Navarro Ridge August 25th

We had a wonderful Aug. morning, with light rain in the evening, waking up to misty conditions on the coast, and up on

Navarro Ridge.  A hearty group of runners and walkers showed up, with a snow colored dog to boot.

The running contingent was on the lean side, although the walkers made up for that.

Terry was up and at it earlier, with runs on the Mendocino track, and then breezed past all of us on the way up the hill.

And with such a beautiful vista accompanying a strenuous run, and healthy walk, many had a hearty breakfast in the Grange.

A photo enclosed shows the many happy faces greeting the morning of Aug. 25th 2013 in Mendocino.

NEXT SUNDAY, Sept. 1st @ 8:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

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.

Thanks, John, for the post and the photos.

                           Russian Gulch State Park

J Loomis photo

Mark Twain once observed the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. That wasn't the scenario today as we had a continuation of what has been a spectacular week of ideal weather. It is a confirmation of why residents love Mendocino and why those in the valley suffering the effects of triple digit temperatures are now migrating to the coast.

The hidden history beneath our feet remained just that as we passed by what was once the site of an 1870's shingle mill near the inlet to Russian Gulch where now stands the park recreation hall. Russian Gulch was one of several "dog holes" along the Mendocino shores where schooners were loaded with building products from the lumber mills bound for SF Bay. In contrast the history over our head was an awe inspiring attraction as we passed under the Fredrick W. Panhorst Bridge where art and engineering are cemented in monument to the bridge designers of the New Deal era. Panhorst was the California State engineer during the bridge construction in 1940 and was the designer of the more famous Bixby Bridge in Big Sur. The bridge spanning Russian Gulch was designed by Henry Kuphal but the influence of Panhorst is quite evident in Kuphals creation.

An inviting blue sky and 54 degree start my explain why many runners and walkers were out today. Present were Fran, Peter, Greg, Cindy, Jim, Toni, (with the 35 lb. pack), Charlene, Ron, Jenny, Terry, John, Mark, Gay, Craig, Phil, Cheryl, Ora, Steve, Joel, Bob, Rick & Nancy and their friend David, and others new to the group, Taffy, Mike, Zelada, and Barbara.(26) Thanks to the new walkers for joining us and thanks to those that invited them. Also thank you to Cindy for helping collect the names of everyone present. The temperature warmed to 60 by journeys end.
       

C Hanchey photo

NEXT SUNDAY, August 25, 2013 @ 8:00 A.M.: Navarro Ridge road
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 Roads

"We used to have field days there.  That's where I ran my first race.  I beat a boy and he pushed me down.  I guess that's how it all started."  Joan Benoit Samuelson, pointing out the Cottage Farms School, Maine, to a visitor.


It was perfect this morning!   It was calm, mostly clear and about 53 degrees.  Present were:  Gay, Mark, Bob, John, Ginny, Terry, Cheryl, Kathy, Steve,  Tom T., Shari, Peter B., Peter N., Geri, Pat,
Charlene, Ron, Greg, Joel, Nancy and Tom (20).

Posting the next three dates and locations here:  (see "Our Routes" above)

8/18/2013 Russian Gulch State Park
8/25/2013 Navarro Ridge Road
9/01/13     Big River

NEXT SUNDAY, Aug. 18th @ 8:00 A.M.:  Russian Gulch State Park

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 (aka Ron Jahelka Trail)

"When I went up to Oxford, I wanted to take part in sport.  I was too light for rowing, and I wasn't skilled enough for rugby.  But I knew I could run."  Sir Roger Bannister

We met at Big River this morning.  It was overcast, calm and 51, perfect for mosquitoes, but luckily they weren't too hungry.  Not saying that the bite you got isn't itching right now, just saying it should have been worse.  Instead, we had lots of happy and talkative walkers and runners.   Thanks Geri, for bringing Stockton Sara back and to Fran, for bringing Marlene.  Cheryl brought along Lissa and Philip.  I think there is a good chance of seeing all of these new people again, and that makes it an even better morning.

Others present this morning, I hope I don't leave someone out, were:  Tom T., Bob J., Bob, John, Craig, Greg, Marc, Pat, Leon, Cheryl N., Neil, Shari, Peter,  Nancy B., Charlene, Ron, Ginny, Terry, Kathy, Steve, Gay, Mark, Shari, Peter, Nancy and Tom (32).

 Thanks to John for all the great photos!

Having a hard time deciding where to go next week.  Some locations are too far, some too rocky, others do not allow dogs and some we've just been to.  Forgive me if I pick something you're not happy with.   Because there are several routes to choose from, next week we will go to Caspar Logging Road again.  It might not be your favorite but it has something for everyone and doesn't exclude anyone.

NEXT SUNDAY, AUG. 11TH @ 8:00 A.M.: 
CASPAR LOGGING ROAD, Parking area #3, see "Our Routes" above.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 7:00 A.M. GROUP RUN/WALK: 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.