On my first ever visit to Point Reyes, I arrived before sunrise to find the parking lot at Point Reyes Light empty and cloaked in fog. Looking for photo opportunities, I hiked up the access road toward the lighthouse until I was above the fog layer, and found a location with a spectacular view of the peninsula to the north. As I shot landscapes panoramas, I was startled by movement a few yards below me in the hillside vegetation. A lone coyote had silently approached, at first seemingly oblivious to me, until it turned quickly towards me and locked eyes. It hesitated, and I used the pause to bust out my bear safety skills, standing tall to look more intimidating, and using a low firm voice "helllloooo Ms Coyote, please don't eat me. Nothing to see here. Move along." After a long pause and careful consideration, she acquiesced and trotted off.
