NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - SOUTH

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, 2016!

J. Loomis photo

John took all of today's photos.  The red shouldered hawk at Big River was taken on Thursday morning after our run.  Thank you very much, John.

Red shouldered hawk, J. Loomis photo

Present today:  Fran, Charlene, Ron, Barbara, John, Nancy T., Roger, Bob,  Jan, Nancy and Tom (11).

Picturesque Noyo Harbor

It was a little brisk (38) at our start, so we chose to go with the wind.  By the time we turned around, coming back into the light breeze, we were warmed up enough that it was not so cold, I think a beautiful morning!  

Commercial crab season opens here next Thursday.

"Squatters" on the Noyo Bell Bouy

UPCOMING RUN/WALKS:
SUN., JAN. 1ST, @ 8:00 A.M.,  BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD
SUN., JAN. 8TH, 8:00 A.M., VAN DAMME STATE PARK
SUN., JAN. 15TH, 8:00 A.M.,  CASPAR LOGGING ROAD
SUN., JAN. 22ND, 8:00 A.M.,  RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK
SUN., JAN. 29TH, 8:00 A.M., POMO BLUFFS - NOYO BAY

NEXT SUNDAY, JAN. 1ST, 2017 @ 8:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

CASPAR LOGGING ROADS

It's almost winter, though by the thermometer this morning, I think we're there!  It was 30 degrees, plus or minus, depending upon how far you lived from the ocean.  John though, found something blooming, even at this time of the year.  It's a tulip tree and it was at the Botanical Gardens.  Thank you, John, for continuing to supply our blog with nice, interesting photos.

This house in Caspar looks as cold as it was.

We ran and walked on Jackson State Forest Road 500, the Caspar Logging Road, today.  We were pleasantly surprised by the nice turnout.  Present were:  Geri, Tom T., Jan, Gay, Mark, Neil, Fran, Nancy T., Roger, Toni, Joe, John, Nancy B., Nancy and Tom (15).

John's mailbox!

Afterwards, eight of us joined for breakfast at David's, where we and the staff sang Happy Birthday to one of our blushing group.  It was a very nice morning.

December sky, J. Loomis photo

Over the past nineteen years, there has been a Fog Dodgers Group Run/Walk on every Sunday.  Twice, there was only one person, but there has always been a run/walk.  Next Sunday is Christmas.  Many of us will be with family or checking out what Santa brought, but at least one of us will be at the run/walk.  I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanakkuh!

SUNDAY, DEC. 25TH, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - SOUTH (yes, somebody will be there)

NEXT SUNDAY, DEC. 25TH @ 8:00 A.M.: NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - SOUTH

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

POMO BLUFFS AND NOYO BAY

Leaving my house this morning, it was 38 degrees.  Arriving at Pomo Bluffs, I can only guess, it was about 43, cloudy and just a slight breeze, not enough to make the flags stir.

Part, but not all, of this morning's group.  S. Elufson photo

USCG in Noyo Bay, J. Loomis photo

I guess that I missed an exciting run.  The Fog Dodgers observed a house fire that had just begun and were the first to report it to 911.  That was at the beginning of the run/walk and later on, things seemed under control and nobody was injured.  The fire occurred on the Rancheria.  I hope to be back to running in a few weeks.

It was cold this morning!  J. Loomis photo

I hope Jan doesn't mind showing up on the internet.  I think John caught a good photo of her and it kind of shows how cold it was.   And thanks Jan, for bringing along friends Nina and Harley.  Please return again, as we need more runners!  Also present today:  Geri, Nancy B., Rick, Cheryl, Neil, Gay, Mark, Fran, Deb, Sam, Shari, Peter, Charlene, Ron, Toni, Joe, Zelda, John, Nancy and Tom (23).

Thanks Sam, for the photos.

Comfort food, S. Elufson photo

After the run/walk, we had our Annual Pot-luck breakfast and cookie exchange.  There was lots of delicious food and cookies, even for vegans!  It's a wonderful group and we all just get along!

SUNDAY, DEC. 18TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROAD
SUNDAY, DEC. 25TH, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - SOUTH (yes, somebody will be there)

NEXT SUNDAY, DEC. 18TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  CASPAR LOGGING ROADS

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

We were a hearty group of runners and walkers. The weather was very chilly today with incredible clouds. John provided us with five lovely photos despite his ability to attend today. Send him good wishes and special thoughts and hope we see him next Sunday.

