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.