Photochrome Camera Club

By Gary Larsen

The center opens at 10:00 AM. However, if you want to get some photos of herons, egrets or other birds around Rodeo Lagoon, you should come as early as possible. White tailed deer are often seen along the road. Early morning hours bring out bobcats and coyotes, so, have your camera ready driving into Marin Headlands no matter what time you go.

see volunteers attending to California sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals and steller sea lions from outdoor observation decks. Inside the building you can catch volunteers preparing fish milkshakes and other delicacies around 10:30 AM then again at 12:30PM in the kitchen. There is a viewing window through which to photograph this activity. Other viewing areas available to photograph interesting aspects of the center are the science laboratory where blood and tissue samples are studied and the post mortem room where veterinarians perform necropsies on expired patients.

Outside the center are great views overlooking Rodeo Lagoon and the beach. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the gift shop before leaving.

Another place to visit while in  is the visitor center located in the historic Fort Barry Chapel at the intersection of Field and Bunker Roads. Finally, a stroll along Rodeo Beach might also be a rewarding photo opportunity.

Parking at the Mammal Center: Space in front of the building is limited, so arrival close to 10:00 AM is best, otherwise you have to park further down the hill.

Directions: From South of the Golden Gate Bridge: Just after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, take the second exit off Highway 101 at Alexander Avenue (after the Vista Point). Stay to your right: do not turn left at the exit off-ramp and do not go underneath the freeway. Proceed about 500 feet until you see a left turn lane and a sign for “Marin Headlands” (do not go down the hill into Sausalito). Turn left and go through the tunnel. You will now be on Bunker Road. Follow Bunker Road for approximately 3 miles. Ignore various forks to the left; always bear to the right to make sure you stay on Bunker Road. Rodeo lagoon is your next landmark. About halfway alongside the lagoon, the road forks. Turn right at that fork, continuing uphill. Turn right at your next opportunity, this will lead you up the hill and through the entrance gate.

For more information on directions and a map go to: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/visiting-us/ My Ouija board indicates it’s going to be a fabulous day, see you there!