Merry Christmas!

Thank you, John, for the seasonal pic!

Merry Christmas, everybody! I didn't know what to expect this morning, kind of guessed that there'd be only 3 or 4 of us (those with OCD?) but what a pleasant surprise, there were 10! Certainly don't blame anyone for being home (or away) with their families on this special morning but for those of us that were able to make it to MacKerricher, we were rewarded with a beautiful morning run or walk. It was 39 degrees, calm and mostly cloudy at the start but coming back saw the low clouds give way to beautiful blue skies and thin high clouds.

Present were: Orah, Steve, Charlene, Ron, Johnny, Tom and we have John to thank for bringing Barbara, his son Jason and future d-i-l, Summer (10). It was a great start to a beautiful Christmas Day.

HELLLLOOOO? I mentioned last week, for the next six months or so, I am going to continue posting the blog but will also moderate a Yahoo Group website. If you will send me your e-mail address ( triley@mcn.org), I will send you an invite to join the Yahoo Group. It will be by invitation only to eliminate any possible spammers and the like. I'm just doing this because I continue to get comments from people that miss the old e-mail reminders. On the Yahoo Group, you can choose to receive an automatic e-mail for each message or to just go to the web site when you're curious as to what is going on. We'll see what happens.

NEXT SUNDAY, NEW YEAR'S DAY, @ 8:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK (see "Our Routes" above. What a great way to start the new year!

EVERY TUESDAY thru 1/17 @ 7:15 A.M. thereafter, 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 @ thru 1/19th, 7:15 A.M., thereafter, 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

Noyo River Logging Road

Or, A&W Road, whichever you prefer. It was a calm, grey, 40 degree morning, as we met at the Fort Bragg Police Department at 8:00 a.m. Always nice to meet new people and today we had the pleasure of meeting Caroline and Richard, friends and neighbors of Charlene and Ron, also present. Besides those four, present today were: Gay, Mark, Cindy, Jim, Tanya, Melissa, John, Johnny, Kathy, Steve, Toni, Geri, Fran, Nancy B., Rick, Rod, Orah, Steve, Nancy and Tom (24).


Christmas color and spirit provided by John Loomis, thanks John.


We had a potluck breakfast and cookie exchange afterwards at Nancy and Tom's. I should give thanks to the Cookie God, as most of the cookies were gone after everyone had left. There was, as always, lots and lots of food, coffee, champagne and wonderful conversation. We all have so much to learn from and share with one another. It is a great group of people.

For the next six months or so, I am going to continue posting the blog but will also moderate a Yahoo Group website. If you will send me your e-mail address ( triley@mcn.org), I will send you an invite to join the Yahoo Group. It will be by invitation only to eliminate any possible spammers and the like. I'm just doing this because I continue to get comments from people that miss the old e-mail reminders. On the Yahoo Group, you can choose to receive an automatic e-mail for each message or to just go to the web site when you're curious as to what is going on. We'll see what happens.

NEXT SUNDAY, Christmas Day @ 8:00 A.M.: MacKerricher Haul Road, see "Our Routes" above. The last Sunday Group Run/Walk on Christmas Day was in 2005. There were 7 in attendance but 3 of those have moved away. Don't know if anyone will make it this year but yes, there will be a Group Run/Walk. (It's the best thing you can give yourself, or those you love!)

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.

Hare Creek, Jackson State Forest

Hare Creek was pretty this morning, very "winter-like". It was 42 degrees, calm and with a thick grey overcast. Throw in lots of fallen leaves and a few mud puddles and you get the idea. It was fun though and present were: Suzi, Fran, Orah, Steve, Johnny, Bob, John, Nancy B., Rick, Nancy T., Roger, Nancy and Tom (13). Afterwards, seven of us met with Brad for breakfast at David's, very, very good.

John took this picture of Noyo Harbor and a crab boat yesterday, similar to this morning but with a lower fog/overcast.


Next Sunday, we will have our Annual Christmas Potluck Breakfast and Cookie Exchange. Bring any breakfast type dish you'd like and if you bring cookies (optional) to exchange, remember to take home as many as you brought!!! After the run/walk, follow someone to Tom and Nancy's house, if you are unsure of our location. These are always great breakfasts and lots of fun, please try to make it.

And John wouldn't "beat his own drum" but I will. I had this nice photo of some of ceramic pots that he made this year. He's a man of many talents!

NEXT SUNDAY, 12/18/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: Noyo River Logging Road, aka A&W Road, see "Our Routes" above.

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.

Ten Mile River logging road

 It must be the continuing gorgeous weather that gave such a great turnout this morning of 21 people - even without our leader - Tom and Nancy.  Roll on climate change!

The first part of ten-mile has that steep hill, which, when we started, hadn't had the benefit of basking in the beautiful morning sun, so it would have been more appropriate to have worn ice skates than walking boots.  Still Jan & Marc, John L., Suzie, Gay & Mark, Johnny, Nancy B., Steve & Ora, Dorothy, Nick, Neil, Toni, Cindy & Jim, Fran, Randy, Randy (of rompingradishes.com fame) and Roger & Nancy all managed to get down (and up) the hill without needing the services of a doctor.

