Big River Logging Road

Mendocino Bay, J. Loomis photo

John's picture above shows how pretty the morning was.  It was 51 degrees with a pretty good northerly breeze and partially cloudy skies.  Once we got going up river, it was really a perfect morning to be out for a run or walk.

Big River Salmon Run, 11/14/15 , J. Loomis photo

Yesterday, about 10 Fog Dodgers ran in the Big River Salmon Run.  Tony and Janis were each  First Place in the 10K.  Five of us; Nancy, Bob, Tom, Cyd and Chandra were age group winners in the 5K and John, in a tougher division, was Second Place for the 5K.  John's caption above is only part of the story, but thanks John.  I should also add, that Chandra's husband Chris (not sure whether he has joined the Fog Dodgers on any Sundays ??), taking turns with Chandra pushing the baby jogger, got Third Place in his age group.

Big River, J. Loomis photo

Present today:  Deb, Sam,  Tony (Healdsburg), Toni, Joe, Fran, Neil, Jennifer, Nancy T., Roger, Cyd, John, Nancy and Tom (14).

Next Sunday, we will do our Sixth Annual Bin-2-Bin-2-Bin Run/Walk.  Meet in front of Harvest Market and be ready to go at 8:00.   You buy an item of food for the Food Bank and drop it in the bin there and then head to Safeway, buy another food item and drop it in their bin, then head to Purity if you're a runner or back to Harvest if you're walking.  You finish up by buying one last item at Harvest Market and putting it into their Food Bank bin.  These food items needn't cost much, just whatever you'd like to donate to the Food Bank.  Save your receipts, they are deductible on tax day.  No matter what the weather is like, running or walking across the Noyo Bridge early in the morning is really beautiful.  Total time usually 50-60 minutes.

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 22 @ 8:00 A.M.:  BOAT YARD CENTER, Bin-2-Bin-2-Bin Run/Walk, please read the above paragraph.

EVERY TUESDAY and THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUNS, BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

CASPAR LOGGING ROADS

Caspar Creek, J. Loomis photo

We had a nice morning for running and walking.  Rain fell during the night and after our run/walk, but we were fortunate to have 50 degrees, under mostly cloudy and calm skies.  I like the Caspar Logging Roads for a number of reasons;  there's lots of parking, dogs are allowed, minimal traffic and there several different directions that you can go.

Clipper ship, J. Loomis photo

After sitting all week and missing our regular Tuesday and Thursday runs, the uphill leg of Road 500 seemed much steeper today.   It's always nice to be in a group, it kind of pulls you along.

Caspar Bay, J. Loomis photo

Thanks to John Loomis for always making the blog look better  by sending in photos every week!  This week's "Clipper ship" was taken in Half Moon Bay by John.  The ship had earlier sailed past Fort Bragg on it's way south.  The other photos were all taken around Caspar.

J. Loomis photo

Present today:  Gay, Mark, Neil, Ron, Bob, John, Cyd, Orah, Steve, Jennifer, Nancy B., Rick, Nancy T., Roger, Tom T., Toni, Susan, Bruce, Nancy and Tom (20).

Remember, Mark and Gay will host our annual  Holiday Pot Luck Breakfast and Cookie Exchange on Sunday, Dec. 13th.  You needn't bring much, just any kind of a breakfast item and then a plate of cookies, if you wish to participate in the Cookie Exchange.  You bring a plate of your cookies and then take home (mandatory!)  a plate of mixed cookies.  There's always plenty of food.  Making this year's breakfast especially nice is a "Special Tour" of something you just have to see to believe.  It's right there in their yard, we aren't going anywhere.  Can't tell you more because it's secret, just believe me, you don't want to miss this!

SUNDAY, NOV. 15TH, BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD (This will be the fourth time this week for some of us, Tue.,Thur. Sat. Salmon Run and Sun.)
SUNDAY, NOV. 22, Bin-2-Bin-2-Bin Run and Walk, Boatyard Center
SUNDAY, NOV. 29, WARD AVENUE
SUNDAY, DEC. 6TH, NOYO HEADLANDS TRAIL
SUNDAY, DEC. 13TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS + POT LUCK AND COOKIE EXCHANGE

NEXT SUNDAY, DATE @ 8:00 A.M.: BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUNS AT BIG RIVER

PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE

A nice change this morning, rain!  It's a start and hopefully it signals a more normal winter for us.  We started Standard Time today but with the cloud cover, it was still pretty gloomy at 8:00 but a nice 59 degrees with a steady rain.  

