PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

In the midst of a Global Pandemic, in a State that is mostly ordered to stay at home if possible, we are fortunate to be in a zone or district where we can go out and be with friends.  On top of that, add in the best scenery and freshest air possible, others should be so lucky.

                                                     A hundred Santas, J. Loomis photo

                                    

                                                                       J. Loomis photo

It was a beautiful morning on the coast.  The recent rain seems to have cleaned the streets and washed away any dust or pollen.  It was "crisp" this morning, I guess, about 45, sunny and a slight breeze.  The ocean was great, large waves breaking far offshore, deep blue seas and lots of clean whitewater.

                                                 Fort Bragg City Hall, J. Loomis photo

Present today:  Gay, Mark, M.T., Pat, Leon, Shari, Joe, Deb, Sam, John, Bob, Cheryl, Scott, Nancy and Tom (15).  Some of you may not have seen Cheryl and Scott, they were there, honest!

                                                  Pudding Creek Trestle, J. Loomis photo

Next week, for the bike riders, there are options; either hilly or flat.  I think it will work alright, at eight in the morning there is little traffic.  For the walkers and runners, you get the same options.  It's a nice place to do any of our activities.  Other people only dream of living in such a place!

  NEXT SUNDAY, JAN. 3RD @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, MENDOCINO HEADLANDS AND TOWN

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.

COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH

It was clear and sunny and calm this morning, though a little bit chilly, as we met at the south end of the Coastal Trail.  John was back from his visit to Stanford and I want to say thanks for the photos.  He drew the Christmas Card!

Present today:  Cindy, Charlene, Toni, Joe, Deb, Sam, Pat, Leon, Bob, Shari, Fran, John, Nancy and Tom (14).

All of John's photos today were taken around the Noyo Mooring Basin or from our starting location on the Coastal Trail.  I can't attach labels due to difficulties with Blogger.

Looking thru past blog entries, I see that it's been over 8 months since we have begun at Pudding Creek.  Next week, the forecast now says that there's a chance of rain on Sunday.  By starting at the Pudding Creek Trestle, we can at least keep our shoes and wheels clean.

Happy Holidays to all.  Stay safe and I hope to see you next week!

  NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.

MacKerricher State Park

Our plan this morning was to start from the Lake Cleone parking lot.  That plan was abandoned when it was discovered that State Parks had closed the road because, I guess, they couldn't scrape a little sand off of the roadway, finding it easier to just put up a barricade.

Leon made a command decision to park near the kiosk and we all followed, thereby saving the day!

John is still at Stanford, coming home soon.  He says that it was raining too hard down there this morning, so he hasn't walked or biked yet.  He was able to come up with some great photos taken on other days at MacKerricher.  I love this Great Blue Heron photo!

          

                                                                                      Ducks at MacKerricher

Thanks, John, for all of today's photos.

                                                                   

                  

It was a good morning for running, biking and walking around MacKerricher.  Present were:  Leon, Pat, Charlene, Toni, Joe, Deb, Sam, Bob, Nancy and Tom (10).  The King Tide, 7.2 feet, didn't play out as well as I had hoped, since the large surf that we had earlier in the week had calmed.

If we can still leave our shelters next week, we will meet on the Coastal Trail, west of Taco Bell.     

                                                                                                                           "Standing Tall Egret"

NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL- SOUTH (Taco Bell).   

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.

BIG RIVER

It was a really nice morning on Big River, a little warmer than it has been lately.  The river was a beautiful color and very clear, and the tide very high.

    Mendocino farmhouse, J. Loomis photo

                                                                                                                         Morning visitor  

Again, I want to thank John for most all of our pictures.  He's still down at Stanford and this morning, he said to say hello to all and that he missed all of us.

                             

Present today: Joe, Shari, Leon, Pat, Charlene, Deb, Sam, Bob, Nancy and Tom (10).  

