COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH

The rain stopped, the wind decreased and nine of us enjoyed a brisk walk and run upon the Coastal Trail.  

Present today:  Susan, Bruce, Gay, Mark, Charlene, Fran, John, Nancy and Tom.

The mornings have been dark and cold.  Our start this morning was at 42 degrees but it felt colder.  

The good news is, by the end of January the daylight hours will increase by 48 minutes.

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

Today is Kwanzaa.  "Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that means "first" and signifies the first fruits of the harvest. From December 26 to January 1, many people of African descent in America-celebrate Kwanzaa. ... Working towards a successful harvest is a communal effort, as is the celebration.

John

                               Great Blue Heron, trying to dry out and warm up, I think.

                                              Garden bed, J. Loomis photo

         

The long range forecast predicts cold and cloudy, but no rain for Sunday morning.  It will be a good start to the new year to walk the Coastal Trail.  

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2ND, @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

POMO BLUFFS PARK

It was cold this morning, something like 37 degrees, with the wind blowing at about 10 mph out of the east.  But, it didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirit and we had a good walk or run. 

Thanks to John, for today's pictures, all except for the Pomo woman one, taken from the web.  John, went to the Festival of Lights last night and really like the sailing vessel on a sea of heather.

Nancy and I ran into to Bob, as we headed across the Noyo Bridge.  Bob was southbound, having run from home.  He turned around upon meeting us and headed back home, good run Bob!

                                      

Can anybody tell me what this Pomo woman is harvesting?  This photo could very well have been taken near our meeting place today.

                          

Also present today: Fran, Jean, Charlene, Barbara, Toni, Joe, Shari, Kim, Doug, Gay, Mark, John, Diana, Jeff, Nancy and Tom (17).

                            

The forecast for next week calls for a lot of rain, including on Christmas and on Sunday.  So, I'm picking the Coastal Trail again, for a good walking/running surface and easy parking.  We'll start at the parking lot west of Taco Bell.

                           

SUNDAY, DEC.26th, @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL SOUTH,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

VAN DAMME STATE PARK

We met at Van Damme State Park this morning.  The Fern Canyon Trail hasn't changed at all since last winter, still muddy and badly eroded.  But, it was nice to see the creek flowing a little muddy, and out to the sea.  Northern California is still in a drought so our overnight rain was welcomed.  Fern Canyon is beautiful and so was the ocean this morning.

                                          Mendocino Christmas, J. Loomis photo

                            Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden, J. Loomis photo

                                                          Mendocino

              

                                          Mendocino Bay, J. Loomis photo

                                          sSpring Ranch, J. Loomis photo

Present today: Barbara, Jean, Charlene, Joe, Bob, John, Nancy and Tom (8).

Talking over breakfast, it was requested that I post a recipe that we like.  This is the extent of my kitchen skills so don't ask for any more recipes.  This overnight oatmeal is very good, easy to make and tasty.  You can eat it warmed or cold. (recipe below).

SUNDAY, DEC. 19TH, @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, POMO BLUFFS PARK,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

Chocolate Overnight Oatmeal in a jar   (vegan)

Start with a one quart Mason jar and add:

 

1 1/2 cups of steel cut oats

1 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds 

1 tablespoon flax seed meal

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional)

 

shake it up (or stir it, so the chia, chocolate and flax don't clump up later)

 

pour in some soy or almond or any plant based milk to cover the dry mix and then add,

 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons (more or less to suit your taste) sweetener (I've been using maple syrup).

 

wire whisk it good (again, just so things don't clump together) and then

 

fill the jar with milk, whisk or shake it well again  and then allow to set overnight or at least 6-8 hours. 

If you turn and shake the jar periodically, it will keep it from becoming a solid clump at the top or bottom.

BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

Had to hold the herd back this morning.  When it's cold and windy, people want to get moving early, and that's how it was this morning, the group wanted to start two minutes early!  How hard can it be, to remember our only rule?  We start at 8:00, exactly!  