The picture I've included is one I took on last weeks walk, and is a wild rose seen on the Navarro Ridge Road.

As I get to write this weeks blog, I guess I can take the opportunity to do a little advertising. I created and maintain a number of websites, one of which has grown to be quite a project.  It started off supporting our local model railway, but has grown into a great reference for all the local logging and railroad history.  Take a look at www.mendorailhistory.org - which now has over 500 pages, 3,000 photographs and 100 videos.

John just sent me a photo he took this morning of Ten Mile River and Bridge.  I've added here on the right.

NEXT SUNDAY, 11th Dec @ 8:00 A.M.: Hare Creek, Jackson State Forest Road 400 (off Hwy. 20 - 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.

NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD

John (can you find him?) ran the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, along with 4,000 others in Redondo Beach!

It was 41 when I left home this morning and I think that it was about the same at The Whitesboro Grange at our 8:00 a.m. start. It was a beautiful Fall morning, clear blue skies above and fog in the Navarro River Canyon below us. There's always something interesting to see or hear on Navarro Ridge. Today, I saw a couple of grave site headstones that I had never noticed. Suzi liked the throaty (?) sounds that the emus made. It was just a nice morning. Present were: Gay, Mark, Geri, Suzi, Tanya, Nancy T., Roger, Charlene, Ron, Nancy and Tom (11). Five of the group stayed for breakfast at the Grange.

I hope this date works for everybody. Nancy and I would like to have the Fog Dodger Christmas Potluck and Cookie Exchange at our house on Sunday, Dec. 18th. It would follow our normal morning run/walk. More later but please try to save the date.

New on the blog! Check out the "High Resolution Local Maps" to the right. Roger created this program and I really like it. It makes it easy to zoom in find a local trail or road. Give it a try and thank you, Roger!

NEXT SUNDAY, 12/4/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: Ten Mile River Logging Road, see "Our Routes" above.

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.

Bin Runnin' and Walkin' Lately?

It was an absolutely beautiful morning for a short run/walk from Harvest Market to Safeway, then on to Purity Market and back, filling the Fort Bragg Food Bank bins along the way.  Four of us showed up today - Tom, Nancy, Geri and Johnny - but it was our distinct pleasure.

We then had a great breakfast with Brad at David's deli, and plotted how to get the rest of you to come join us next year.   More forewarning?

Maybe next month?

How about a prediction run?  A shopping cart rally?  A shopping cart ride-and-tie?  Or?

See you all on Sunday.  You can't sleep in every morning....

Fern Canyon, Van Damme State Park

John Loomis sent the above photo along with a wish for a Happy Thanksgiving!

This morning it was cold, so cold that the Fog Dodgers could not be held back, taking off 15 seconds early, for a beautiful run or walk, up and back through Fern Canyon. It was 40 degrees but didn't seem that warm. Luckily, it was calm and clear. The deciduous trees are all about half naked now and the creek is flowing nicely, very "Fall-like" and pretty in the canyon.

Present this morning: Suzi, Johnny, John, Nancy B., Rick, Orah, Steve, Nancy T., Roger, Tanya, Nancy and Tom (12). Nine of us had a great breakfast at the Little River Inn.

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. A good way to start the day on Thanksgiving would be to come out for our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Food Bank Run and Walk. You can read more about it in last week's post. I hope that we can get a good turn out, it's really for a very good cause. Right now, the weather forecast calls for rain on Thanksgiving Day. Since this is a "Fun Run and Walk", if it is really pouring, we will likely modify things a bit, but we will definitely be having breakfast at David's Restaurant, so please come and join us.

NEXT SUNDAY, 11/27/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD, see "Our Routes" above.

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.

CASPAR LOGGING ROAD

It was another great morning on the coast! We had calm, blue skies and 45 degrees at start time. The roads now are all in perfect condition, not dusty nor muddy and a lot of the loose rock has been packed down. Present for the run/walk today were: Fran, Cindy, Jim, Toni, Randy, Nancy B., Rick, John, Johnny, Nancy T., Roger, Gay, Mark, Geri, Ron, Nancy and Tom (17).

Brad joined ten of us for a really good breakfast at David's Restaurant.

This morning, I noticed on the door at David's a sign saying that they would be open on Thanksgiving Day. A little later, while shopping in Harvest Market, Deanne, the manager, asked if the Fog Dodgers were doing the Thanksgiving Food Run again this year. The time has just flown by lately and frankly, I hadn't thought about it. But, it's not too late right now to announce that yes, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24th, at 8:00 a.m., we will have our Second Annual Fog Dodgers Thanksgiving Food Bank Run and Walk.

About a half dozen of us last year year participated in the inaugural Food Bank Run and Walk and we really enjoyed it. I hope that this year, we have 25 people show up! It may be raining, it may be cold, it may be beautiful, whatever the conditions, the Food Bank will be so happy for your contributions. Please come!