Pudding Creek at Sunrise

                  

There were plenty of other walkers today and the guests at The Beachcomber were gathering around the fire pits. Today the creek was trying very hard to connect with ocean and the wind blew hard today.

Pudding Creek from the Bridge

  Mark your calendars for our annual pot luck breakfast and cookie exchange, Sunday Dec. 11th.  It will be at the Riley's house.  Bring any kind of breakfast item,  and a plate full of cookies if you wish to participate in the Cookie Exchange.  You'll be able to follow someone after our run/walk to the breakfast, if you haven't been there before, or ask me for the address if you have a GPS.

Ravens & Vultures

Pudding Creek Cypresses

Inflight Heron

Present today: Runners Jan & Ron; Walkers Nancy B., Rick, Neil, Joe, Peter & Shari, Bill & Jordan, Fran, Charlene and Sam (13).

SUNDAY, DEC. 18TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROAD
SUNDAY, DEC. 25TH, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - SOUTH


NEXT SUNDAY, DEC. 11TH @ 8:00 A.M.,  POMO BLUFFS-NOYO BAY  (pot luck breakfast and cookie exchange). Information above.

 
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - NORTH

We ran and walked at the Noyo Headlands Park - North this morning.  There was a little bit of rain, not enough to soak us but just enough to keep us wondering.   The ocean was quite stirred up and noisy and beautiful!  I think that it was about 50 degrees with only a slight breeze, a beautiful morning!  John's picture below shows it perfectly.  Thank you, John, for always supplying us with nice photos.

Glass Beach, J. Loomis photo

Present today:  Neil, Jeff, Zelda, Jan, Nancy B., Rick, Nancy, T., Roger, Charlene, Ron, John, Toni, Joe, Geri, Nancy and Tom (16).

Pudding Creek Dam and fishway, J. Loomis photo

Pudding Creek trestle, J. Loomis photo

Mark your calendars for our annual pot luck breakfast and cookie exchange, Sunday Dec. 11th.  It will be at the Riley's house.  Bring any kind of breakfast item,  and a plate full of cookies if you wish to participate in the Cookie Exchange.  You'll be able to follow someone after our run/walk to the breakfast, if you haven't been there before, or ask me for the address if you have a GPS.

Great Blue Heron, J. Loomis photo

SUNDAY, DEC. 4TH, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE
SUNDAY, DEC. 11TH, POMO BLUFFS-NOYO BAY (pot luck breakfast and cookie exchange)
SUNDAY, DEC. 18TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROAD
SUNDAY, DEC. 25TH, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - SOUTH

NEXT SUNDAY, DEC. 4TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

Seventh Annual Bin-2-Bin Run and Walk

The clouds parted, the sun came out, it was about 52 degrees and just a very slight breeze.  Seemed just right for a morning run or walk.  And, it was!  We had a nice group of happy people, including Nancy Severi, who manages the Food Bank.  Nancy took our photo just before the 8:00 a.m. start and who knows, it may show up in the Advocate News!

Noyo Bridge, J. Loomis photo

It was our Seventh Annual Bin-2-Bin Run/Walk, done to have fun and to help out the Food Bank.  We ran and walked to each of our grocery stores, bought a couple of food items and then deposited them in the Food Bank's bins as we left the stores.  The runners visited Harvest and Safeway twice and Purity once.  Walkers visited Harvest twice and Safeway once.  This was our Seventh Annual Bin-2-Bin and it grows a bit each year.   It started out as an actual race but now we just have fun!

Noyo River Bridge looking north, always fun to cross

The Noyo Jetty, J. Loomis photo

Mark your calendars for our annual pot luck breakfast and cookie exchange, Sunday Dec. 11th.  It will be at the Riley's house.  Bring any kind of breakfast item,  and a plate full of cookies if you wish to participate in the Cookie Exchange.

Present today: Orah, Steve, Nancy B., Rick, Beth, Jan, Jeff, Nancy T., Roger, Bob J., Toni, Joe, John, Bob, Laura, Cheryl, Geri, Nancy and Tom (19).

SUNDAY, NOV. 27TH, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - NORTH
SUNDAY, DEC. 4TH, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE
SUNDAY, DEC. 11TH, POMO BLUFFS-NOYO BAY (pot luck breakfast and cookie exchange)
SUNDAY, DEC. 18TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROAD
SUNDAY, DEC. 25TH, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - SOUTH


NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 27TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  NOYO HEADLANDS PARK NORTH (near Glass Beach).

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

I've been gone for awhile and while gone, John sent the photo below.  Since tonight is the Super Moon, the photo seemed appropriate.