Pudding Creek Trestle, J. Loomis photo

Those that came out to welcome the rain and enjoy the morning were:  Susan, Bruce, Zelda, Joel, Bob, Toni, Joe, Charlene, Ron, Nancy and Tom (11).

There's a couple of noteworthy dates below.  On Dec. 1st, the South half of our new Coastal Trail officially opens.  So, on Dec. 6th, we will give it a try.  If you're not familiar with it, check the "our routes" tab above.

J. Loomis photo, Pudding Creek cypress trees

On Dec. 13th, we will have our Annual Fog Dodger Holiday Pot Luck Breakfast and Cookie Exchange.  Mark and Gaye are hosting it and also including a special Open House tour of their new addition.  I'm intentionally underplaying this for secrecy reasons, you really do not want to miss this morning.

SUNDAY, NOV. 8TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS
SUNDAY, NOV. 15TH, BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD (This will be the fourth time this week for some of us, Tue.,Thur. Sat. Salmon Run and Sun.)
SUNDAY, NOV. 22, VAN DAMME STATE PARK
SUNDAY, NOV. 29, WARD AVENUE
SUNDAY, DEC. 6TH, NOYO HEADLANDS TRAIL
SUNDAY, DEC. 13TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS + POT LUCK AND COOKIE EXCHANGE

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 8TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  CASPAR LOGGING ROADS, see "Our Routes" above.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.:  Group runs, beginning at Big River Logging Road.

CASPAR LOGGING ROADS

Another very nice morning for running and walking.  Mentions of rain are beginning to be heard on the weather forecasts, so we should be thankful for all the good days we've had and have the firewood ready for the winter ahead.  We will all be happy to see rain.  it was 54 degrees, calm and overcast this morning.  We were at Caspar Creek.

Jughandle Creek, J. Loomis photo

This is where it gets difficult.  With all of us arriving so punctually, and like clockwork, just before 8 (thank you all), and people milling all around and new guests to meet, I always feel as though I'm missing someone, but here goes.   First time guests Michelle, Jeff and Bill, it was a pleasure to meet each of you and we all hope that you'll return whenever you can.  

Also present:  Sheila, Shari, Peter, Deb, Sam, Nancy B., Rick, Toni, Joe, John, Cheryl, Laura, Cyd, Gay, Mark, Tom T., Lisa, Tabi, Linnaea,  Zavier, Charlene, Ron, Joel, Neil, Nancy and Tom (29).

Caspar, J. Loomis photo

John's pumpkins, J. Loomis photo

 Mark your calendars for Dec. 13th.  Mark and Gay want to host our annual  Holiday Pot Luck Breakfast and Cookie Exchange.  You needn't bring much, just any kind of a breakfast item and then a plate of cookies, if you wish to participate in the Cookie Exchange.  You bring a plate of your cookies and then take home a plate of mixed cookies.  There's always plenty of food.  Making this year's breakfast especially nice is a "Special Tour" of something you just have to see to believe.  It's right there in their yard, we aren't going anywhere.

Caspar Orchard Road residence, J. Loomis photo

SUNDAY, NOV. 1ST, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE 
SUNDAY, NOV. 8TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS
SUNDAY, NOV. 15TH, BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD (This will be the fourth time this week for some of us, Tue.,Thur. Sat. Salmon Run and Sun.)

NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 1ST @ 8:00 A.M.:  PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE (see "Our Routes" above.  Remember, it's back to Standard Time!

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.: GROUP RUNS AT BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD.

WARD AVENUE

MacKerricher State Park, J. Loomis photo

It was just right this morning for running and walking along the shore.  We met at Ward Avenue under mostly cloudy but warm (56 degree) skies.  The fog came and went while we were doing our thing and offered interesting views.  Thanks to John Loomis for this morning's photos, all taken just before we met.

J. Loomis photo, Lake Cleone outlet

It was nice to have Sara (it's been an hour since I asked her whether there's an "h" on the end or not and of course, I've forgotten her reply.  I'm going with no 'h' and she did say it didn't really matter) back with us.  Also present:  Susan, Bruce, Fran, Gay, Mark, Nancy T., Roger, Nancy B., Rick, Toni, Joe, Charlene, Ron, Joel, John, Shari, Peter, Nancy and Tom (20).

