COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH

That was great!  Based upon  past experience, the weather, Christmas, Hanukkah, and travels, I've come to expect very small turnouts for this day of the year.  Today, we had a very nice group and even a visitor!  Thanks to Sky, for bringing along his neice, Terri.  Besides Sky and Terri, also present were: Rod, Cheryl, Scott, Bob, Fran, Deb, Sam, John, Kim, Doug, Nancy and Tom (14).  That's pretty good!

Thank you, John, for sending these photos for the blog.

                                                             Laurel Street, Fort Bragg

                                                                 Merry Christmas!

                                                Laurel and Franklin Streets, Fort Bragg

                                      Thanks Deb and Sam for bringing cookies!  

Nancy and I are hoping to do quite a bit more traveling, now that we are post-pandemic (??).  Besides Covid, we were also going through a move into town and a remodel project.  I've got a few "Golden Years" left and I'm anxious to try out the new motorhome.  I'm hoping that someone in our group will volunteer to take over as Main Blogger.  It's not difficult, believe me, I've been doing an email or a blog for 24 years now, and it's a great way to remember everyone's name.  We have a couple of other Authors that can usually fill in when you're not available.  Please let me know if you want to give it a try.  Thank you.

There is a lot of rain in the forecast this week.  Besides the rain, there are some very high tides.  This morning we talked about it, and decided that Russian Gulch State Park would be in good shape for a walk, not effected by rain or tide.  I hope to see everyone there to walk off whatever they ate or drank on New Year's Eve.  Happy New Year!

NEXT SUNDAY, 01/01/23, @ 8:00 A.M.: GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK.  You can click on the "Our Routes" tab at the top to get directions, if needed.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

We had a good, cool, or cold morning at Big River.  It wasn't too windy, so nobody tried to jump the gun, as often happens there.  It was 36 degrees with a light breeze.

                                          A very pretty ocean this morning.  Mendocino.

                                                           Early sunrise in Mendocino

                                                   King Boletus, on Pallette Dr., Mendocino

Ravens kind of let us down today.  Their web page says that "Walk-ins are welcome", but when 8 or 9 of us arrived this morning, we were told that because of staff shortages, or some other reason, they couldn't handle unregistered guests.  We ended up happy and full after visiting the Good Life Cafe.

                                         

Thanks to John for all of today's photos.  

Present today:  Morning, Jerry, John, Kim, Doug, Shari, Diana, Jeff, Charlene, Bob, Nancy and Tom (12).  

Nancy and I are hoping to do quite a bit more traveling, now that we are post-pandemic (??).  Besides Covid, we were also going through a move into town and a remodel project.  I've got a few "Golden Years" left and I'm anxious to try out the new motorhome.  I'm hoping that someone in our group will volunteer to take over as Main Blogger.  It's not difficult, believe me, I've been doing an email or a blog for 24 years now, and it's a great way to remember everyone's name.  We have a couple of other Authors that can usually fill in when you're not available.  Please let me know if you want to give it a try.  Thank you.

I think it's once every seven years that Christmas and New Year's fall on Sunday.  Next Sunday is Christmas.  We'll still have a walk or run, not sure who will be in town.  For now, the long range weather forecast predicts a warmer morning and no rain.  Hope to see you, but if you can't make it, have a Merry Christmas!

NEXT SUNDAY, 12/25/22 @ 8:00 A.M.: GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH (west of Taco Bell).  You can click on the "Our Routes" tab at the top to get directions, if needed.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE

At 8:00, it was mostly cloudy, 42 degrees and a 7mph breeze out of the east.   I guess we were all happy that at least it wasn't raining.  

Thanks to John for today's photos.  The one below was taken just as we were to begin our walk.

Present today: Diana, Jeff, Charlene, Toni, Joe, Sky, Bob, John, Nancy and Tom (10).

                                                        Christmas Star, J. Loomis photos

                                                       Fort Bragg Fire's water truck

                                                                    Three rain drops

                                                              Simpson Lane deer

Several of our group have said that they would like to try the Stanford Inn for breakfast.  It's forecasted to be dry all this next week, so I think Big River Logging Road should be okay for walking.  Then, if they'll let us in, those that wish to join us for breakfast, we will go to the Stanford Inn.

NEXT SUNDAY, 12/18/22 @ 8:00 A.M.: GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, BIG RIVER.  You can click on the "Our Routes" tab at the top to get directions, if needed.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

RUSSIAN GULCH

Nancy and I went down to Russian Gulch this morning, just to say hello and give thanks to our guest bloggers, John and Toni.  They combined efforts to write the blog while I was gone.  We had been feeling low from a persistent cough for me and a cold for Nancy.  We had no intention of walking today.  

 

                                                          Last of the Fall leaves

                                      Winter apples.  Thanks to John L. for all of today's photos.

Mornings lately have been very cold.  Then, last night and just before this morning's walk, we had heavy rain showers.  So, I was surprised to find:  Diana, Jeff, Charlene, Joe and John present this morning.  Add Nancy and me and that makes 7 of us.  John tells me that the Russian Gulch trail improvements are very good and that they had a great walk.

                                              Caspar Barn above and a Caspar deer below

There is a lot of rain in the forecast for next week.  I think the Coastal Trail will be the best place to walk or run.  It's not supposed to be too windy, so I can't think of a better place.  We'll start behind the Fire Station, thereby giving us the option of walking either direction.

                                  Mendocino Sunrise above and Morro Rock at Morro Bay below

NEXT SUNDAY, 12/11/22 @ 8:00 A.M.: GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE.  We'll start behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

CASPAR LOGGING ROAD

Gone for Thanksgiving, I do not have any posts from those who attended the walk/run on Sun. Nov. 27th

I know Tom went down south with Nancy and I also went down to Los Angeles via Monterey and Morro Bay. I did enjoy the Torrance Turkey Trot with about 4500 other walkers and especially fast runners.  It is a fun event to attend and many prizes are given out at the end of the walk/run including about 25 nice bicycles.

