With the king high tide comes the king low tide, and unusual access to the tidepools at Mavericks Beach near Half Moon Bay. The authorities seem to have decided that this is the place where everyone can forage the sea's bounty. Pity the urchin, octopus, or crab who sticks their neck out. Nobody seems to eat the gorgeous anemones, which is good for them, but many are trodden upon. The atmosphere is festive if a bit too acquisitive, multi-ethnic, tending toward Asian immigrants, eager for the taste of home. Mussels enough for everyone, if you can pry them from their holdfasts. Wonderful in its way, but a reminder of how small and vulnerable our beautiful planet is.
