The Fog Dodgers invite all residents and visitors of the Mendocino Coast to join us on our weekly group runs and walks. We have runners and walkers of all abilities (and even some bikers) and we have only one "rule" - we start at exactly 8:00 a.m. on Sundays. Exercise at your own pace (1/2 hour out, 1/2 hour back) and experience the fresh Mendocino coastal air.

Fog Dodgers provides a fun, safe way to explore some of our local trails and back roads and to meet new friends. You can find out where we're going to be by reading the bottom of last week's post, then clicking on the "Our Routes" tab above. We average 15-20 persons each Sunday and typically half will go to breakfast together afterwards at a nearby restaurant.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Hare Creek, JSF Rd. 450



It was a bit nippy this morning, 44 degrees but otherwise beautiful.  We ran and walked Jackson State Forest Road 450, which runs parallel to and above Hare Creek.  If you were a mushroomer and got off the main road, scouring the woods, you would discover the above waterwheel, long ago abandoned.  Thanks, John, for the photo.

There are a half dozen little sandy areas in the road, but I think they are better when they are sandy than they are when they are muddy.  It is a nice road for running and walking.

Thanks also to Henry, for bringing his sister, Tonita, and to Craig, for bringing his friend, Ralph.  Also present: Suzanne, Tom T., Ginny, Terry, Rick B., Nancy T., Roger, Cheryl, Neil, Jan, Marc, Charlene, Tanya, Joel, Joe, Shari, Peter, Nancy and Tom (23).

Hard to believe, we haven't been to Van Damme State Park since June 10th.  Maybe because it isn't "dog friendly"??  Well, you can still walk your dog, just not in Fern Canyon.  Try walking the entire campground, including the upper meadow.  Your dog will love it!  So,

NEXT SUNDAY, Oct. 7th @ 8:00 A.M.:  Van Damme State Park, see "Our Routes" above.
 
EVERY TUESDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Big River Road

Thanks, John, for the pretty picture off the Mendocino Headlands.

At 51 degrees, with just some thin high clouds and a light breeze, it was a perfect morning along Big River. We had a first timer today, Craig, welcome! Also present were: Gay, Mark, Toni, Joe, Elaine, Charlene, Ron, Bob, Ginny, Terry, John, Nancy T., Roger, Nancy B., Rick, Shari, Peter, Nancy and Tom (20).

NEXT SUNDAY, Sept. 30th @ 8:00 A.M.: Jackson State Forest Road 450 (See "Our Routes" above). This is the south side of Hare Creek, out Simpson Lane.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

MacKerricher Haul Road


A long time Fort Bragg favorite, Jenny's Giant Burger

 
And the skeleton of a regular visitor to the coast. Thanks to John for the photos.

This morning was damp and foggy and 48 degrees, so Mendocino! Nevertheless, we had a nice turnout of happy people, including a visitor from Dallas, Ed. Thanks to Suzanne and Henry for bringing their long time friend and co-worker. Also present: Nancy B., Rick, Jan, Marc, Nancy T., Roger, Toni, Terry, Ginny, Joe, Charlene, Ron, John, Nancy and Tom (18).

 Big River, it's been State Park's property for 10 years now and Ron LeValley asked to have this notice included in today's blog. It's one of our favorite venues.

 Big River Celebration
 It was ten years ago when the Mendocino Land Trust purchased Big River and gave it to California State Parks. It was a great community effort and one that we are all proud of. So, we at the Land Trust (where I am a board member) have decided to celebrate the anniversary! If you are going to be around on September 22, join us! Details below. Mark you calendars and put on your dancing shoes! The 10th anniversary of the Big River Acquisition is coming up and the Mendocino Land Trust wants to invite you to join the party. The “Big Rolling.. 10 years on” celebration fundraiser will take place on Saturday, September 22 at the Caspar Community Center from 1pm – 5pm. Enjoy the music of local favorites Steven Bates and Gwyneth and Monko while sipping on local beer or wine (available at the bar). A delicious range of appetizers will also be available and are included in the ticket cost. Tickets are $30 with all proceeds going towards the continuing restoration efforts of the Big River Watershed. Tickets are available at Harvest Market in the Boatyard shopping Centre, Tangents and The Chamber of Commerce in Fort Bragg, and Out of This World in Mendocino in Mendocino. For more information please call 707-962-0470.

NEXT SUNDAY, Sept. 23 @ 8:00 A.M.: Big River Road. See "Our Routes" above.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Caspar Logging Road

It was an absolutely perfect morning for a run, perhaps just a bit chilly at the start for a walk.  It was 43 degrees with calm, blue skies.  Welcome to Joe, a first time Sunday Fog Dodger walk but long time member of the Landlopers hiking group.  Also present this morning were:  Suzanne, Henry, Gay, Mark, Toni, Nancy T., Roger, Ginny, Terry, Bob, Shari, Peter, Tom T., Marc, Fran, Nancy and Tom (18).



 John was "down south" this weekend, marrying off his son.  Congratulations!  I'll use one of his photos taken 13 months ago at the Caspar Duck Pond, to make the blog look better.

I didn't take too large of a poll but I did ask and there  were three votes for a "level" walk for next Sunday.  Hopefully, we will have weather next Sunday just like today, because we will meet at MacKerricher State Park.

NEXT SUNDAY, 9/16/12 @ 8:00 A.M.: MACKERRICHER HAUL ROAD, see"Our Routes" above.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Hare Creek, Rd. 400

This morning was beautiful and perfect for running and walking. It was clear, calm and 48 degrees, as we began our way down Gravel Pit Road. Thank you, John, for the two photos taken this morning.

It was really great to have six new or almost new people with us this morning: Lynn, Catherine, Dominique, Steve, Scott and Savannah. I hope I got those right, or close?? Anyway, it made for a nice large group today, with all these others present: Joel, Pat, Leon, Ginny, Terry, John, Jan, Marc, Suzanne, Henry, Fran, Nancy B., Rick, Nancy T., Roger, Charlene, Ron, Bob, Neil, Nancy and Tom (27). Hope I didn't miss anyone, again!

NEXT SUNDAY, Sept. 9th @ 8:00 A.M.: Caspar Logging Road. See "Our Routes" above. This is also Jackson State Forest Road 500.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.