Noyo Headlands Trail

Tom, I started the walk/run 20 seconds early, to at least give me something to say in the blog, and give you enough ammunition to fire me from writing blogs in the future!.  However, as it turned out, I found quite a bit to write about.

Noyo Headlands Trail Map

It was an overcast morning, but warm at 55°.  We had a few showers on the walk/run, but nothing too serious. The new trail had some quite spectacular views of waves breaking over rock outcrops out in the ocean, particularly off Johnson Point.  There seemed to be adequate parking, but we'll see when the visitors arrive next summer. Parking at Glass Beach for the North Trail, was almost impossible this last summer, but at least additional parking has now been added.

Trail Visitor

There were some interesting seats along the trail, made by local artist, one that was a bit different had seats for 4 people, all facing different directions.  Joe suggested it could be for a dysfunctional family.  Another one, was hopefully waiting to be completed, as the bench seats were only attached by a few regular screws and one of the seats had already become detached!

I need to apologize to Neil, as Joe and I got into a long discussion on how to calculate the height above sea level you need to be, to see the horizon at 120 miles - the distance to Eureka where our closet weather radar is situated - no don't ask! Joe, the answer is about 10,000ft, see -  here. I guess as there was nothing about ailing bodies or sports in our discussion, Neil was quite bored.

We also were intrigued with the guy walking a small horse - the photo is courtesy of John.  The owner told us it was a Miniature Horse.  Earlier, I had been met with looks of derision and disbelief when I said I thought it might be a "Pit Pony" or "Shetland Pony".  So for those disbelievers, it turns out that the Shetland pony was the most common breed used as a 'pit' pony. Read about a pit pony here,  a Shetland pony here,  and a comparison between a miniature horse and a Shetland pony here.

Trail to Pomo Bluffs - click to enlarge

From the car park, the trail goes both left and right.  To the right, which is how most of us went, the trail goes north to Johnson Point and beyond.  At the end of the walk, Toni pointed out that had we turned left, it's possible to get all the way to Pomo bluffs.  I've included a map of this trail, and remember, clicking it will make it larger.

Don't forget, next week is the breakfast potluck and cookie exchange. Here's what Tom wrote in last week's blog - as a reminder

Gay told me this morning, that she will again do her Waffle Bar at our potluck breakfast/cookie exchange on the 13th.  So, don't bring waffles but anything else is fair game.  There's always lots of food and Mark and Gay are wonderful hosts.  An added bonus this year, is the "Incredible, Amazing and Beautiful Surprise" that they will show those that come.  I can't say more here but your children and grandchildren would also love it.  Mark will bring a few maps to our run/hike for those that haven't been to their home, or you can easily follow someone else, it's not too far from our run/hike.

SUNDAY, DEC. 13TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS + POT LUCK AND COOKIE EXCHANGE SUNDAY, DEC. 20TH, BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD SUNDAY, DEC. 27TH, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

SUNDAY, JAN. 3, WARD AVENUE

SUNDAY, JAN. 10TH BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

SUNDAY, DEC. 13TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS + POT LUCK AND COOKIE EXCHANGE
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.