                                                          Tall ship, docked at Princeton

At 9:00 next Sunday, there is a 7.2 foot high tide.  I thought it would be very pretty either at Big River or at MacKerricher State Park.  We just went to Big River, so next Sunday it will be Lake Cleone.  We will park in the parking lot at the Lake and from there, you can go either north or south.  Hopefully, the very high tide does not cause the lake to flood.  I think it will be okay.

NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, LAKE CLEONE.  The last time we started here was in August of 2018.  It's a good place, pretty views and you can go any direction.  

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.

CASPAR LOGGING ROAD

Last Thursday, several of us rode our bikes at Big River.  When we were finished, we weren't sure if our fingers would ever let go of the handlebars.  It was  sooo cold!  Well, this morning, the temperature was about the same, about 31 degrees, but this time I dressed for it!  It didn't seem that cold though, maybe because I was prepared or because there was no breeze, or less humidity, not sure.  Anyway, we had  a nice ride this morning.  Ron and John could not make this morning, leaving Nancy as the sole runner.  

John was home for the weekend and went for a hike at our new local trail, the Old Smith Ranch.  He thought that it could make a good hike for those Fog Dodgers that want to explore.  It's easy to find, just south of the Hwy. One bridge over Ten Mile River, milepost 69.22.

If you look closely at the trail map below, you'll see that it goes down from the highway, to the river, and then west under the highway or east up river a ways.

                                                                                              

If you go west, you can walk out to the beach near the mouth of the river or onto the sand dunes.  It's worth checking out if you haven't been up there.  Thanks, John, for sending us photos.

Present today: Fran, Pat, Leon, Gay, Mark, Joe, Shari, Charlene, Bob, Deb, Sam, Nancy and Tom (13).

Next week, I think we'll try Big River again.  There's no rain in the forecast, the mosquitoes are sleeping, and it's a good road for running, walking or biking.  I am unable at this time to move John's photos around on the page, my apologies.  These photos were all taken by John yesterday on the Old Smith Ranch Trail.

 

NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.

POMO BLUFFS PARK

A cold but pretty morning at Pomo Bluffs Park.  It was about 41 degrees but clear and only a light breeze. John continues at Stanford, and this morning he rode his bike and took the photos below for us.  I'm counting him in, as if he were with us for the morning.  Being the hard worker that he is, besides riding his bike, as I write this, he's also going for a walk.  Trying to keep busy while away from home.

I think that John sketched this turkey?  I've got that question out to him right now.  Edited in later, yes, he did!  Good job!

I wondered, how long did John have to stand there, to get this picture of Mr. Gopher?

Present today:  John, Fran, M.T., Pat, Leon, Gay, Mark, Toni, Joe, Charlene, Ron, Bob,

Nancy and Tom (14).

                           Fall color walking path, J. Loomis photo

This week is Thanksgiving.  I hope that everyone has something to be thankful for and that we all stay well. 

 

                                              Black squirrel

                                              Pomegranite

Next Sunday, the Caspar Logging Road works for everyone; runners, walkers, bikers and dog walkers.  Meet there and work off a few of the extra calories put on Thanksgiving! 

NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, CASPAR LOGGING ROAD

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.

Mendocino Headlands and town

Kind of a grey and wet morning.  We started out in a light drizzle but the drizzle became rain and I think we all got pretty wet.  It was a nice time though, walking around the town of Mendocino and around the Headlands State Park.

John is down at Stanford for about 5 weeks taking care of business but that hasn't stopped him from thinking about us and sending great photos.  Thank you very much John.  All of today's photos are from John.  And, though he couldn't be with us here today, he did start this morning at 8:00 and did the Dish Trail.  You say, what is the Dish Trail?  A picture below explains:

                                                             The Dish Trail

                                                    Fall colors

                                        Moffett Field Dirigible Hangar

                                      Pulgas Water Temple, Redwood City

                      Google that one if you're not familiar.  A very interesting place!

