COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH

A very brisk 47 degrees this morning, as we started on the coastal trail.  At about half way, it started to rain lightly but nice compared to last week.  We had a small group this morning.

Present today:  Nancy T., Nancy B., Toni, Joe, Bob, John, Nancy and Tom (8).  So many Nancys!

photo by J. Loomis

Thanks to John, for all of the pictures today.  He went on the Skunk Train with visiting family and took a few photos and then evidently hung around the harbor long enough to catch a pretty sunset.  It seems that wherever he goes, he finds something worth a photograph!

Sunset from Pomo Bluffs Park, J. Loomis photo

Pudding Creek

NEXT SUNDAY, JAN. 5TH, 8:00 A.M., GROUP RUN AND WALK, WARD AVENUE

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY. 

PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

Pudding Creek Trestle today

Holy smokes!  What a run/walk we had today! We started out during a fairly good rain but at our backs and not a real problem.  Things went south real fast when we turned around and evidently the front came through.  We had rain pelting us being driven by wind that must have been 40 mph!

Pudding Creek Trestle on a better day

It was actually kind of scary, trying to cross the Pudding Creek Trestle.  Nancy thought she might fly away!

John takes nice photos but the picture taken today of Pudding Creek Trestle doesn't really show how the rain and wind were.






Rainbow over Mendocino, thanks John.


Present at Pudding Creek today:  Charlene and Ron (but they couldn't stay), Joe, Toni, Bob, John, Nancy and Tom (8).

Another interesting and pretty picture from John.  This is the private driveway going out to Chapman's Point, on the south edge of Mendocino Bay.

NEXT SUNDAY, Dec. 29, 8:00 A.M., GROUP RUN AND WALK, COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH, (Taco Bell)

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY. 

POMO BLUFFS PARK - NOYO BAY

A Christmas Greeting from John L.  Thanks, John for all of today's photos.

We ran and walked at Pomo Bluffs Park this morning, then across the Noyo Bridge and onto the Coastal Trail.

John says that the walkers deserve an extra star today, for walking into the very cold drizzle that started about the same time that we did.

Present this morning:  Geri, Nancy T., Shari, Peter, Cheryl, Neil, Charlene, Ron, Deb, Sam, Bob, John, Nancy and Tom (14).

Coast Guard back from patrol

Noyo Misty morning

Noyo Moon Set

                      

Noyo Bay, mix of weather

After our run/walk, we had a nice potluck breakfast.  It was smaller than most years since some are traveling right now but especially nice since Geri was able to join us.

NEXT SUNDAY, Dec. 22, 8:00 A.M., GROUP RUN AND WALK, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY. 

COASTAL TRAIL MIDDLE

OK, where was everybody?  There were 4 intrepid Fog Dodgers at the trail this morning.  It was foggy/misty and 51 degrees when we started out.  By the time we were headed back to the parking lot the sky was growing lighter and there were patches of blue.

Franklin Street Decorations - John L.

It was a very nice temperature for a walk or run.  It wasn't windy and as always, the views were spectacular.  The four of use who made it were John, Sam, Deb and Nancy T.

Ho Ho Ho - John L.

 Thank you John, for the photos.  It's great to see the Christmas spirit in Fort Bragg.

Laurel Street Decorations - John L.

NEXT SUNDAY, Dec 15th @ 8:00 A.M.: Pomo Bluffs Park

Pot Luck Breakfast after the run/walk, at the Riley's.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

Thankful for being a Fog Dodger, Caspar Logging Roads

Caspar Logging Road

The Caspar logging road provided an ideal winter setting for a morning walk or jog. The road was blanketed in Redwood and Fir needles telling of recent gusty winds. Today however was calm and peaceful with no wind and only a hint of sprinkling for a brief moment at the start.

Caspar swirling clouds

The temperature, a mild 51 degrees, was a pleasant change from the low 30's that frosted the coastline the previous mornings. Some Fog Dodgers, dressed for colder weather, were soon peeling off a layer of outer wear to keep from over heating.

Caspar pond

We bent Tom's rule of starting at exactly 8 AM. For reasons unknown a few were eager to get moving so we set off 30 seconds early. I don't think anyone got left behind. 

Caspar sheep ready for shearing

The attendance was good, culminating an extended holiday with family and friends. 
Present were John, Sam, Deb, Ron, Charlene, Toni, Bob, Shari, and Peter with son and daughter-in-law Ben and Erin.

Botanical Garden rainbow

  A visual reward presented itself as we were           driving away and nearing highway 1. A full 
 rainbow appeared to the west over the village of   Caspar. 
 No it was not the Botanical Garden.




All of the wonderful photos are from John Loomis. My favorites are the swirling clouds and Caspar sheep.
Thank you John.





NEXT SUNDAY, DATE @ 8:00 A.M.: Coastal Trail-middle (behind fire station)
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD

Navarro Redwoods, J. Loomis photo

We returned to Navarro Ridge Road after a long absence.  It was, as we all remembered, hilly and beautiful.  I think it was 41 degrees at start time with a slight breeze and mostly sunshine.  John's photo above shows how the fog forms in the river canyons.

