Twin Dolphin Inn

Morro Rock And the Seven...

by elighadams

Morro Rock And the Seven Sisters
Morro Rock and the seven sisters represent a chain of anciant volcanic plugs. These are not true volcanos but are the neck or throat of anciant volcanos that were last active a little over 20 million years ago. Since that time, the top of the volcanos has eroded away. i had the pleasur of learning all about these amazing rocks or mountain of rocks. Morro rock. the #7 buwi out in the bay and the joke one of the professors said on the bus. ' do you think the seagul can spot that quartz rock over there? of course he can a seagul can spot anything!'----Fresno City college Biology Professor. Hanging out with my friend Dillen.

Feed the Sea Lions at the...

by jennykp

Feed the Sea Lions at the Morro Bay Aquarium. The place is really, really, small (it's actually a gift shop with a small aquarium in back), and they charge $2 to see the sea lions. The sea lions are awesome to see up close, and for 50 cents more you get to feed them. I love this photo!

Walking Along the Embarcadero

by atufft

I spent more time walking the dog along the part of the embarcadero where the commercial fishing fleet is moored, than along the part where the seashell shops, and other tourist concessions are located. Flowers were blooming in boxes right in front of the ships, so I couldn't help but shoot a few images. For those interested, this is the place to sign up for a day fishing out at sea, or taking an afternoon cruise.

Take a paddle!

by bugalugs

Morro Bay State Park is a couple of miles away from Morro Bay itself.

It is a well developed park and used a lot by residents. Most of the park lies away from the coast, but there is a marina where you can hire canoes and kyaks.

This photo is of my husband and son enjoying canoeing in the early evening. My feet along with the rest of me stayed firmly on the shore!

There is also a campground at the southern end of the park which is surrounded by eucalyptus and cypress trees

Uniquely Set Fishing Village

by atufft

"Morro means "Butte" in Spanish"

The Morro rock was named by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo when he first charted this coast during his 16th Century voyage of discovery. My Venezuelan born wife notes that the word "morro" isn't a common word in Spanish and can alternately refer to an animal's mussle or a rock-like mountain that juts upward, such as in English would be called a "butte".

The Morro Rock is one of several such prominent igneous rocks of in the south central coast of California, believed to be the remains of volcanic activity, but the Morro is distinctive for being within the coastal water linked by a causeway of earthfill. Earlier in the century, the rock was chipped away to construct the breakwater for the harbor on one side, and for additional fill on the causeway side, where a electrical power plant of considerable size was also constructed, such that eventually it was realized further demolition would erode the landmark for which the area was distinctively named. The rock is now safeguarded as a natural habitat for some 250 species of birds and other wildlife. It's a lovely rock that provides a wonderful eclipse and silhouette of the setting sun from the fishing fleet side of town, as shown in this photo, taken at the time we had arrived.

"Fishing Village with Old Style Restaurants"

In the morning light, sun reflects back to town off the rock, and it was then that I found that the Morro Bay fishing fleet is certainly one of the largest on the coast of California. This isn't saying too much, as the factory fishing business is dominated by fish consuming fleets from Asia, but the Morro Bay fishing fleet appears to be at least as large as the Monterey Bay fleet, and certainly larger and more authentic in purpose than either San Francisco or San Diego. Most of the ships are privately owned and operated, and occasionally it appears, fish can be bought directly from the boat. Most of the fish mongering though is done by wharfside markets and restaurants. For better or worse, the restaurants in Morro Bay continue a Yankee tradition of mostly fried "fish and chips" and where grilled is available, the flavors are ordinary and typically combined with a bland side dish of boiled vegetables and baked potato. For the better culinary experience though, the 12 mile drive to upscale university town, San Luis Obispo, or SLO, is convenient, allowing Morro Bay beach and vista lovers to have easy access to both beautiful views and urbane sophistication.

"Wildife and Water Recreation"

Morro Bay provides a great place to relax, walk the dog on the beach, kayak, and appreciate the wildlife that clings to the rock. The Morro Bay and its estuary, which comprises the Morro Bay State Park, are among the least ecologically damaged bays along the California coastline. Unlike the San Francisco Bay, Monterey, and San Diego Bays, Morro Bay retains much of California's indigenous flora and fauna. So in addition to a walk along the embarcadero, walking along the beach, within the state park, or near the Morro Rock, can provide a pleasant opportunity to appreciate wildlife. One of the most remarkable aspect of Morro Bay is the relaxed traffic free quality of the town. Unlike other wharf towns along the coast, Morry Bay is never hurried nor congested, so it remains a great place to get away from the urban din of either San Francisco or Los Angeles metropolitan areas.