The sand dunes along the California beaches are important barriers. Plants are essential for dunes, without them the dunes would blow away in the constant coastal breezes or wash away during strong storms. It is crucial for people to stay off the dunes to protect the plants, hundreds of footsteps will trample the roots and kill them. No plants, no dunes!
This was one of my favorite photos of the trip! I was literally walking up to my waist in wildflowers at this stop along Hwy. 1!
Coast Indian Paintbrush adds a splash of bright color to the subdued dunes on the California coast.