Navarro Ridge Road, J. Loomis photo

The photo above, shows how pretty the road is as it goes thru some very large second growth redwoods.

There's almost always some wildlife to catch your attention and then there's the old barns and farms.

Only eight of us could make it this morning, but we enjoyed it enough that I think we won't stay away so long from now on.  The Grange volunteers made us feel welcome and it's hard to beat an $8 breakfast!

Present today, John, Nancy T., Deb, Sam, Joe, Bob, Nancy and Tom (8).

We will have our annual pot luck breakfast on Dec. 15th.  It will be at the Riley's.  You can bring anything edible or drinkable, or if you can't do that, just come!

Sunday, 12/1 Caspar Logging Road
Sunday, 12/8 Coastal Trail - Middle (Behind Fire Station)
Sunday, 12/15 Pomo Bluffs Park, Pot Luck Breakfast after the run/walk, at the Riley's.

NEXT SUNDAY, Dec. 1st @ 8:00 A.M.:  CASPAR LOGGING ROAD

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

BIG RIVER

Big River High Tide, J. Loomis photo

It was nice this morning at Big River, about 46 degrees, light breeze and mostly sunny.  John caught these interesting clouds just before we started.

Big River Sunrise

Falling Leaves

Good reflexes, John!

Thanks John, for all of today's photos.

Present today:  Fran, Charlene, Ron, Deb, Sam, Toni, Joe, Shari, Peter, John, Nancy and Tom (12).  Nine of us enjoyed breakfast with complementary champagne at the Little River Inn.

Plan on Navarro Ridge next Sunday.  It's just a little further than our other venues and for the drive, you'll be rewarded by a really nice Grange Pancake, ham and egg breakfast.

We will have our annual pot luck breakfast on Dec. 15th.  It will be at the Riley's.  You can bring anything edible or drinkable, or if you can't do that, just come!

Sunday, 11/17  Big River

Sunday, 11/24 Navarro Ridge Road

Sunday, 12/1 Caspar Logging Road
Sunday, 12/8 Coastal Trail - Middle (Behind Fire Station)
Sunday, 12/15 Pomo Bluffs Park, Pot Luck Breakfast after the run/walk, at the Riley's.

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 24th @ 8:00 A.M.:  NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD (Whitesboro Grange)

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH

Hwy. One Bridge over Noyo River, J. Loomis photo

It was a beautiful morning on the Coastal Trail.  When we started, it was 46 degrees, clear and just a slight breeze.  The ocean seemed really clear and blue.  Thanks to John, for the above photo, and the two below.

BAD BIRD!

Present today:  Shari, Peter, Cheryl, Neil, Toni, Joe, Charlene, Ron, Deb, Sam, Bob, Nancy B., John,  Nancy and Tom (15).

Fall colors on Coastal Trail, J. Loomis photo

Plan on Navarro Ridge on the 24th.  It's just a little further than our other venues and for the drive, you'll be rewarded by a really nice Grange Pancake, ham and egg breakfast.

We will have our annual pot luck breakfast on Dec. 15th.  It will be at the Riley's.  You can bring anything edible or drinkable, or if you can't do that, just come!

Sunday, 11/17  Big River

Sunday, 11/24 Navarro Ridge
Sunday, 12/15 Pot Luck Breakfast after the run/walk, at the Riley's.

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 17th @ 8:00 A.M.:  BIG RIVER (the mosquitoes are sleeping now)

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

Halloween Couple, J. Loomis photo

Luckily for the children, Fort Bragg and Mendocino got electric power restored just in time for Halloween.  John found this photo op in town and the two below at Pudding Creek.  My favorite is the Pudding Creek Selfie.  Thanks, John, for weekly photos and keeping the blog going.

It was a beautiful morning at Pudding Creek, 46 degrees, clear, sunny and calm.  Lots of bicycle riders and walkers out enjoying the nice weather.  For the Fog Dodgers, present this morning:  Fran, Sharon, Charlene, Ron, Bob, John, Cheryl N., Neil, Shari, Peter, Toni, Joe, Nancy T., Nancy B., Sam, Nancy and Tom (17).

Pudding Creek Selfie, J. Loomis photo

In three weeks, we will go to Navarro Ridge.  We haven't met there since July of last year, mainly because it's a little longer drive for most.  But, it's only about 10 minutes further than Van Damme or Ten Mile.  This venue is worth the extra drive because of the great Grange Pancake Breakfast.  I hope that you can make it.  Next week, the South Coastal Trail is a beautiful walk or run.

Pudding Creek Cormorant, J. Loomis photo

Greg and Keith have been checking out Santa Barbara for the past month.  They sent a post card (see last week's blog photo) and wanted to say hello to all Fog Dodgers.  After checking out Santa Barbara for a month, they have about 4 other cities they want to do the same with.  Then, they'll decide where they want to live.  Seems like a great way to look around.