I'm making light of it folks, we had a nice group and once we got moving, I think it was a pretty nice morning.

Thanks to John, for today's photos.

                                             Mendocino's Presbyterian Church

                                         Getting ready for crab fishing

Present today:  Pam, Diana, Jeff, Fran, Charlene, Joe, Jean, Barbara, John, Bob, Nancy and Tom (12).

                                                            Big River

The long range weather forecast predicts rain showers for next weekend, but not too much rain.  Hopefully, it won't bother us, and I hope to see you there.

SUNDAY, DEC. 12TH, @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE,  VAN DAMME STATE PARK,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

WARD AVENUE

I guess we had a post-holiday small group.  Present today:  Jean, Charlene, Barbara, Joe, Bob, Nancy and Tom (7).  It was clear and cool, nice for running or walking.  The ocean was beautiful with many wave breaks and shorebirds.

We walked towards Laguna Point and were disappointed when we had to turn early because Lake Cleone was flooded over the roadway (Mill Creek Drive).  I'm betting that State Parks could easily lower the water level by opening up the gate valve.  They must have some plan to not do so but it sure eliminates many visitor hours to the beach and Laguna Point.

Thanks to John (from the archives) for today's MacKerricher and Lake Cleone photos.

                                        MacKerricher State Park, grey whale skeleton at the kiosk

SUNDAY, DEC. 5TH, @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE,  BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK

                                                Amanita mushroooms, look but don't eat!

I think this was our coldest run/walk so far this year, though it is still early in the season.  At the start it was about 40 degrees but after dropping down into the canyon, it was about 36.  There were a lot of scarves and gloves today!  It seems to me that each year it is getting colder. Of course, each year becoming a year older might have something to do with it?

One of our Caspar turkeys, J. Loomis photo

Present today:  Bob, Jean, Charlene, Fran, Deb, Sam, Joe, Barbara, John, Nancy and Tom (11).

                                                    Caspar moonset, J. Loomis photo

                                                 Quick!  Check the backyard!  Is your pig missing?

Thanks to John for today's photos.  Nice to have John back.

Thursday will be Thanksgiving.  I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.  Jean thinks that next Sunday, we should walk or run for two hours to use up some of those extra calories gained on Thursday.  It's been almost 3 months since we've met at Ward Avenue, we'll be there next week.  It's always a pretty walk/run.

SUNDAY, NOV. 28th @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE,  WARD AVENUE,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find directions to the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

We met at the Big River Logging Road this morning.  It was pretty cold (47ish) at the start but warmed up and dried out nicely by the time we finished.  We met a new walker this morning, living very close by and Fran did a nice job of making her feel welcomed.  Pam will likely join with us again, thanks Fran.

Also present today:  Jean, Kim, Doug, Deb, Sam, Toni, Joe, Shari, Peter, Bob, Barbara, Charlene, Diana, Jeff, Nancy and Tom (18).

John wasn't with us this morning, so there aren't any new photos.  Thanks to John though for allowing me to replay old photos of his.

For next week's run/walk/bike, there are options.  We'll be at Russian Gulch State Park and from our starting point on Point Cabrillo Drive, you can stay kind of level and do the Point Cabrillo Drive and subdivisions, or go south and out to the picnic area and blow hole areas, dogs are allowed there.  Lastly, you can go down the big hill and through the campground, continuing east into Fern Canyon.  All of the options are very nice.  I hope to see you there.

SUNDAY, NOV. 21st @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, RUSSIAN GULCH,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

COASTAL TRAIL - SOUTH

It was a very cold but beautiful morning.  We are in the process of moving and downsizing and have done something that we swore we would never do again, move into an unfinished house.  What I'm saying is, I can't find my gloves and many other things, all packed away in boxes and buried within a room full of boxes and furniture, all in one big heap.  I hope it doesn't get any colder than this morning for at least a while.

