Potter School

The old 1873 school building Alfred Hitchcock used in "The Birds". Curiously nowadays it's a private residence. Supposedly the church next to it - St. Teresa of Avila - also appeared in the film, although I don't remember that. I'm glad these buildings are still here as they are both striking historic landmarks.

Bodega

One thing you learn spending time here is that whereas Bodega Bay is on the coast, the equally tiny village of Bodega is a few miles inland. Obscure as that sounds, this is where Alfred Hitchcock filmed the school scenes in "The Birds".

Patrick's Salt Water Taffy

I guess we saw this while leaving Bodega Bay in a light rain. The village is tiny and from what I saw doesn't seem to have a center - just a handful of scattered establishments.

Bodega Bay geography

Driving back from Bodega Head you get a good view of the area's geography. First you see Bodega Harbor (above), looking so low it verges on marshland. Then you turn the corner and get a view of the channel connecting the harbor with the bay. Finally you get a glimpse of Campbell Cove Beach near the channel at the bottom of the hill.

Bodega Head

We drove Westshore Road along the peninsula that encloses Bodega Harbor all the way to the end - to the place known as Bodega Head. It's a rugged coastline reminiscent of Big Sur. Strange to think that while the village of Bodega Bay is on the North American Plate, this piece of land is on the Pacific Plate.

Children's Bell Tower

An unusual memorial to Bodega Bay native Nicholas Green, who lost his seven-year-old life to "highway robbers in Italy" in 1994. Apparently it was a random, senseless shooting based on a mistake the robbers made (they thought the Green's car belonged to a jeweler). The bells were mostly given by mournful Italians and the monument now honors all children.

The Tides Wharf Restaurant

Breakfast was at The Inn at the Tides' other restaurant: The Tides Wharf Restaurant. This one is on the site of the restaurant in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" and humorously a TV shows the film at the entrance. While the food isn't the "fine dining" of the Bay View Restaurant, the location directly on the water is a fabulous place to sip your morning coffee.