It's not a race. You won't even get a t-shirt for it. No goodie bags, and no start or finish lines, either. There may be one prize, that being a raffle where the winner will receive breakfast free. The raffle will be conducted by dropping our receipts for purchased food items into a "hat" (one will have a winning symbol on it) and drawing one receipt. Breakfast cost will be equally distributed to other other entrants.

THANKS-GIVING morning at 8 AM, we'll meet at the Boatyard -- NOT, I repeat, NOT the usual Thursday scene at Van Damme State Park at 7 AM. You can sleep in this Thursday!

First stop is Harvest Market, where you may wish to purchase something to put in the Fort Bragg Food Bank bin there. Then we'll run/walk to Safeway (1.1 miles), where you may wish to purchase something else to put in the Fort Bragg Food Bank bin at the east entrance. Then we'll run/walk to Purity (0.6 miles), where you may wish to purchase something else to put in the Fort Bragg Food Bank bin there. You get the idea.

Now follow the same path back, to Safeway, then to Harvest.

The walkers may only wish to do the Harvest-Safeway-Harvest route (2.2 miles round trip).

NEXT SUNDAY, 11/20/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, see "Our Routes" above. I hope the rain forecast later this week doesn't make things too muddy. Just in case, and I don't know if this will work out or not, bring an extra pair of shoes if you want, some have been wanting to go to the Little River Inn again for breakfast.

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 (except Thanksgiving) @ 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach. On Thanksgiving, we do the Fog Dodger's Thanksgiving Day Food Run and Walk, beginning at The Boatyard at 8:00.

Ron Jahelka Trail (Big River)

Photo: Nancy B.

To fish for crabs along the coast here, you've got to be able to put up with some miserable weather.

It was a brisk, 41 degrees at Big River this morning. We had a nice turn out. Wonder if setting the clocks back one hour last night had anything to do with that??? Kristina, a friend of Johnny's came for the first time, welcome! Also present: Johnny, Cindy, Jim, Deb, Sam, Elaine, Gay, Mark, Tanya, Bob, Nancy B., Rick, Nancy T., Roger, Fran, Charlene, Orah, Steve, Peter, Nancy and Tom (22). After the breezy beginning and going up that little hill at the start, it was really a nice morning for a run or walk.

Eight of us went to The Bayview Cafe for breakfast afterwards.

NEXT SUNDAY, 11/13/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: CASPAR LOGGING ROAD, JSF RD. 500, (see "Our Routes" above).

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.

Russian Gulch State Park

Photos: Thanks to John Loomis

It was a nice morning here on the coast. We ran and walked Russian Gulch State Park and it was 47, clear and calm at our 8:00 a.m. start. Present today were: Charlene, Ron, Toni, Cheryl, Neil, John, Nancy T., Roger, Orah, Steve, Nancy B., Rick, Peter, Johnny, Nancy and Tom (16).


Eight of us joined Brad for breakfast at David's Restaurant. It was very good.

Congratulations to Nancy R. ("Energizer Bunny"), First Place yesterday in the Noyo River Run 5K. Also to Bob, Third Place in 5K.

NEXT SUNDAY, Nov. 6th, @ 8:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER ROAD, (The Ron Jahelka Trail), see "Our Routes" above. PACIFIC STANDARD TIME!!!

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.

JSF Rd. 450, Hare Creek

Thirteen of us, including Terry, a friend of Fran, showed up on this beautiful Fall morning. It was 51 degrees but felt warmer, clear and calm. Also present were: Fran, Cindy, Jim, Ron, Johnny, John, Tanya, Gay, Mark, Geri, Nancy and Tom. The road was just about perfect, no longer sandy, not yet muddy, truly a beautiful morning. John took this picture at the Bradley Arabian Stables, very close to our starting point.

Do you know how long it has been since we last met at Russian Gulch? I'll tell you, it was August 15, 2010, a little over 14 months ago. There's a good reason for this, fallen trees blocked the trail and then State Parks actually closed the trail for repair work to their water system. Well, it's open to the public again now but will probably be closed as soon as we get a "good" winter storm. We'll meet there next Sunday but I'll warn you now, there's a little mud and water in spots so wear your garden shoes or whatever. One should also be careful of the vegetation, nettles, blackberries and poison oak that is closing in on trail. This may be our first and last chance to run or walk there. If there's anyone that wants to walk there but doesn't handle that hill near the start/finish, they could borrow my free day use hang tag and operate a car pool to the bottom of the hill. You can park at the Recreation Building and walk the trails from there. It is possible to get a good walk in without ever getting to the wet or muddy parts, just walk the headlands trail or to the beach and back. It is a beautiful park.

NEXT SUNDAY, 10/30/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, see "Our Routes" above.

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.

A&W LOGGING ROAD

We had a "warm" (58 degree) run or walk this morning along the Noyo River. It was a very thick overcast that kept it so warm. It made for great running and walking conditions. Thanks to Toni, first photo and Peter, second photo. You can see how pretty the morning was! Interesting to me is that they seem to be almost the same photo, as seen thru two different camera "eyes".