This morning, we met at Big River.  It was about 50 degrees and overcast.

another photo from John, taken last week at 7:30, showing that the City had not "fallen back".

Present today:  Nancy B., Rick, Nancy T., Roger, Chandra, Cheryl, John, Bob, Charlene, Ron, Susan, Bruce (in a kayak! a Fog Dodger first), Toni, Joe, Shari, Peter, Fran, Deb, Sam, Orah, Steve,  Nancy and Tom (23), and I think I've forgotten one.

In Moab, Utah, a few weeks ago,  we ran into some other couple.  We had fun camping and touring Arches NP.

John has sent me photos from today, the four below.  I hope we all have high-speed.  Remember when we had dial-up?








SUNDAY, NOV. 20th, Bin2Bin2Bin Charity Run/Walk for the Food Bank, starting at Harvest Market.  We start at Harvest, run/walk inside and buy a food item, pay for it and then drop it in the Food Bank Bin on the way out the door.  Run/Walk to Safeway and repeat the process.  Runners then run to Purity while walkers return to starting point.  You needn't spend a lot of money, could buy anything from a bag of beans to cash towards a turkey.  Save your receipts for a tax write-off.  It's fun and it gives you beautiful views as you cross the Noyo Bridge.

SUNDAY, NOV. 27TH, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - NORTH
SUNDAY, DEC. 4TH, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 20TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  HARVEST MARKET PARKING LOT, Bin2Bin2Bin Run/Walk.  see above

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

NOYO HEADLANDS PARK- NORTH

Neither myself or any of the other moderators were at Sunday's run/walk.  John was there and, as always, submitted some nice photos of the morning.  Unfortunately, while trying to write this while on our iPad, I can't copy and paste those photos to the blog.

Besides John, trying to keep up with three of our women runners, I'm not sure who was in attendance.   When I can, I'll post John's photos.  One of his photos was of the beautiful city clock near the Guest House.  Hopefully the Fog Dodgers were better about setting their clocks back one hour for Standard Time than the City of Fort Bragg.  Also, John reported that it was a beautiful morning to run along the shore, following the earlier rain.


NEXT SUNDAY, Nov. 13th @ 8:00 A.M., Big River Logging Road

SUNDAY, NOV. 20th, Bin2Bin2Bin Charity Run/Walk for the Food Bank, starting at Harvest Market.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

Big River

Our small but hardy runners and walker enjoyed the rain this morning. Bob, John and I walked briskly together and solved all the problems in Mendocino (we weren't ready to solve all the problems of the world.) We advised the Big River Park staff that they needed to take better care of the trail:  keep the rain water in the ditch on the north side, clear out ditches to the water will flow through, and remove the debris off the trail. We hope they heard our requests. We also saw that a bear had been around earlier. We watched the birds and the seals (sea lions?) , on the other side of the river. The seals were diving and jumping in the water as though they were catching fish for their breakfast. 

John Loomis provided the photos below:

 View of the bridge on a rainy day.

Can't see the seals, but they were right near the tip of 

the spit in the estuary of this photo.

Of course we have to celebrate Halloween!

SUNDAY, 11/13, BIG RIVER
SUNDAY, 11/20, 7th Annual Bin-2-Bin-2-Bin (local fun/charity run/walk)

NEXT SUNDAY, 11/6 @ 8:00 A.M.: NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - NORTH

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD

We had a small but hardy group of three runners and four walkers. The weather was chilly but spectacular. The sky was bright blue and yellow, colors from the sun and puffy clouds. Thankfully there weren't very many cars on the road so we had it to ourselves most of the time. And, of course, those who love the blackberry sauce for the pancakes enjoyed it. John Loomis took some fantastic photos that truly caught the beauty of the sky this morning. Enjoy his photos (some were taken another day) and hope to see more of you next Sunday.

  Distant barn with the golden sunlight.

Present were:  Bob, John and Jan, and Nancy & Rick and Toni & Joe. (7)

Closer image of the barn.

 

The same barn with fog rolling in behind.

Laundry drying.

SUNDAY, 11/6, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - NORTH
SUNDAY, 11/13, BIG RIVER
SUNDAY, 11/20, 7th Annual Bin-2-Bin-2-Bin (local fun/charity run/walk)


NEXT SUNDAY, DATE @ 8:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER

 
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

Caspar Logging Road

We had a hearty group of walkers and two runners. Luckily it didn't start raining until after we had breakfast at David's! Unfortunately, I hadn't entered today's hike in the right place on the blog, which sent John on to the Navarro Ridge Road. So we all missed him. Didn't learn what had happened until I got back home and read his email. Hope you had a great run all by yourself, John! I'll use your Navarro Ridge photos for next Sunday.

