The Fog Dodgers invite all residents and visitors of the Mendocino Coast to join us on our weekly group runs and walks. We have runners and walkers of all abilities (and even some bikers) and we have only one "rule" - we start at exactly 8:00 a.m. on Sundays. Exercise at your own pace (1/2 hour out, 1/2 hour back) and experience the fresh Mendocino coastal air.

Fog Dodgers provides a fun, safe way to explore some of our local trails and back roads and to meet new friends. You can find out where we're going to be by reading the bottom of last week's post, then clicking on the "Our Routes" tab above. We average 15-20 persons each Sunday and typically half will go to breakfast together afterwards at a nearby restaurant.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

                           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.

Posted by Bob at 2:16 PM

1 comments:

Tom said...

I cast my vote for Bob, to blog more often. Thanks Bob, what a nice read.

I'm writing from Tehachapi now, where it is 90 degrees with lightning and thunder. See you all soon.

Tom

August 18, 2013

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