Thanks Cheryl and Neil for bringing guests, Cathy and Larry (all the way from Missouri!). Also present were: Cindy, Jim, Charlene, Ron, Johnny, Bob, Geri, Toni, Peter, Gay, Mark, Orah, Steve, Nancy B., Rick, Nancy and Tom (21).

Twelve of us met Brad at David's Restaurant for a really good breakfast.

NEXT SUNDAY, 10/23/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: JACKSON STATE FOREST RD. 450, off of Simpson Lane. See "Our Routes" above.

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.

Van Damme State Park's Fern Canyon

John Loomis photos, Van Damme State Park, on our Thursday morning run. Thank you, John.

I've heard mention several times something called "Tom's Time". I guess it has something to do with our only Fog Dodger "Rule", that we always start at exactly 8:00 a.m. This morning, I decided to test this rule. Arriving 15 seconds after 8:00, I was sooooo happy to see the Fog Dodgers just heading across the highway, meaning that they started at precisely 8:00! Ron proudly claimed credit for having just checked his watch, setting it to the exact time by World Standards or something. Thanks Ron!

While mentioning Ron, I heard today that he has an excellent collection of Winter Landbirds on display at College of the Redwoods. It was said that anyone would enjoy seeing these and can do so at any time, as long as the college's front door is open, they're in the lobby.

Arriving 15 seconds late this morning, I'll apologize now if your name is omitted here. Those I saw were: John, Ron, Cindy, Jim, Elaine, Nancy B., Rick, Mark, Heather, Fran, Geri and Tom (12). Must have missed somebody, hmmm?

NEXT SUNDAY, 10/16/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: A&W LOGGING ROAD, aka Noyo River Logging Road, (see "Our Routes" above).

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.

MacKerricher Haul Road

I bet that some Fog Dodgers walked out the door this morning, found out that it was raining and decided to stay home and read the paper. Had any of you done that, you missed a great big rainbow (meaning there were holes in the clouds and sunshine) and a beautiful morning on the coast. John Loomis got a good picture that shows exactly how the morning was.

I forgot to check the thermometer but when I left home it was 57 and it felt the same at Pudding Creek. It was just a real nice morning for a walk or run.

Thank you, Gay and Mark, for bringing a guest, Betty, and thanks to Neil, for bringing David. Others enjoying the morning were: Nancy T., Roger, Toni, Randy, Nancy B., Rick, Johnny, Bob, Nancy and Tom (15). Nine of us met Brad at David's for a breakfast and lots of talk and problem solving.

And for reading this far, here's a bonus photo:

King Agaricus Augustus, very edible and "Choice", by John Loomis.


Next week, by request, we will hold off from my temptation to return to the A&W Road (once again open) and instead,

NEXT SUNDAY, 10/09/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, (see "Our Routes" above).

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.

Caspar Logging Road

Yesterday's forecast rain finally showed up this morning, but it was really light, so I wouldn't go so far as to say that those who showed up this morning were especially hardy because of it. Still, it was a fine group who enjoyed the first fall sprinkles pushing up the mushrooms and keeping down the dust. The temp in the mid 50's was quite pleasant, but the humidity was a bit too generous for my taste.

Enjoying today's sprinkles were John L, Toni, Mark, Roger, Nancy T., Ron, Charlene and Johnny (8). I considered leaving Roger off the list today, but I and several others did see him, and I could never leave him off the list intentionally, even in recompense. (Why does "recompense" sound so British to me?) Four of us then had breakfast at David's with Brad.

NEXT SUNDAY, October 2 @ 8 AM: MacKerricher Haul Road - it's been a while since we were there. Doesn't look like we're going to have rain again for a while, anyway.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7 AM: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7 AM: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

A Beautiful Morning at Van Damme

On this glorious, crisp (around 45°), sunny morning we stood around at Van Damme car park, waiting to start.  Panic! Where's our leader?  No Tom, no Johnny.  However Tom, no need to worry, as with great fortitude we girded our loins and set off promptly at 8.00am.  In fact, we were so resolute to cross the highway, we nearly collided with a passing car.

There were 16 of us that had a really enjoyable walk - I guess 15, as John L. was the only runner. Lots of talking, debating and putting the world to rights. The 16 were - John L., Mark & Gay, Jim & Cindy, Suzi, Neil, Pat, Rick & Nancy,, Dorothy, Fran, Roger & Nancy, Toni and Peter.  Someone else wrote down the list of names (thanks) and included Johnny.  However, As I didn't see Johnny, I haven't included him.  So Johnny, if you were there - I'm sorry!

I guess John's sweeping success at the County Fair in Boonville put him in an "artsy" mood.  He kindly provided this photo for today's blog.

After the walk, 5 of us had breakfast at Bayview in Mendocino

NEXT SUNDAY, Sept 25th @ 8:00 A.M.: CASPAR LOGGING ROAD (see "Our Routes" above)
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.

