VAN DAMME STATE PARK

It was nice to see water in the creek at Van Damme State Park this morning.  It was just a good morning all around, pretty blue skies, lots of shorebirds, ducks and geese and happy people.

Thanks to John, for all of today's photos.  When we had the recent rainy days, John sculpted the clown.  The other photos are all local.  John takes great photos!

Present today: Charlene, Fran, Gay, Mark, Barbara, Deb, Sam, Shari, Peter, John, Nancy and Tom (12).

                                                           Caspar Barn, J. Loomis photo

                                                      Spring Ranch barns, Little River

                                                    Pine trees blooming, J. Loomis photo
Next Sunday, there's a -0.5 low tide at 6:30 a.m., not a great low tide but I think that at 8:00, it will still be low enough to provide a good walk or run on the beach.  It has been 3 months since we met at Ward Ave.

SUNDAY, MAY 1ST, @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, WARD AVENUE.  You can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

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

COASTAL TRAIL - NORTH

Happy Easter!  It was a beautiful and very chilly morning around Glass Beach today.  It was 38 degrees but fortunately, only a light breeze.  The sky was very clear and cloudless.

John found the Easter Bunny, took a picture of it, and then sent it and four other pictures from this morning.  Thank you, John!

Thank you, Gay and Mark, for bringing family, K.E. and Paul.  Also present today:  Joe, Shari, Cindy, Deb, Sam, John, Cheryl, Scott, Charlene, Kim, Doug, Nancy and Tom (17).

                                                           Easter colors for 2022

                                                                        Meal time!

                                                        A railroad picture for Joe!

We were hoping to go to Navarro Ridge next week but Mark has found out that the Grange isn't going to open until next month.  We will likely skip that May opening, after the two year Covid closure.  Maybe June will work out.  They have a really nice Pancake Breakfast.

So, next week, by request, we will meet at Van Damme State Park.  For dog walkers, a good walk can be had by hiking up the hill and around the Upper Meadow loop.  Lots of rain coming this week, so for those walking the Fern Canyon Trail, the creek should be flowing real well.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24TH @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, VAN DAMME STATE PARK.  For those walking their dogs, though Fern Canyon Trail is off limits, you can still get a nice walk in by walking up the hill and around the upper campground.   You can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

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

BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

I think that we were kind of lucky this morning.  It wasn't nearly as windy at 8:00 as the forecast called for.  The wind did come up but not until the time we finished.  We were at Big River and I think it was 47 degrees and clear.  

Thanks, John, for today's photos.  Above is a great blue heron and below is either a very heavy California Sea Lion or an Elephant Seal ?

Present today:  Jean, Diana, Jeff, Joe, Deb, Sam, Barbara, John, Nancy and Tom (10).

                                             Mendocino Presbyterian Church

It's the time of the year when everything is blooming or beginning to.  Below are photos John took at Salt Point. 

                                                             Salt Point artist

On the fourth Sunday this month, we have a request to go to Navarro Ridge Road.  Next Sunday is the third Sunday and we will keep it local by using our Coastal Trail.  Next Sunday is also Easter Sunday.  We'll start from the parking lot near Glass Beach.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17TH @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - NORTH.  You can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

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

JACKSON STATE FOREST ROAD 450

It was cold this morning, but nice.  It was 37 degrees but by being in the forest, we had no wind and the trail was in good condition after last week's rain.

John is back and came up with an interesting collection of photos.  Thanks, John.  Besides the hubcaps below, marking the starting point of our run/walk today were tires and fast food trash.  Some people have a different idea of what our trails are for.

Thanks to Joe for bringing his sister, K.K., her partner, Conrad, and Joe's nephew, Emmit.  It was at least their second visit and walk with the Fog Dodgers.  They are very nice.  Also present: Toni, Charlene, Jean, Barbara, Kim, Doug, Mark, Fran, Bob, John, Nancy and Tom (16).

                                          Rhododendrons are blooming everywhere.

                                                Bloomoing Clematis, J. Loomis photo

                                                    Hiding in the bushes,

                                                          Red rhododendrons

                                            Highway 20 elk herd, J. Loomis photo

We haven't been to Big River for awhile.  So, next Sunday we will.  And, if the 10 day weather forecast is accurate, it will be about 44 degrees and windy (16mph) at our start.  But it will be sunny and you'll feel a lot better if you join us and start your day with a good walk or run.  Hope to see you there!

SUNDAY, APRIL 10TH @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.  You can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

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