The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is a great spot for a long walk and to see hundreds of native plants, animals and birds.  It costs $2.50 for all people over 16 to walk the trails and there is a lovely Visitor’s Center where the kids had a great time finding out about the different plants, animals and birds we would see.  There are over 2,500 acres of marsh and tidal flats and over 5 miles of trails.  We did a 2.5 mile walk around the South Marsh Loop including heading west a little off the loop to the railroad tracks … a must have pit-stop for any little boy obsessed with trains.  The kids did amazingly well on such a long walk.  The last 1/4 mile or so they started to drag a little, but they made it all the way back to the car and then out for lunch before having a much needed nap.

A much needed potty stop for Marisol.