A Talented Group!

Seen at the County Fair and Appleshow at Boonville yesterday - were awards for Johnny, Gay and John L (I've only shown 3 of his many awards).  There could have been more from our group - so apologies if I missed you.  Click the thumbnails to see a larger image.

Don't forget, tomorrow's walk is at Van Damme

Big River Logging Road

Photos by John Loomis

This morning we met at Big River. Kind of a weird morning, for the coast at least. It was a balmy 57 degrees, very dry and what seemed like a warm, light breeze blowing. I guess that points south and east of us are having dry thunderstorms and we're just getting the nice dry air. Anyway, it was a nice morning and a happy group of walkers. Only one runner today, John. Also present were: Fran, Dorothy, Cindy, Jim, Orah, Steve, Suzi, Peter, Nancy T., Roger, Toni, Nancy and Tom (14).


Six of us had a very good breakfast at David's Restaurant after the walk.

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPT. 18TH @ 8:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, (see "Our Routes" above)

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.

TEN MILE RIVER LOGGING ROAD

It was a dark and dreary morning,................... ducking now as I hear the moans! We were at Ten Mile River and it was 52 with a heavy overcast and light drizzle, actually the perfect weather for running and walking. Labor Day weekend, I think, made our group small, but really good!

Present were:
John (thank you John for these photos taken yesterday at this same location, remember everyone, these photos are "clickable", give it a try)
Gay, Mark, Toni, Randy F., Cindy, Jim, Johnny, Fran, Nancy and Tom (11). We picked blackberries along the road and had a good time.

Four of us were joined by Brad at David's Restaurant for breakfast.

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPT. 11TH @ 8:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD (the Ron Jahelka Trail), see "Our Routes" above.

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.

NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD

This morning, we were running and walking Navarro Ridge. It was really foggy at the beginning and 51 degrees, good for running! About 3 miles in, or a mile or so from our start, we broke into the sun and it was beautiful. Present today were: Suzi, Larry, Pat, Fran, Gay, Mark, Nancy B. (welcome back from Peru!), Rick, Nancy T., Roger, Tanya, Bob, John, Johnny, Laurie, Charlene, Nancy and Tom (18). Brent joined 16 of us for the reliable and good Grange Pancake Breakfast.

John Loomis photos





Back on July 31st we were at Ten Mile River. The blackberries at that time were still very green. A couple of weeks ago, I was told that there were still lots of green berries. So, I think that by next Sunday, the blackberries growing, in a bit from the coast, should be at their prime. Next week, bring along a plastic bag (easiest to carry) or coffee can or bucket and plan on not walking or running quite as far as you normally would and enjoy picking a few blackberries, if you'd like to. Ten Mile Logging Road is a very good berry road, no dust and lots of blackberries.

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPT. 4TH @ 8:00 A.M.: TEN MILE RIVER LOGGING ROAD, (see "Our Routes" above).

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.

JSF Rd. 500 (Caspar Logging Road)

I can probably say this more often here in Mendocino than I could anywhere else, "It was another perfect morning for running or walking." John Loomis snapped this photo today. Thank you, John.

We were on the Caspar Logging Road or the trails off of and around it. It was 55 degrees and heavy overcast with no breeze. A large group of happy people awaited the 8:00 start. Nice to meet a new member today, Teresa R. Also present were: Fran, Pat, Neil, Jan, Marc, Rick, Bobby L., Roger, John, Johnny, Charlene, Ron, Bob, Gay, Mark, Peter, Randy, Nancy and Tom (20, I think!).

Afterwards, 10 of us, including Brad, had a great (IMHO) breakfast at David's Restaurant. Good job, Kira!

NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 28TH @ 8:00 A.M.: NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD, (see "Our Routes" above). Be sure to allow enough driving time, about 10 minutes more than Van Damme. It's worth the few extra miles.

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.

Big River Logging Road

We ran and walked the Big River Logging Road, aka The Ron Jahelka Trail, this morning and it was another perfect morning. Well, almost perfect, I guess there were a few mosquitoes out, right Geri? It was 49 degrees, a slight breeze and a thin "valley fog" or in this case I guess it's a "canyon fog". It was beautiful and sunny along the coast but a lite fog still hung in Big River.

Lots of new people today, I hope I remember the names right. Welcome to Jennifer, Marc, Bodie, Chris, Larry and Bobby L. Also present: John, Bob, Patti, Rick, Randy, Peter, Suzi, Elaine, Geri, Orah, Steve, Marc W., Cheryl, Neil, Gay, Mark, Cindy, Jim, Nancy and Tom (26).

Our Gay, baker extraordinaire, recently entered 5 items at The Redwood Empire Fair. She won 3 First Place, 1 Second Place and 1 Third Place!! She's amazing! When I heard of the results, I told her that I thought her Third Place, Chocolate Shortbread, needed another judging. I was really just joking but she took the hint and brought samples enough for all 26 of us today. 24 voted that it should have won Gay another Blue Ribbon and two had to take their samples home to savor later after breakfast. Thank you so much, Gay!