 A&W Road

I have posted some of my photos. The photo above happened to show what our sky looked like today! The photo was taken on the A&W Road, which is no longer available to us.

Present were:  Bob and Jan, Nancy & Rick, Nancy T., Toni, Joe, Susan, 

Gaye & Mark and Sam E. (11)

 Jackson Demonstration State Forest

Trail to the Caspar Weir

Jackson Demonstration State Forest 

Trail to the Caspar Weir

SUNDAY, 10/23, NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD
SUNDAY, 10/30, BIG RIVER
SUNDAY, 11/6, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - NORTH
SUNDAY, 11/13, BIG RIVER
SUNDAY, 11/20, 7th Annual Bin-2-Bin-2-Bin (local fun/charity run/walk)


NEXT SUNDAY, OCT. 23rd, @ 8:00 A.M.:  NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD
 
 
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.
 

Van Damme State Park

The weather this week has turned on us. Yesterday, for those of  who live in Little River up about two or three miles, had a wonderful sunny warm day. Our photos are provided by John Loomis as usual. Hope to see you all again next week!

 Van Damme Bay

Today it was chilly at the beach,  in the mid 50's to low 60's. The parking area wasn't as full as it had been over the past four or five months. The camp grounds seemed pretty full and the trail as were went east became more wet and muddy.

Early Morning Spring Ranch

Tunnel to the Pacific

We had had six runners today including Chandra, Jan, John L., Bob, Laura and Jeff. The walkers (9) included Toni and Joe, Peter and Shari, Nancy T. and me, Nancy B., Susan and Bill and Jordan. We had a good group of runners and hikers/walkers today and six of us had breakfast at the Little River Inn.Hope to see you next Sunday!


NEXT SUNDAY, DATE @ 8:00 A.M.: Caspar Logging Roads

SUNDAY, 10/23, NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD 
SUNDAY, 10/30, BIG RIVER
SUNDAY, 11/6, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - NORTH
SUNDAY, 11/13, BIG RIVER
SUNDAY, 11/20, 7th Annual Bin-2-Bin-2-Bin (local fun/charity run/walk)

NEXT SUNDAY, OCT. 9TH, @ 8:00 A.M.:  VAN DAMME STATE PARK
 
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - NORTH

A welcome change in the weather today, rain!  It wasn't much but it has been a long time since our last.   Here we are, it's 8:00, time to start, and John, always looking for a photo, sees an oil sheen coming from a drop of oil in the parking lot.  Thanks John, for all of the photos you supply for the blog.

a drop of oil on wet asphalt, J. Loomis photo

It was 53 degrees with just a little breeze and a light rain when we started this morning.   A couple of minutes after getting started, an out-of-town couple walking on the trail asked, "Where is Glass Beach?"  I only mention this because we were at Glass Beach.  It is not what it used to be and certainly not what Via Magazine and Sunset Magazine show their readers.  John's idea of getting a cement truck and tumbling a lot of broken, colored glass is a good one.  The beach could be replenished, regularly.

Egret, J. Loomis photo

Present today were:  Chandra, Jeff, Gay, Mark, Nancy B., Rick, Nancy T., Roger, John, Nancy and Tom (11).

Wall mural at The Depot, J. Loomis photo

A wasp trap in John's garden

Next week, we're going to try out Fern Canyon at Van Damme.  Cyd says that the trail has been opened up and is in "decent" shape.  Also note, that on the 23rd, we will be on Navarro Ridge Road.  It takes about 10 minutes (more than Van Damme) longer to drive there but it can be worth it.  There can be great views of the Navarro canyon and of the ocean and the Grange breakfast has always been great.  We're going there by request, so remember, we do entertain requests.


SUNDAY, 10/9, VAN DAMME STATE PARK
SUNDAY, 10/16, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS
SUNDAY, 10/23, NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD 
SUNDAY, 10/30, BIG RIVER
SUNDAY, 11/6, NOYO HEADLANDS PARK - NORTH
SUNDAY, 11/13, BIG RIVER
SUNDAY, 11/20, 7th Annual Bin-2-Bin-2-Bin (local fun/charity run/walk)

NEXT SUNDAY, OCT. 9TH, @ 8:00 A.M.:  VAN DAMME STATE PARK

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.