John is back and none too soon.  I can only recycle old photos so many times.  Thank you, John, for all of today's photos.

Present today:  Jean, Fran, Barbara, Charlene, Toni, Joe, Shari, Deb, Sam, Kim, Doug, Bob, John, Nancy, Tom (15).

A wooden airplane that John has built for his grandson..

Woodpecker.  J. Loomis photo

Big River Logging Road should be in good shape.  We were there a few weeks ago and it was, so let's try  it again.

SUNDAY, NOV. 14TH @ 8:OO A.M,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

Rarely, do we repeat the same venue two weeks in a row.  This morning we did just that.  After getting rained out last Sunday by our "Bomb Cyclone", we came back this week and it was beautiful!  Turnout was much better also.

Thanks, Bruce, for this photo

Thanks to Gay and Mark for bringing their friend, Janice.  Also present were:  Jean (Best Halloween Costume Award, fantastic!), Susan, Bruce, Fran, Charlene, Toni, Joe, Diana, Jeff, Kim, Doug, Nancy and Tom (16).

                                                   Pudding Creek, N. Riley photo

Thanks to Nancy, for the three photos above.  Her photos and that of Bruce, show how pretty the morning was and our coast is.

Because of the time change next weekend, I'm picking a venue that is sort of close for all of us, well, I guess not so much for those from Little River and Mendocino, I'll make it up for you later.

SUNDAY, NOV. 7TH @ 8:OO A.M., (Remember, Standard Time), GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL SOUTH (Taco Bell),  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

Not too often, can I say, it was not a good morning.  You're probably tired of reading me saying that it was a great morning for any activity.  Well, today was not a good morning.  I don't think it was as bad as some of the climatologists predicted, we didn't need water wings or skim boards, but it was raining and blowing pretty good.  Most Fog Dodgers stayed home or got out of town, but Bob, Nancy and Tom were there (3)!  

Addendum:  Now, just after posting the blog, Bruce writes that he and Otis were the only ones there this morning.  My apology, my eyesight ain't what it used to be.  So, thanks Bruce for coming out on such a morning and now that makes 4!

This morning, almost everyone went to Cafe One for breakfast.  The overnight rains had collapsed their outdoor dining tent so indoor dining was opened up, I think for the first time since Covid began.

The picture above of the Pudding Creek Trestle was taken by John and a better day, thanks, John.

Congratulations in order for Bob and Scott.  Yesterday, Bob got First Place in the 5K Race and Scott got First Place in the 10K Race.  Good job!

Since most of the group did not come out this morning, let's go to Pudding Creek Trestle again next week!  I hope you have a great week.

SUNDAY, OCT. 31ST @ 8:OO A.M., GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

We returned to Big River, after staying away all summer to avoid the mosquitoes.  And our friends Greg and Keith returned from Chico for a visit.  The road was in good shape, no mosquitoes and it was a great morning.

Also present: Fran, Jean, Charlene, Bob, Deb, Sam, Joe, Gay, Mark, Nancy and Tom (13).

I'm writing this on Wednesday and there is a lot of rain or showers forecast over the next week.  I hope the weather is good enough to bring you out for a walk or run on the MacKerricher Haul Road next Sunday.  It's been 3 months since we've started from Pudding Creek Trestle, so let's give that a try.

SUNDAY, OCT. 24TH @ 8:OO A.M., GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

RUSSIAN GULCH

I've been doing the moving and downsizing rat race all week and I appreciate Sam telling me that I hadn't posted a blog since our last get together at Russian Gulch.  It's been enough days since then, that if I tried to list the names of all that were there, I would likely leave someone off.  You know what happens then?  Either I or they get in trouble.  Not so bad when it's me but when the person I omitted gets in trouble from their spouse that thought they had gone to Fog Dodgers finds out they weren't there, it's bad.  Just kidding, of course.  Anyway, I wanted to say that the weather has cooled off enough, that I don't think the mosquitoes will be a problem, so next week,

SUNDAY, OCT. 17TH @ 8:OO A.M., GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, BIG RIVER,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

POMO BLUFFS PARK

It was another nice morning, sunny, calm and about 53 degrees.  John wasn't with us today, so I'm using a couple of old photos that he submitted.  And above, is Sam's drawing of our Fog Dodger logo, still going after 23 years!