After our run/walk, 14 of us had breakfast at The Bayview Cafe. They did a really great job and we all enjoyed it.

NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 21ST @ 8:00 A.M.: CASPAR LOGGING ROAD (see "Our Routes" above).

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.

Van Damme State Park's Fern Canyon

This morning we ran and walked Van Damme State Park's Fern Canyon. We were a small group: Patti, Cindy, Elaine, Charlene, Ron, Bob, Kathy, Steve, Nancy and Tom (10). The weather was perfect for running and walking, 55 degrees with a heavy overcast.

Van Damme's trail is in good shape right now. Each of the log blockages has been cleared and the mud holes have mostly dried. We'll check out Russian Gulch again this Tuesday but as of two weeks ago, it was a real mess with mud and stinging nettles.

Afterwards, six of us had a really nice breakfast at the Little River Inn.

NEXT SUNDAY, AUG. 14TH @ 8:00 A.M.: RON JAHELKA TRAIL, along Big River (see "Our Routes" above.

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.

TEN MILE RIVER LOGGING ROAD

We ran and walked at Ten Mile River this morning. It was a good, or perfect, morning at 54 degrees, under calm and overcast skies. Present were Johnny, Patti, Cheryl, Neil, Geri, Fran, Toni, Peter, Nancy T., Roger, Randy F., Nancy and Tom (13).

At 8:00 sharp, we all took off, with Patti and Johnny going left for a run on the beach while the rest of us went right for a walk or run up the logging road. Thanks Johnny, your going left, allowed Nancy and I to once again experience what it's like to be in the "lead pack", it's been many years.

Brad joined eight of us for breakfast at David's.

NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 7TH @ 8:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK (see "Our Routes" above)

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.

MacKerricher State Park

Delicious!!! Oh, I'm starting off out of order here, I'll digress a bit. Let's see, it was another perfect morning for a run, walk or bike ride. There was a thick layer of clouds above us to keep it a warm 56 degrees and only a very slight breeze. We met at Laguna Point, the most westerly parking lot at MacKerricher State Park, and from there took off in several directions. The ocean was very calm and dark in contrast to the grey overcast sky. It was really a pretty morning. Thanks to John L. for the photo.



Present today were: Geri, Cindy, Jim, Toni, Charlene, Ron, John, Randy E., Nancy T., Roger, Nancy B., Rick, Jan, Marc, Cheryl, Neil, Johnny, Melissa I., Nancy and Tom (20).

Okay, now the delicious part of it. Everyone brought some kind of food and/or drink item to share. I think we were all amazed at how, in a outdoor, 9:00 a.m., beach parking lot, breakfast potluck, we could have such a food feast and it was all very, very delicious!

As an added benefit, John gave lessons on throwing a beach throw net to those interested in catching surf smelt.

Coming soon, a new (to the Fog Dodgers) trail to walk or run. It's the Caspar Trail, (maybe should be called Caspar Doyle Creek???) that can be a nice out and back for the walkers, about 2 1/2 to 3 miles or a fun loop of about 5 miles for the runners. Johnny is going to check it out for us. Meanwhile,

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 31st, 8:00 A.M.: TEN MILE RIVER LOGGING ROAD, (see "Our Routes" above.)

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.

Caspar Logging Road

After last night's exceptionally drippy fog, it was a beautiful, dry, overcast, and calm morning out at the Caspar Logging Road - and all at very civil 56F. It's been a while since I've heard so many people commenting what a great morning they had out for a walk/run.

My friend Rod came up from San Jose for the weekend, and we had a good showing otherwise, including Patty, Marc, Jan, Peter, Fran, Charlene, Ron, Cheryl, Neal, Bob, Geri, Toni, Dorothy, Nancy T, Roger, and me (17). Seven of us had a good breakfast with Brad at David's Deli.

NEXT SUNDAY, July 24, 2011 @ 8 AM: Don't forget we'll have a summer potluck picnic out MacKerricher State Park after the run/walk/ride. You'll have several options for your trek, and there are some picnic tables and facilities near that parking area:

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7 AM: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7 AM: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

Big River

Photo by John Loomis

A summery brisk but sunny 47F this morning seemed to keep the mosquitoes at bay, thankfully, as there was no significant breeze to help had we needed it. There was however plenty of mosquito bait, if you will, and I'm really happy to report that since our last time here, they've finally graded over all the car-sized holes in the road leading up to the trail head parking area.

We had many guests today, and even the locals showed up in force! John and Marianne came all the way from Kansas City, and apparently I've been missing some Tuesday morning people, like Merri and Pete and his guests Carol and Jennifer. Bob and Susan brought Don, who is here playing at the Muscial Festival. Already I feel the tension mounting that I will forget or misplace someone, but I am the pinch hitter today and my salary and benefits can't possibly go any lower... Marc, Jan, Peter, John L., Toni, Fran, Ron, Charlene, Nancy B., Patty, Nancy T., Roger, Steve, Kathy, Susie, Neil, Cheryl and Johnny (27). Please let me know if I left out someone. Fourteen of us had a good breakfast at the Bayview Cafe.

