Navarro Ridge Road

Thank you, John, for today's pictures.  The first is of the Albion Bridge and the second is one of the emus along our running/walking route.  John said the motion shows the emus movements, not his???

I think that Fran deserves an honorary appointment to the position of Fog Dodger Ambassador.  She has "recruited" so many people!  Thanks, Fran, for sending Shelley today.  Besides Shelley, also present were:  Kathleen, Craig, Toni, Joe, Shari, Peter, Ginny, Terry, Bob, John, Gay, Mark, Greg, Nancy and Tom (16). 

At our start this morning, it was 40 degrees and a little breezy.  What hurt the most though, well two things, starting off with a long uphill and going into a low blinding sun.  The smell of pancakes cooking was really nice.  I think most stayed for the Grange's breakfast.  What a great way to start one's day!

On Feb. 10th, it's the 33 rd Annual Willits Classic.  When I was doing more races, this was my favorite!  The 10 Mile Race is a beautiful loop around the valley, the 5K Race is flat and fast!  Look at Striders.org for more information.

Doesn't the time just fly by?  The last time we met at Russian Gulch was on Nov. 11th.  With fair and dry weather predicted for the next 5 days at least, let's give it another try.  Though it is a State Park, with dog restrictions, you can still get in a very good dog walk by doing the campground, beach and upper picnic areas.  The campground is now closed for camping, so it is especially nice.  The running/walking trail is in good shape now.

NEXT SUNDAY, FEB. 3RD,  @ 8:00 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, see "Our Routes" above. 

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7:15 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:15 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

MacKerricher Haul Road

Another very cold morning here, 41 when we started, but it felt much colder and there was a lot of frost along the trail  edges and on the Virgin Creek bridge.  It was a beautiful, clear morning.  There was a large swell coming in, which made for huge,  beautiful and very impressive wave, making me wonder how big the waves were at Maverick's today, for their annual "Big Wave" surfing contest. Just a real pretty morning.

I'm a little embarrassed, that I didn't recognize last week's photo for what it was.  Thanks, Gay, for pointing out that it was a bed full of naked ladies.  I should've known!

John took a few photos today, thank you, John.  I know, some of you are just getting back here after looking for those naked ladies.

                                                               Pudding Creek Cypress trees.





We had a very nice turnout today.  Hope that this includes everyone:  Fran,  Cindy, Jim, Gay, Mark, Melissa I., Randy E., Ginny, Terry, Orah, Steve, Nancy B., Rick, Craig, Neil, Greg, Tonita, Henry, Suzanne,  Toni, Joe,  Jan, Marc, John, Rod, Nancy and Tom (27)

  Burrowing Owl at MacKerricher State Park










John took this one previously, maybe last year.
We both like it and it does show MacKerricher State Park and the fun of being a kid!




NEXT SUNDAY, Jan. 27th @ 8:00 A.M.: NAVARRO RIDGE ROAD, see "Our Routes" above.  This is "by request" and I would add, it is worth the few extra miles of driving.  Do allow at least 10 more minutes than you would if going to Van Damme.  This road has some beautiful vistas and challenging hills.  Many really like the Whitesboro Grange Pancake Breakfast.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7:15 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end
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EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:15 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

Hare Creek

I was surprised this morning, and I'm impressed.  It was bitter cold this morning and I didn't think that more than a few people would show up.  Instead, 18 of us did!   I know that it was colder at many of our homes than the 31 degrees at Hare Creek, so it's great that so many of us want to get our run or walk in, no matter the weather.  I mean, that 18 or so of us is about a normal Sunday, not what you'd expect for coastal folk on a sub-freezing morning.  Present were:  Greg, Fran, Sarah, Tonita, Gay, Mark, Ginny, Terry, John, Nancy B., Rick, Neil, Toni, Joe, Rod, Bob, Nancy and Tom (18).

John sent me 4 photos this morning, all from Hare Creek or the immediate area.  John's photos are all so nice, I don't like to leave any out, this I guess, explains the "Garden  Bed".   This one must be in the "near Hare Creek" category.

                                                    To the right, is a Hare Creek tributary.


             
                                           

Downstream from our starting point, Hare Creek enters the ocean across a beautiful, small sandy beach

And lastly, or at the end of the day, the sun sets to the west of Hare Creek.





NEXT SUNDAY, 1/20/13 @ 8:00 A.M.: MACKERRICHER HAUL ROAD, see "Our Routes" above.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7:15 A.M.: RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, beginning on Point Cabrillo Drive, 1/10 of a mile north of its south end.

EVERY THURSDAY @ 7:15 A.M.: VAN DAMME STATE PARK, beginning at the beach.

In February, we'll go back to our 7:00 a.m. starts on Tuesday and Thursday.

Fern Canyon- Van Damme State Park

First thing, is to correct last week's blog.  "Anonymous" commented that I had left off Janet.  Yes, Janet was there, please come back!  I did hear this morning that she will be back, I hope so.  Sometimes, I just kind of space out.  While on names, today we had:  Elaine, Suzanne, Henry, Nancy B., Rick, Ginny, Terry, Tanya, Charlene, Shari, Peter, Bob J., Greg, Bob, John, Nancy and Tom (17).

The "runners" are gaining in numbers.  Ginny and Terry joined us, Cheryl has been able to return and I hear that Ron is having knee surgery soon, so hopefully he will be back.  Not trying to emphasize running but that is how this group began, a running group.  Personally, I feel a 50/50 ratio is a nice mix.  We have no quotas though and welcome everyone!

 It was 41 this morning with the promise of being a nice sunny day.  John caught this photo of a little ground fog around the Spring Ranch barn.





And then, turning the corner, he saw Van Damme Bay looking like this.  This is the outer reef area known by abalone divers as The Keyhole.  Remember, that if you click on the photos, they will enlarge and look much, much better.   Thank you, John.

The weather this week is supposed to be pretty good.  We've only been to Hare Creek, JSF Rd. 400, eight times in the past two years, so I'd like to do it again.  There's some loose rocks and a long downhill/uphill, so wear good shoes.  It is a very pretty hike and a challenging  run.  Hope to see you there!
NEXT SUNDAY, JAN. 13TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  HARE CREEK, JSF RD. 400, 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.