The Fog Dodgers invite all residents and visitors of the Mendocino Coast to join us on our weekly group runs and walks. We have runners and walkers of all abilities (and even some bikers) and we have only one "rule" - we start at exactly 8:00 a.m. on Sundays. Exercise at your own pace (1/2 hour out, 1/2 hour back) and experience the fresh Mendocino coastal air.

Fog Dodgers provides a fun, safe way to explore some of our local trails and back roads and to meet new friends. You can find out where we're going to be by reading the bottom of last week's post, then clicking on the "Our Routes" tab above. We average 15-20 persons each Sunday and typically half will go to breakfast together afterwards at a nearby restaurant.

Sunday, June 21, 2020

FATHER'S DAY, COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE


It was a beautiful morning today, sunny, calm and 57 degrees.  We met at the Middle access point to the Coastal Trail.  Most of the group went north and a few went south.  Whichever way you chose, it was a perfect morning!  Happy Father's Day to all the dads!




Alpaca dad on the left and baby alpaca on the right.  Both on Simpson Lane and thanks to John for all of today's photos.































Dracunculus Vulgaris (blooms once a year and is stinky) on the left and some Simpson Lane bucks on the right.  


Present today:  Gay, Mark, Nancy B., Nancy T., Fran, Toni, Joe, Shari, Charlene, Ron, Susan, Bruce, Scott, Bob, Sam, John, Nancy and Tom (18).

NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 28TH, 8:00 A.M.,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, CASPAR LOGGING ROAD.

EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN, BIKE, AND WALK @ 7:00 A.M.,   for now, we're starting behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station and using the Coastal Trail - Middle access on Tuesdays.  On Thursdays, we are starting at Harvest Market at Mendosa's, Mendocino.

Sunday, June 14, 2020

COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE

The COVID 19 restrictions were eased up this week.  It's debatable whether or not too early.  But, it was a beautiful, warm morning and it was nice to see tourists out and at the motels.  We are still limited in venues for various reasons.  I'll try not to choose the Coastal Trail too many times but it works for all of us.  Next Sunday, we'll be the same as today's.






Present today:  Gay, Mark, Nancy T., Nancy B., Fran, Shari, Charlene, Ron, Cheryl N., Neil, Scott, Deb, Sam, Bob, John, Toni, Joe, Susan, Bruce, Pat, Leon, Nancy and Tom ( 23).














Thank you, John, for all of today's photos.  They are all from Noyo Harbor.




                             


It was 56 degrees when we started out, very warm.  The ocean was dark blue with small white waves and salmon boats were scattered around trolling.  A beautiful morning.


NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 21st, 8:00 A.M.,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE
(behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station).


EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN, BIKE, AND WALK @ 7:00 A.M.,   for now, we're starting behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station and using the Coastal Trail - Middle access on Tuesdays.  On Thursdays, we are starting at Harvest Market at Mendosa's, Mendocino.









Sunday, June 7, 2020

COVID 19, 11 WARD AVENUE



Red winged blackbird
It was a great morning to be out!  We started at 8, with mostly clear skies, 53 degrees and just a slight breeze.

A minus tide (-1.7') made for good walking and almost good running along the water's edge.  It's always fun to search for shells and whatever else the tide may have left exposed.

Present today:  Cheryl N., Neil, Gay, Mark, Fran, Deb, Sam, Charlene, Ron, Toni, Joe, John, Scott, Bob, Shari, Nancy and Tom (17).
Fragrant Rhododendren, J. Loomis photo







Nye's Garden and barn, Cleone





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

This was our 13th run/walk/bike since the Shelter In Place Order  was announced.  Things  
are beginning to normalize.  We all keep our masks ready or already on our faces.  We are fortunate to have the Coastal Trail.  Next week, we will again start 




Sam!

Classic and Digital Phone Booths in Cleone


Summer Purple Poppy






















NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH, 8:00 A.M.,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE
(behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station).