Now get out your calendar and mark off Sunday, July 24 (two weeks from now), for a run/walk/ride at MacKerricher State Park, and pot-luck picnic afterwards. Please note this is NOT our usual MacKerricher Haul Road route starting at the Pudding Creek trestle bridge. There are some new restroom facilities near the end parking lot:

NEXT SUNDAY, July 18, 2011 @ 8 AM: Caspar Logging Road. See "Our Routes" tab above.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7 AM: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7 AM: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

A&W LOGGING ROAD, HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Happy Fourth of July everyone and we can sure appreciate living on the coast on days like this! It was 55 degrees under bright blue skies with just a slight breeze this morning. We walked and ran along the Noyo River. Present this morning: Chuck, Geri, Jan, Marc & Java, Nancy B., Orah, Steve, Charlene, Ron, Toni, Peter, Bob, Johnny, John, Hector, Nancy T., Roger, Nancy and Tom (19).

Sixteen of us had a wonderful David's Deli breakfast. Kira, Simone and Skylar did a great job of keeping our coffee cups filled and handling our deviations from the standard menu.

This week, we enjoyed seeing our John Loomis interviewed on "Senior Perspectives", a MCTV Production. I've found out now, that this program can be viewed on-line http://tinyurl.com/3mbsjjb and you can also see our Ron LeValley interviewed. Always gotta put in a plug for our running seniors! These are two multi-talented and very interesting individuals.

Now that the warmer weather and mornings have finally arrived, don't forget to bring your mosquito repellant along on some of our run/walks. You can pretty much bet on mosquitoes when the mornings reach about 50 degrees.

Also got a tip this morning, of an upcoming pot-luck picnic breakfast, thanks Johnny. Stay tuned but I think it may be happening about three weeks from today. That would be July 24th for those of you that don't know when "today" is. We did this once or twice before and it was really nice. Remember, when it was Heather's Birthday? Out at Lake Cleone and Laguna Point area.

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 10TH @ 8:00 A.M.: RON JAHELKA TRAIL, along Big River, (see "Our Routes" above). Remember the mosquito lotion/spray!

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.

Fern Canyon, Van Damme State Park

We've been having an incredibly long string of beautiful days lately. Seems like about two weeks now. With record flooding in North Dakota, record tornadoes in the mid-country, record fires and droughts throughout the south, we should be thankful. It was a beautiful, sunny morning and 53 degrees at Van Damme this morning.

J. Loomis photo

The trail in Fern Canyon is finally in pretty good shape. There's several tree trunks across the trail that you need to climb over but at least all of the mud has finally dried. At Russian Gulch, the trail is not so good, stinging nettles having just about taken over it.

Thanks, Fran, for bringing Dorothy today. Also present were: Pat, Nancy B., Cindy, Jim, Neil, Suzi, Tanya, Patti, Johnny, John, Charlene, Ron, Toni, Peter, Nancy and Tom (18).

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 3RD @ 8:00 A.M.: A&W LOGGING ROAD, along the Noyo River, (see "Our Routes" above.

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.

Hare Creek on Father's Day

This morning it was beautiful at Hare Creek. We ran and walked Jackson State Forest 400. I forgot to check the temperature upon leaving my car but I think it was 53. Skies were blue and sunny, though this particular road is mostly in the shade. Anyway, it was really nice. John took this iris picture. The iris' are everywhere and really pretty.

We had a visitor today. Thanks Sarah, for joining us and we look forward to another visit. Also present today: John, Patty, Gay, Mark, Jan, Marc, Peter, Toni, Geri, Maddelyn, Scott, Orah, Steve, Nancy and Tom (16).

Seven of us enjoyed breakfast at David's Deli. At breakfast, Scott told us that he, Maddelyn and the rest of the family are moving to Spokane, WA and this was their last run. We'll miss them all. We are also losing Kim, Brian and Adeline, moving to Colorado Springs, CO. Best wishes to the Blacks and the Butlers. We need to recruit new runners!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads!

NEXT SUNDAY, June 26th @ 8:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, (see "Our Routes" above). Fern Canyon's trail has dried out enough now but a few trees remain across the trail.

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.

MacKerricher Haul Road

For those that missed the "Sheetiron 300" a few weeks ago on Navarro Ridge, Steve D. has given me this picture that depicts well what it was like.











Thanks to John L. for this MacKerricher State Park photo. It was taken last year in July but today was a carbon copy.

It was a beautiful, 53 degrees, about half sunny and half overcast with just a slight breeze.

Present today were: Johnny, Gay, Mark, Nancy B., Nancy T., Roger, Scott, Maddelyn, Kennedy, Cheryl, Neil, Charlene, Ron, Rick, Toni, Bob, Peter, Nancy and Tom (19).

Ten of us had a really good breakfast at The Laurel Deli after our run/walk.

