Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/934374
192 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 I N 1981, DURING HIS FIRST YEAR AS A VOLUNTEER DOCENT AT C ARMEL'S POINT LOBOS STATE NATURAL RESERVE, REID WOODWARD STATIONED HIMSELF NEAR CHINA COVE WITH A SPOT- TING SCOPE. AS VISITORS TOOK THEIR TURNS SURVEYING THE SCENE, WOODWARD NOTICED A SEA OTTER SWIMMING ALONG A MOSSY STONE. SHE CIRCLED THE AREA FOR AN UNUSUALLY LONG TIME, AND THEN EVENTUALLY CLIMBED ATOP THE ROCK AND GAVE BIRTH. IT WAS AN ELECTRIFYING MOMENT FOR WOODWARD AND HIS GUESTS, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE ENDANGERED STATUS OF SEA OTTERS. AND, AS HE LATER LEARNED, IT WAS A RARE INCIDENT AT POINT LOBOS. Weathered cypress trees line the meandering trails and mysterious pathways of Point Lobos State Reserve. Walking through an enchanting cypress grove, these worn granite steps lead down to a breathtaking view of Cypress Cove. Photo: Chuck Bancroft Photo: Lorna Claerbout