Upcoming venues: 

Sunday, 11/10  Coastal Trail - South (across from Taco Bell)
Sunday, 11/17  Big River
Sunday, 11/24 Navarro Ridge

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 10th @ 8:00 A.M. (Standard Time):  COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

MENDOCINO HEADLANDS AND TOWN

Courthouse Fountain, Santa Barbara, CA

You wonder, what does the Courthouse Fountain in Santa Barbara have to do with this area?  Nothing.  But, it's a way of passing on a "hello" from Greg and Keith.  It's a post card sent to me from those two, as way of saying they've been enjoying their "pretend local existence" in that city.  They are nearing the end of a one month trial and then will move on to the next city on their list of possibles.  They wanted me to say hello to all Fog Dodgers.

This past Sunday, it seems so long ago, we met in Mendocino and ran and walked around the town and the Heeser Drive Headlands State Park.  Present were:  Joe, Nancy T., Bob, Nancy B., John, Deb, Sam, Nancy and Tom (9).  We enjoyed breakfast at the Little River Inn afterwards.

I felt a little guilty for running around as though everything was normal, when terrible winds and fires were going on just east of us.  Later in the week, these winds and fires were all over California.  We lost our electric power for 5 days but many people lost so much more.

We move our clocks back an hour this Saturday night (Sunday morning if you want to get up at 2:00 to do it properly), so our start at Pudding Creek won't seem quite so early.  I hope to see you there.

Upcoming venues: 

Sunday, 11/10  Coastal Trail - South
Sunday, 11/17  Big River
Sunday, 11/24 Navarro Ridge

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 3RD @ 8:00 A.M. (Standard Time): PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE

It was a beautiful morning for a walk or run along the Coastal Trail.  Although it was a bit cold when we started, the sun warmed us up quickly.   The ocean was stunning with large waves and brilliant white foam.

We were a small group today, but were joined by some friends of Toni and Joe at David's Deli.  Present were John, Nancy B, Joe, Toni, Charlene, Ron and Nancy T.  Sandy and Ned joined us for breakfast.

Early Morning Noyo Bridge - J Loomis

NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 @ 8:00 A.M.: Mendocino Headlands (Heeser Drive)

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

Upcoming venues:
Sunday, 11/3  Pudding Creek Trestle (Daylight Saving Time ends)
Sunday, 11/10  Coastal Trail - South

CASPAR LOGGING ROAD

Fall is definitely here!

Fall Colors! - J. Loomis

It was a bit chilly when we started out.  It was only 41 degrees when we arrived.  However, as we walked and ran, the sun warmed us up and it was a beautiful day.

Caspar Pond - J. Loomis

We had some visitors with us today.  Welcome to Ron's son, Harvey, as well as. Emmett and Cynthia, Joe's nephew and his partner.  Also on the walk were Fran, Peter, Shari, John, Nancy T, Charlene and  Toni.

Caspar Barn - J. Loomis

NEXT SUNDAY, October 20th @ 8:00 A.M.: Coastal Trail - Middle (Behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station)


EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

Sunday, October 6
COASTAL TRAIL - NORTH

We had a small group today but it was a lovely morning on the coastal trail. 

                                                                                      John Loomis photo


Walkers included Fran, Charlene, Joe, Toni, and John, who joined the walkers because he was the only runner present today. Thanks again to John for the great photos.

                                                                                         John Loomis photo

                                                                                      John Loomis photo


NEXT SUNDAY, October 13 @ 8:00 A.M.:  CASPAR LOGGING ROAD

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

Upcoming venues:
Sunday,  10/20  Coastal Trail -  Middle
Sunday, 10/27  Mendocino Headlands
Sunday, 11/3  Pudding Creek Trestle (Daylight Saving Time ends)
Sunday, 11/10  Coastal Trail - South

COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH

This morning was chilly at about 43 degrees when we started, but it was a beautiful, clear day with the waves sparkling in the sun. We had a great walk/run up past the Noyo Center's Crow's Nest Interpretive Center and back. 

 "Black Jack Heading Out" by John Loomis

                                                   "Noyo River Sunrise" by John Loomis

Present today were runners Chandra, John, Bob, and Ron and walkers Neil, Cheryl, Charlene, Fran, Shari, Peter, Nancy T, Joe, and Toni. A few of us enjoyed a delicious breakfast at David's afterward. 

                                                 T. Rizzo photo
                                            

                                                          "Morning Visitor" John Loomis
Hope to see you all next week!
Toni                                             

NEXT SUNDAY, October 6 @ 8:00 A.M.:  COASTAL TRAIL - NORTH


EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN @ 7:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD ON TUESDAY AND HEESER DRIVE/MENDOCINO ON THURSDAY.

Upcoming venues:
Sunday,  10/13  Caspar Logging Road
Sunday,  10/20  Coastal Trail -  Middle
Sunday, 10/27  Mendocino Headlands
Sunday, 11/3  Pudding Creek Trestle (Daylight Saving Time ends)
Sunday, 11/10  Coastal Trail - South