NEXT SUNDAY, June 19th @ 8:00 A.M.: HARE CREEK, GRAVEL PIT ROAD (see "Our Routes" above). Don't get confused, this is the Hare Creek trail off Hwy. 20.

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.

Ten Mile River Logging Road

Remember how stormy it was last night? Well, not this morning! It was a balmy 54F, a bit overcast and humid, but an otherwise clear morning with only a gentle breeze. We welcomed Patti back to the group now that she is living and working here again.

Also making the trek up north was Roger, Nancy, Mark, Gay, Geri, Scott, Maddelyn, Melissa and Johnny (10). I heard Roger say that the Osprey are back on the tree-top nest, but Melissa, Patti and I took a sharp left at the bottom of the hill before that and went running along Ten Mile beach. There's no dogs allowed on that beach, but the rest of you should try a variation on that route (go straight just BEFORE going down the hill), as the beach is quite nice and the up hill coming back is much more civil.

Tom and Nancy appear to be the inspiration for going to breakfast, so when they aren't here we also seem to break off and go our separate ways.

NEXT SUNDAY, DATE @ 8 AM: Looks like this should be our last big rain system before "summer" finally arrives. Yay! See you all at MacKerricher Haul Road next Sunday morning. I'm looking forward to running along the bluffs.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7 AM: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7 AM: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

CASPAR LOGGING ROAD

I felt lost without my thermometer this morning but I know it was "close" to 48 degrees and the skies were clear and not yet windy. It was a nice morning and it was nice to see such a large turnout of happy people! It is nice to have Peter back from Florida. I don't know what such a migrant is called. It's not a "snowbird", as Florida has no snow. I guess he's a "Summer Californian", just as my sister says they have in Texas, "Winter Texans". The "Winter Texans" all pull out when Spring Break arrives and the weather warms up in the north. (Following added after original posting): I'm still having trouble posting a comment but luckily have the luxury of being able to "edit" my post. Upon further contemplation, I guess Peter is a "snowbird", as he left California to spend the winter in Florida. I had just never considered Californians as being snowbirds. Is that what our "warm" California weather has come to?

Present today were Peter, Gay, Mark, Geri, Cynthia, Chuck, Toni, Cindy, Jim, Rick, John, Nancy T., Roger, Cheryl, Neil, Fran, Pat, Nancy B., Nancy and Tom (20).

Joining 11 of us at David's for breakfast was Brad. Kira continues to improve things at David's. The menu seems to work well but we always present a challenge (mainly for the cooks, I think) when we arrive as a large group. Today, our group of 11 arrived just after another large group, probably of 16 or so, had arrived. It slows things down and mixes them up a little, but Kira takes it all in stride, continuing to smile and make things right.

NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 5TH, @ 8:00 A.M.: TEN MILE RIVER LOGGING ROAD, see "Our Routes" above.

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.

Navarro Ridge, Beyond Thunderdome

Photo by John Loomis

Last year, on May 23rd, Johnny asked in this blog, "Someone please, please remind us! Next year, before the fourth Sunday of May, we should find out the course for the California 10,000". I thought that must be the name of the motorcycle ride we encountered and named it that because it seemed to have that many bikes. Well, we all failed to remember it on this 4th Sunday of May and today we again shared the road with "The Sheetiron 300". Johnny found that this is the real name for this annual event and that they ride from Stonyford to Fort Bragg on Saturday and then back to Stonyford on Sunday.

As far as the "Beyond Thunderdome" title of the blog, it was just how Johnny felt as he counted 86 bikes pass him going out and 192 on his way back. No Tina Turner or Mel Gibson though, at least no that we could identify with all that garb they wear, including helmet cameras on some!


Otherwise, it was a nice morning on Navarro Ridge, 50 degrees, mostly sunny and a moderate breeze. Present this morning were: Geri, Fran, Kathy, Steve, Bob, Nancy T., Roger, John, Johnny, Laurie, Nancy and Tom (12).

NEXT SUNDAY, DATE @ 8:00 A.M.: CASPAR LOGGING ROAD, (see "Our Routes" above).

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.

Van Damme State Park

Not a morning for a casual walk or run, it was around 45F and the rain that had been promised for the entire weekend finally arrived. I really think the folks at Van Damme should get some new trees - theirs keep falling down.


Anyway, a faithful few did show up to muddy their shoes - Toni, John, Tanya, Rod, Maribeth, Elaine, Deb, Sam and Johnny (9). Afterwards, Deb, Sam and Elaine went to Little River Inn for breakfast, and Toni joined Brad and me at David's Deli.


NEXT SUNDAY, May 22, 2011 @ 8 AM: It was pretty squishy today, and it's supposed to rain for the next 2-3 days as well as next Sunday, so pavement sounds most reasonable. Since it will be the 4th Sunday (already!), Navarro seems a reasonable choice. I know it's a long drive for many, so consider carpooling whenever you can, and don't forget breakfast at the Whitesboro Grange when you're making those plans!

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7 AM: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7 AM: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.