                                               Red breasted sapsucker

                                                   Stanford Tower

                                                        Fall colors

                                                    Fall colors

It is so difficult to arrange photos and titles on the new Blogger template, I've just kind of thrown John's pictures on here and don't dare attempting to rearrange them.  I'll figure this blogging out one of these days.

Present today: Charlene, Joe, Deb, Sam, Nancy, Tom, and John! (7)

NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, POMO BLUFFS PARK

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.

COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE

I was a little surprised this morning when other Fog Dodgers showed up.  There had just been a little drizzle locally and the wind was blowing out of the north at something like 24mph.  The temperature was about 48 degrees but it didn't feel that "warm".  If there was a "silver lining", the wind blew the coastal haze inland, making for a beautiful clear coastal view looking north.

                                                   

                                                     Rock cod, all photos from J. Loomis

Present today: Fran, Charlene, Ron, Toni, Joe, M.T., Pat, Leon, Gay, Mark, Deb, Sam, John, Bob, Nancy and Tom (16).

                                                                        Old Salt

                                                                   

                                                                     Flag is tattered

                                               U.S. Coast Guard, returning to Noyo Harbor

Well, next Sunday's forecast is for rain.  Hopefully not at 8:00 a.m., but if it does, we are at least on pavement and will have pretty views.

NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15th @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, MENDOCINO HEADLANDS AND TOWN. (starting at the Heeser Dr. restrooms).

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.

RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK

We got to sleep in an extra hour last night and that helped, but it was still awfully cold at our 8:00 a.m. start.  Leon got a new bicycle and so we had four bike riders, that was nice.  

                                                            All Souls Day, J. Loomis photo

Gay and Mark invited their neighbor, Morning, I think she maybe joined us once before ??  Or, I met her at the New Year's Eve Party.  Anyway, thanks Gay and Mark.  Also present:  Fran, M.T., Pat, Leon, Joe,

Charlene, Ron, Deb, Sam, John, Bob, Nancy and Tom (16).

 

                                            Great Blue Heron, Caspar Creek, J. Loomis photo

Caspar Point, J. Loomis photoo

                                                    Caspar Duck Pond, J. Loomis photo

                                                          Fence Colors, J. Loomis

They are still working on the Fern Canyon Trail at Russian Gulch, filling in the wet spots with big rocks for drainage and widening the trail.  It's much better now than it has been for the past 10 years or so.

                                                      Fern Creek Sheep, J. Loomis photo

Next week's venue, the Coastal Trail, starting in the middle, works well for all.  It's chosen for Leon, hopefully giving him a better trail for getting familiar with his new bike.  I hope he can make it.

                                                           White Egret, J. Loomis photo

Thanks John, for all of today's photos!

NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8th @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE (behind the Fire Station).

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.

WARD AVENUE

This was a 52 degree morning that felt like 40 degrees.  Maybe not too cold for walkers and runners but I can attest that on a bike, cutting through the fog and drizzle, it was very cold.  But the stormy looking ocean, with large beautiful waves, seemed to compensate for the cold.

Thanks to John L. for all of today's photos.  He says that the sea lion was taken yesterday and that the blue heron one taken on another morning that was dark and foggy.

Next week, with the time change, it will be a little brighter hopefully, though the weather forecast right now predicts a cold weekend.

Present today: Gay, Mark, Leon, Pat, M.T., Charlene, Ron, Joe, Deb, Sam, John, Nancy and Tom (13).

As I've mentioned before, it is sometimes difficult working with "Blogger".  As I was uploading the photos above, the whole post shrunk down to a two inch wide column. I can't fix anything right now, so I'm just going with it as is.  

(update: after posting, I see that on the internet, the blog came out nearly normal but I'm not going to try fooling around with it by putting captions on John's photos or anything else.

Hope to see you all next week.  The park at Russian Gulch should be closed for the season, so nice and quiet!

NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST @ 8:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUN/WALK/BIKE, RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK.  STANDARD TIME!

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station on Tuesdays and on Big River Logging Road on Thursdays.  Note the new starting time, it's getting dark in the morning lately.