighthouse; Mendocino Botanical Garden;  the historic Logger’s trestle at Fort Bragg;  Mendocino Headlands State Park;  Noyo Harbor; the Skunk Train;  coastal sea-stacks at sunset; and Laguna Point in McKerricher State Park.  An optional extra is a short boat trip to photograph the migrating Gray and Humpback Whales. Throw in wild flowers and sea life, both airborne and in macro, and you'll be capturing some memorable images.  Do expect early and late excursions for the best light, balanced with some midday relaxation.
FORT BRAGG, 4 nights 

DAY 6  |  To SAN FRANCISCO
The dawn light will bring another opportunity to capture the essence of the region, and I recommend you make the effort one last time! Our return journey will take us via the Navarro River Redwoods State Park, and the vineyards of the Anderson Valley.  On via Sonoma’s historic Plaza in the midst of classic wine country, then our last photography will be in San Francisco and include the city skyline shot across San Francisco Bay, the Bay bridge, cable cars, plus the classic twilight shot of the city skyline atop the Victorian terraced houses adjacent to Alamo Square.
SAN FRANCISCO, 1 night

DAY 7  |  Flights Home
Morning flights home from San Francisco International airport this morning.