County Shelter in Place Order continues, pertinent section and current revision copied below:

Allowed: 
  • Outdoor Recreation may now be initiated from within a 50 mile drive of one’s residence taking into account the new provisions in the  Facial Covering Order
  • When engaging in recreational activities in public, it is recommended that everyone bring a facial covering with them in a safe and accessible location and wear that where it is difficult to comply with social distancing requirements. However, the Order clarifies that for some public recreational activities which cause people to more forcefully expel airborne particles, the six feet social distance requirement may not be enough and may call for additional measures.
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN AND WALK @ 7:30 A.M.,   for now, we're starting behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station and using the Coastal Trail - Middle access on Tuesdays.  On Thursdays, we are starting at Harvest Market at Mendosa's, Mendocino.

Sunday, May 31, 2020

COVID 19, 10 CASPAR LOGGING ROAD



The morning was just right, a thin overcast, calm and 54 degrees.  We had a nice turnout and got to meet Mark and Gay's beautiful new dog "Bartok".  Also rounding out the canine division, Bailey, Otis and Rimsky.
                                                                         
John sent me this photo for the second time.  It was apropos a few years ago and nothing has changed.  A cute photo and a real problem.




Thanks John, for all of today's photos.  Below photo was titled "Caspar Road Shed."








For the bike division today, it was Sam, Bob and Tom.  It was a great ride until a mile from the finish when a stick jumped up thru my rear gears and busted off the derailleur, ouch!  That'll cost me!  Oh well, it was still fun.





In the walking division today, we had:  Susan, Bruce, Charlene, Deb, Fran, Nancy B., Nancy
    T., Gay, Mark, Shari, and Joe.

Finally, in the very small running division: Ron, John and Nancy.  (17)

This group has really gone thru an evolution over the years.  Starting out as a running group, expanding to include walking, and then biking.  We all, myself included, are either old or getting older.  What I'd like to see, is a bunch of younger people enter into it, to kind of keep it going.  If you 
know of any, and it needs to be more than one or 
else they feel out of it, please invite.


  


I think this is something John has created.  He does some great pottery things.  He titled it, "Simpson Lane Greeter".

Below is a pretty rose from John's garden.  He's called it, "Opening Night".














                                 






John spotted this buck in his neighbor's yard.






Just 45 minutes before next weeks run/walk/bike, there is an excellent minus tide.  Since the tide stands slack for a bit before it starts coming back in, I think that it will still be way out there when we start.  Just sayin'.


NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH, 8:00 A.M.,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, WARD AVENUE. There is a -1.7 low tide at 7:16 a.m., so this would be an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting walk the beach.

County Shelter in Place Order continues, pertinent section and current revision copied below:

Allowed: 
  • Outdoor Recreation may now be initiated from within a 50 mile drive of one’s residence taking into account the new provisions in the  Facial Covering Order
  • When engaging in recreational activities in public, it is recommended that everyone bring a facial covering with them in a safe and accessible location and wear that where it is difficult to comply with social distancing requirements. However, the Order clarifies that for some public recreational activities which cause people to more forcefully expel airborne particles, the six feet social distance requirement may not be enough and may call for additional measures.
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN AND WALK @ 7:30 A.M.,   for now, we're starting behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station and using the Coastal Trail - Middle access on Tuesdays.  On Thursdays, we are starting at Harvest Market at Mendosa's, Mendocino.


Sunday, May 24, 2020

COVID 19, 9 COASTAL TRAIL - NORTH

                                                       
We are in the middle of a three day Memorial Day weekend.  One like no other.  This was our 10th week of "Sheltering In Place" and we can't go anywhere unless for essential travel.  We can recreate locally and drive up to 50 miles from home.  Luckily, we have our beautiful coast and a great group of friends





Present on this beautiful sunny, 52 degree morning:  Nancy T., Fran, Susan, Bruce, Cheryl N., Neil, Shari, Toni, Joe, Charlene, Ron, Bob, Scott, Deb, Sam, John, Nancy and Tom (18).