J. Loomis photo

Yesterday, the Noyo Headlands 5K and 10K Races took place.  It's a small race but it was a good opportunity to see the south half of the new Coastal Trail.  Though small, it was an accurate course and fairly flat.  Fog Dodgers did really well.  Earning First Place in their divisions were;  Janis (10K), John, Tabi, Nancy and Tom (all 5K).  Marc was First Place overall in the Race Walk!  Also in the 5K, Chandra got Second Place and Lisa a Third Place!

J. Loomis photo

SUNDAY, OCT. 25TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS
SUNDAY, NOV. 1ST, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE 
SUNDAY, NOV. 8TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS


NEXT SUNDAY,  OCT. 25TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  CASPAR LOGGING ROADS,  see "Our Routes" above.

EVERY TUESDAY  and THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUNS AT BIG RIVER

BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

Mendocino, J. Loomis photo

Another great day on the Mendocino Coast!   It was 54, sunny, with a thin fog along the coast, and again no rain anywhere in sight.  I actually have a friend that doesn't believe the climate is changing.  You don't bother debating with a friend like that!  He says that the glaciers are not getting smaller.  Oh well.

Several Fog Dodgers received these photos and a page promoting Thanksgiving's  Fog Dodger coffee.  They  will donate 25% of their sales of this brand to the Mendocino Land Trust.  I like the name.

You tell me.  J. Loomis photo

Thanks to Lisa and Tabi.  Besides bringing Linnaea and Zavier, they brought guests, Libby and Reed.  Joel came today as a runner instead of bike rider.  He said that he's getting back into it, but he ran as though he never got too far out of it.  He's been recovering from injuries for quite awhile.  Also present:  Fran, Pat, Leon, Nancy B., Rick, Deb, Sam, Orah, Steve, Shari, Peter, Nancy T., Roger, John, Bob J., Susan, Bruce, Sheila, Joe, Nancy and Tom (28).

J. Loomis photo

Coincidentally, I read yesterday, that spiders spin two different kinds of silk.  The "spokes" are stronger and not sticky, the spirals are not as strong but very sticky, meant to catch things.  Spiders walk on their tip-toes to avoid getting stuck.  How's that?

Fall,  J. Loomis photo

Next Saturday is the Noyo Run and Wellness Festival.  If you want to run or walk the new (South half) Coastal Trail, this is your chance.  It's not officially opened yet but the City is allowing the race to use it.  Besides the Race/Walk, the Hospital is offering lots of Health Screenings and those things are free, whether or not you go to the race.  It's all good!

J. Loomis photo

Thanks to John, for keeping the Fog Dodgers supplied with great photos!

SUNDAY, OCT. 18TH, WARD AVE.
SUNDAY, OCT. 25TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS
SUNDAY, NOV. 1ST, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE (maybe the south half will be open?)
SUNDAY, NOV. 8TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS


NEXT SUNDAY,  OCT. 18TH @ 8:00 A.M.:  WARD AVENUE,  see "Our Routes" above.

EVERY TUESDAY  and THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.:  GROUP RUNS AT BIG RIVER

Russian Gulch State Park

R-G Bridge this morning

What can I say, just another gorgeous day on the coast.  It was a very comfortable 57° and what seems to have become something normal, clear blue skies.  As I write this at mid-day, the temperature is over 80°!  And after yesterdays lovely fresh winds and fabulous angry ocean, today was calm with hardly a wave on the ocean.

Caspar Pond

The group split roughly into 2 halves, one going along the main trail into the park, and the rest of us taking the headlands.

There was no organised breakfast this morning, as it seemed most folks seemed to have things they had to do.

This mornings calm ocean

As this was my first Fog Dodger walk since returning from my 6 weeks in the UK, it I really enjoyed meeting up with my old friends.  In particular, it was great to walk with Rick on the hill back to the cars, and see him with so much energy and no breathlessness.  Go Rick!

SUNDAY, OCT. 11TH, BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD
SUNDAY, OCT. 18TH, WARD AVE.
SUNDAY, OCT. 25TH, CASPAR LOGGING ROADS
SUNDAY, NOV. 1ST, PUDDING CREEK TRESTLE (maybe the south half will be open?)

NEXT SUNDAY, Oct. 11TH @ 8:00 A.M.:   BIG RIVER LOGGING ROAD

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY @ 7:00 A.M.:   BIG RIVER, GROUP RUNS.  We have temporarily changed these mid-week runs to Big River to accommodate the darker mornings.