                                                  Noyo Mooring Basin, J. Loomis photo
Present today: Gay, Mark, and Mark's daughter, Sarah, Jean, Charlene, Diana, Jeff, Pat, Leon, Deb, Sam, Toni, Nancy and Tom (14).

                                                          Noyo Harbor, J. Loomis photo

Next week, we'll go to Russian Gulch State Park.   At Russian Gulch, there are options.  You can go down the big hill, skip the big hill and take in the headlands, or go north and check out the nearby subdivisions.  It works for all, runners, bikers, walkers and dogs.

SUNDAY, OCT. 10TH @ 8:OO A.M., GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK,  you can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

COASTAL TRAIL - NORTH

This morning it was kind of dry, as a thick coastal overcast kept it a "warm" 55 degrees, with no wind.  It was the kind of morning that can be good for anything, running, walking, biking, or just staying in bed.  We had a nice group of people that at least chose to do something!  

Present today:  Gay, Mark, Fran, Jean, Kim, Doug, Charlene, Shari, Pat, Nancy and Tom (11).

John is away, but he did send me this great picture of a hawk that frequents his niece's yard:

And, a couple more of John's photos from the past:

There are a lot of brown pelicans around now.  I think there are a lot of small fish (smelt)  to eat.

                             And the great blue herons, are very patient and eat many things.

The weather forecast is for rain tomorrow.  The trees will be so happy.  Next Sunday should be dry and I hope to see you at Pomo Bluffs Park.

SUNDAY, OCT. 3RD @ 8:OO A.M., GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, POMO BLUFFS PARK,  You can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

WARD AVENUE

We met at Ward Avenue this morning.  It was nice to come out just after a rain shower.  It was really nice yesterday, while we got 3/4 of an inch of rain.  Everyone has been saying for so long how we needed rain.  Wisely (?), I didn't ride the bike this morning, as there were a lot more puddles than I expected.

John was not with us today but fortunately, I've saved old photos of his to dress up  the blog.  Thank you, John.  Both of the above photos are of Lake Cleone.  The egret photo below, is also from John.  I'm including it, because I saw Kim taking a similar one this morning at Lake Cleone.  I wonder if they look alike?

Greg and Keith came over and joined with us this morning, always great to have them.  Also present: Shari, Susan, Bruce, Pat, Leon, Fran, Jean, Charlene, Deb, Sam, Kim, Doug and Tom (15).

SUNDAY, SEPT. 26TH @ 8:OO A.M., GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - NORTH,  You can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.

JUGHANDLE CREEK

No fog today, just a beautiful sunny morning.  We had not been to Jughandle Creek for a very long time. Sam thought that it would be a good location to celebrate Deb's birthday, nice walking trail, picnic tables, easy parking, everything we needed.

It worked out just right!  Barbara P. rejoined us and brought beautiful and delicious birthday cupcakes.  Sam supplied apple juice and melon slices.  We had a nice turnout and a beautiful morning.

No offense intended, but John has been missing and I miss his photos.  So, I have to improvise;

Present today: Peter, Leon, Pat, Barbara, Deb, Sam, Charlene, Diana, Jeff, Susan, Bruce, Fran, Jean, Toni, Bob, Nancy and Tom (17).

SUNDAY, SEPT. 19TH @ 8:OO A.M., GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, WARD AVENUE,  You can always click on the "Our Routes" button at the top of the page to find the location. 

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN/WALK @ 7:30 A.M.:  Beginning behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station.