MacKerricher Haul Road

It was a fog free, flea killing frost kind of morning. The sun was up and the mercury down. Turnout was low but spirits were high.

Those that were unable to attend missed out on welcoming a new day of spectacular grandeur showcased with miles of bright blue ocean nourished in an atmosphere of pristine clean air. There was ice on the Ice Plant, Canadian Geese in flight, Snowy Plover, and somewhere, I'm sure, spouting whales.

A rather large brown breasted hawk was perched sentry like atop the dunes only a few yards away, but remained undisturbed by our passing. (A Ron L. classic bird moment)

The brisk chill quickly gave way to warmer temperature as the sun worked its Vitamin D miracle on what little was exposed of our skin.

Present were Fran, Neil, Mark, John,Rick, Randy, Robert,Roger and Nancy with beautiful Abbby.

Afterward, nobody considered polar plunging, although some gathered at the North Coast Brewery for warm coffee and breakfast.

Photos courtesy of our talented John Loomis.

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 it's south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

Big River

Stepping out of the house this morning I was met by sprinkles, and I seem to recall that pleasant thoughts did not immediately rush to mind. A few degrees cooler (it was 36F, Tom), and it would have been snowing. But there were clear skies to both the east and west, and I had hope - there would be no mosquitoes!!!

Photo by John Loomis

As it turned out, the sprinkles abated by the time everyone began driving up. What I hadn't really counted on however was that down-river breeze, which prompted several of us to begin a little early just to warm up. Sorry Tom, I know that was against protocol, but it was probably less than 30 seconds, and it was COLD!

I'm guessing few others anticipated that cold wind, as many of you showed up, smiles blazing - John, Melissa, Orah, Steve, Hector, Jim, Cindy, Mark, Gay, Charlene, Toni, Fran, Geri, Sarah, Kim, Neil, Cheryl, Suzi, Roger, Nancy, Deb, Sam, Maddelyn, Scott, Marc and me, Johnny (25). Ten of us had breakfast at the Bayview Cafe afterward. I have to say a great and unanticipated treat was to sit by Suzi and watch her so beautifully and deftly recreate the vista in watercolor right before our eyes!

NEXT SUNDAY, February 27 @ 8 AM: MacKerricher Haul Road (See "Our Routes" 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.

TWO things to note:

Sunday, March 13 will be Daylight Savings Time! Yes, already!

Sunday, April 24 will bring the Easter Bunny Rabbit back, and IT IS the year of The Rabbit, folks.

Valentine's Week?

Signs of Spring

Cool Crisp Nights
Daylight sneaks earlier through my window
The scent of smoldering oak from a woodstove
Signs of springtime surround
A feathered friend
The lone brightly colored single bloom
Tree buds swelling
The early bird Robin seeks a red worm
It is Valentines Day
Another welcome sign of Spring

Happy Valentine Day
Happy signs of Spring


(Sorry, Tom and John. I fell "under the [beautiful] weather" this week, and didn't to your request to post this soon enough. But it's not yet Sunday, so a whole week hasn't passed yet....)

JSF Rd. 450

We were at Hare Creek this morning, on Jackson State Forest Road 450, at least some of us were. I suspect that some Fog Dodgers may have gone to the wrong location, as a few that were expected were no-shows. Present on the south side of Hare Creek were: Toni, Roger, Nancy T., Gay, Mark, Orah, Steve, Tanya, Nancy and Tom (10) (15 with the revision below, see Comments). It was a nice morning for running and walking, a bit brisk at 37 but clear skies and no wind, very winter-like. Thank you, Steve, for "capturing" the morning (left).

Addendum:
There's more to this report now and it's posted in the comments so be sure to check that out.

Afterward, 4 of us enjoyed breakfast at David's Restaurant. It's nice that the new owner, Kira, and staff, Margaret and Simone, are listening to our wishes and tweaking the meals and service. It was very good today.

NEXT SUNDAY, 2/20/11 @ 8:00 A.M.: THE 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 it's south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

Van Damme State Park's Fern Canyon

It had been two months since we ran, walked and biked Van Damme's Fern Canyon. We had avoided it because of muddy trails. Well, this morning it was doable and things there are looking pretty good. Now that trails are drying out as the days get longer, this trail should stay good. That's a good thing as it is the Fog Dodgers favorite venue. It was a beautiful morning today, 45 degrees with clear blue skies.

Present today were: Elaine, Deb, Kim, Nancy T., Roger, Mark, Randy E., Maddelyn, Scott, Charlene, Ron, Rod, John, Bob, Toni, Randy F., Orah, Steve, Nancy and Tom (20). Thank you J. Loomis for the Van Damme photo.

Nine of us enjoyed breakfast at David's Restaurant afterward.

NEXT SUNDAY, Feb. 13th @ 8:00 A.M.: JACKSON STATE FOREST ROAD 450, along the south side of Hare Creek. (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 it's south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.