Van Damme State Park

"Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running."-- Sarah Condor

Jogging our Memory

This morning was a pleasant 56 degrees, there was no wind, and measurable precipitation was .01 inches from the fog drizzle, requiring drivers to use the windshield wipers. The fog was high, allowing ambient lighting and fair visibility. Present today were John, Nancy, Rick, Steve, Orah, Geri, Toni, Joe, Melissa, Nichole, Katie, Fay, Joe D., Pat, Leon, Fran, Cheryl, and Bob, for a total of eighteen.

                How nice that we live in a place along the Pacific Coast that is saturated with a vast selection of wonderful hiking places and trails. All within reasonably close proximity to where we reside. The Fern Canyon Trail has long remained a favorite of many. This morning it was easy to see why. Walkers and joggers were greeted by the smell of camp-wood smoke that soon faded as they ventured further into the depth of the peaceful beauty and serenity of the canyon. Here Fog Dodgers now and then passed little tricklets of water expelled from the banks of the canyon walls, confluxing with that already softly splashing over the rocks and stream below. Walkers and joggers were also treated to the occasional sound of osprey calling from above the canopy of the tall fir.

                As some of us already know, more and more recent research shows that our brains benefit more from physical activity than from mental workout. Regular physical exercise appears to protect the brain from shrinking and helps us maintain memory and cognitive function. The best way to maximize the brain enriching effects of a game of chess is to pick a match across town and walk or run to it. So, literally speaking, let’s keep jogging our memory.

Thanks John Loomis for the beautiful photograph.

NEXT SUNDAY, AUG. 31ST @ 8:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD, see "Our Routes".

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.