Welcome to Blue Suede Shoes cache. We located
this cache in the less traveled western side of the state beach
park. It’s a great place to catch a glimpse of the wildlife
in the area. Though just short distance from the very popular (and
often very crowded) beach area, this portion of the park generally
offers a more relaxing experience. Crossing the bridge at Moore
Creek more often than not will allow you to meet a couple turtles
sunning themselves on the banks.
Why “Blue Suede Shoes”? Well, because I like
Elvis. In addition to sharing my favorite part of this park, this
is also a chance to share a bit of my like of Elvis as well. (And
frankly, didn’t we need a kitsch-cache?) ;-)
To that end, we have loaded the cache with Elvis related goodies.
Our hope is that everyone will continue to swap Elvis swag but we
will be content with whatever path this cache takes.
We have included a camera and a set of Elvis sunglasses (with
attached sideburns!) so you can snap your picture that we will
later post on this cache’s own Flickr page. We also encourage
you to take a snap or two with your own camera of your Elvis-ized
self and post them with your log entry.
There is Elvis music (CD’s) too.
For the First To Find there is an authentic bendable and
pose-able Elvis figurine. Do please take this as the cache is a bit
overstuffed!
We have intentionally hid the catch very well so please take
care to conceal it when you leave. You will not need to step
off of the path to retrieve this cache. The cache location was
chosen as it is near a couple of plum trees that during the spring
produce some very yummy plums. Try one! You do not need to
cross any creeks to get this cache (unless it's on a
bridge!)
You can park on Delaware Ave near Natural Bridges Drive for free
and walk in.
Link to Elvis' Wiki
page
Natural Bridges State
Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is world-renowned for it’s
yearly Monarch Butterfly over-wintering site. It’s also known
more locally for its natural rock structure shaped like a bridge
extending into the water and formed naturally by erosion. Natural
Bridges State Beach is open to public and offers restrooms, picnic
tables, tide-pools, visitor information and an array of birds,
butterflies and sea creatures guests can observe in their natural
habitat.
While the beach and BBQ area are great, the trails through the
scrub meadows can be quite nice for seeing some of the natural
inhabitants of the area. The day we set out the cache, we chanced
upon a couple turtles while crossing the bridge over Moore Creek,
which runs through the park. As Moore Creek flows down to the ocean
through these meadows it forms a wetlands in the sand. There is an
elevated trail that traverses part of this area.
Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve
The park's Monarch Grove provides a temporary home for over 100,000
Monarchs each winter. From mid-October through the end of February,
the Monarchs form a "city in the trees." The areas mild ocean air
and eucalyptus grove provide a safe roost until spring.
The Monarch Grove has been declared a Natural Preserve,
thus protecting the Monarchs and their winter habitat from human
encroachment or harm. This is the only State Monarch Preserve in
California
The grove contains eucalyptus trees which are located in a canyon,
providing the Monarch needed shelter from the wind. These winter
flowering trees are also a convenient food source for the
butterfly.
Facilities - Activities
A picnic area is located off the main parking lot in a eucalyptus
and pine trees grove. Tables, barbecues, water faucets and restroom
facilities are available. There is a day-use fee per car to park in
the state beach area.