The pictures were taken on another Caspar Walk and Runs in the past.

From Toni: I'm late doing the blog and it looks like someone else wrote it but I'll add that it was a lovely chilly morning and we all had a great walk at Caspar Logging Road. Present were Shari, Jean, Gay, Mark, Joe, Toni, Sky, Charlene, Tom and his dog, and Fran.

From  Tom, on 12/1.  It was nice to return from our short trip and find that John and Toni got the blog posted.  It's nice also, to know that there are capable hands to take over when necessary.  The blog, or in the old days an email, has been posted every week since July of 1998.  Thank you John and Toni.  We look forward to seeing everyone at Russian Gulch.

NEXT SUNDAY, 12/4/22 @ 8:00 A.M.: GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, Russian Gulch (trail) beach or campground and beyond

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

Foggy Day Horses

Caspar Creek

Water Fall 

Caspar Hidden figures

COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH

It was a beautiful and very clear morning.  It was very cold, but since there was little wind, it made it just nice!  I think it was about 39 degrees.

Thanks to John for today's picturres and artwork.  I'm guessing that he is the artist for the First American above.  Regarding the Thanksgiving Coffee mural below, I don't get it.  Maybe somebody can explain it to me.

 

Present today:  Gay, Mark, Morning, Fran, Jean, Charlene, John, Toni, Joe, Shari, Kim, Doug, Deb, Sam, Nancy and Tom (16).  I hope that my putting the wrong date for today's walk on last week's blog didn't confuse anyone.

Next week, Caspar Logging Road was suggested.  We haven't been there for quite awhile, let's do it!  Hope to see you there.  And, in the meantime, I hope that everyone has a nice Thanksgiving.

                   

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 27TH @ 8:00 A.M.: GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, CASPAR LOGGING ROAD.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

Like so many times at Big River during the cooler months, it was hard to hold back the herd.  It was a little windy at 7:58 and about 39 degrees, so naturally everyone wanted to get moving.  We waited (??) until 8 though and then proceeded to have a nice walk.  Nancy was our only runner this day.

                                               Big River, all photos today thanks to John L.

Present today:  Toni, Joe, Deb, Sam, Charlene, Fran, Shari, Barbara, Sky, Diana, Jeff, John, Nancy and Tom (14).

                                                       The Kelley House, Mendocino

                               

Buck eating apples                                                                                  Presbyterian Church

"Second story apple picking"

                                                                                                  Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

 

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 12TH @ 8:00 A.M.: GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH, like just west of Taco Bell.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

POINT CABRILLO LIGHTHOUSE

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse today.  We were fortunate to catch a break between storm (?) fronts this morning and had a nice walk down to the lighthouse.  Yesterday's rain though, kept us from being able to get in the required time and distance that would negate the calories most of us consume in our post walk breakfast.  The side trails and grasses were all too wet or muddy, so we stuck to the main driveway.

Thanks to John for today's photos.  They depict the season and the local area.  

                                         

Present today:  Charlene, Toni, Joe, Sky, Barbara, Kim, Doug, Deb, Sam, John, Diana, Jeff, Nancy and Tom (14).

                                                                       Caspar Creek

                                                          Caspar fawns, J. Loomis photo

With several rains predicted for the coming week, and because next Sunday is the second Sunday of the  month (St. Anthony's Pancake Breakfast), I'm choosing Big River for our run/walk.  On the Big River Logging Road, you can usually get around the puddles.

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 12TH @ 8:00 A.M.: GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE  BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.  

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE

This week we had a foggy start to the Fog Dodger's walk.  It was not very cold although a wet London Fog.  We all enjoyed the large waves crashing on the rocks, and the walk was quite vigorous also.

Present were:Sheri, Joe,Sky,Charlene,Mark, Rimsky,Bartok,(dogs) Jean, Matty from Montana, and Fran.

NEXT SUNDAY,Nov. 6th @ 8:00 A.M. (STANDARD TIME): GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, Caspar Lite House Parking Lot. Meet and park and walk to the Lite Station. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

WARD AVENUE

It was windy and cold this morning at Ward Avenue.  We all wanted to start early.  We walked south and that helped a little, and then once we were used to the temperature and warmed up a bit, it wasn't too terrible.  It always ends up being a nice run or walk.  We're mostly walkers now.

A voting reminder and the flag showing how windy it was today.  Thanks for all of today's photos, John.

                                                  Ward Avenue Halloween

Present today:  Fran, Sky, Deb, Sam, John, Toni, Joe, Diana, Jeff, Nancy and Tom (11).

                                                 The Guest House Museum

                                                      Pudding Creek Trestle

NEXT SUNDAY, OCT. 30TH @ 8:00 A.M.: GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE (behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station).

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.: COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

After a long absence due to our fear of mosquitoes, we returned to one of our favorite venues, Big River.  The mosquitoes were mostly gone, though a couple of our group did report being bothered by them.  It was a good morning for walking and running, 58 degrees, calm and overcast.  

Thanks to John, for all of today's photos.  They were all taken on other days.  The one above is close to what Big River looked like today.

                                                    The mouth of Big River

Present today: Fran, Jean, Sky, Barbara, Charlene, Mark, Toni, Joe, Deb, Sam, Diana, Jeff, Kim, Doug, Nancy and Tom (16).

Great Blue Heron

You can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page for directions and details.

NEXT SUNDAY, OCT. 23rd @8:00 A.M., Group Run, Walk and bike, WARD AVENUE.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.