Thanks to John for today's photo collection.  The plums and rose are from his garden, I think.  The boat was trolling for salmon.      
                               

 

A couple of weeks ago we went to the Caspar Logging Road.  Several of the group told me that they enjoyed going there again. I chose to walk, since my bike legs were just getting going but now I want to go there and ride.  I used to ride the bike trails there and recall them as being some of the best in the area.  So,
next week, we will again meet at the Caspar Logging Roads.      



NEXT SUNDAY, 5/31, 8:00 A.M.,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, CASPAR LOGGING ROAD.

County Shelter in Place Order continues, pertinent section and current revision copied below:

Allowed: 
  • Outdoor Recreation may now be initiated from within a 50 mile drive of one’s residence taking into account the new provisions in the  Facial Covering Order
  • When engaging in recreational activities in public, it is recommended that everyone bring a facial covering with them in a safe and accessible location and wear that where it is difficult to comply with social distancing requirements. However, the Order clarifies that for some public recreational activities which cause people to more forcefully expel airborne particles, the six feet social distance requirement may not be enough and may call for additional measures.
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN AND WALK @ 7:30 A.M.,   for now, we're starting behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station and using the Coastal Trail - Middle access on Tuesdays.  On Thursdays, we are starting at Harvest Market at Mendosa's, Mendocino.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

COVID 19, 8 COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE


It was a beautiful morning!  We were fortunate to have a break in the rain showers, 56 degrees and just a little breeze.  The ocean was really pretty today.

John has given me a bunch of photos to post, so let's see what I can throw into this blog.  I say throw, because once I start moving photos around, blogger has a mind of it's own.

   

   

               

                                       


There!  I got 'em all in, I won't try giving each a caption and let you figure them out.  Thanks John!

Present today: Susan, Bruce, Deb, Sam, Charlene, Ron, Cheryl, Neil, Toni, Joe, Fran, Scott, Bob, John, Nancy and Tom (16).

Of the 16 present today, 5 were bicycle riders.  I think that may be a record for a Fog Dodger Sunday.  I was one of those five, and have to say, it was fun.  Now, I've got these mixed feelings about having been a runner, forced to become a walker and now with the choice of again riding my bike.  The Fog Dodgers started 22 years ago as a running group.  It, and myself, are evolving.  I liked being a runner, was happy to walk with our nice group, and I'm just not sure about biking.  To me, biking loses much of the socialness of the group.  My poor hearing is partly responsible for that, since it's hard to hear your friend with the wind blowing past your ears.  I'll see how this plays out.  One thing I do know, is that we have a great group of Fog Dodgers and I love Sundays!

NEXT SUNDAY, 5/24, 8:00 A.M.,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - NORTH, (Glass Beach Parking Lot).

County Shelter in Place Order continues, pertinent section and current revision copied below:

Allowed: 
  • Outdoor Recreation may now be initiated from within a 50 mile drive of one’s residence taking into account the new provisions in the  Facial Covering Order
  • When engaging in recreational activities in public, it is recommended that everyone bring a facial covering with them in a safe and accessible location and wear that where it is difficult to comply with social distancing requirements. However, the Order clarifies that for some public recreational activities which cause people to more forcefully expel airborne particles, the six feet social distance requirement may not be enough and may call for additional measures.
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN AND WALK @ 7:30 A.M.,   for now, we're starting behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station and using the Coastal Trail - Middle access on Tuesdays.  On Thursdays, we are starting at Harvest Market at Mendosa's, Mendocino.







Sunday, May 10, 2020

COVID 19, 7

We returned to the Caspar Logging Road this morning.  We hadn't been there since last October.  I think we all enjoyed being back but several requests were made for the Coastal Trail next Sunday.

Shari and Peter didn't check the blog before heading out and therefore ended up this morning on the Coastal Trail.  She sent me this picture as proof.


On the Caspar Logging Road this morning, we had Joe, Nancy T., Susan, Bruce, Scott (1st Sunday), Fran, Cheryl, Neil, Deb, Sam, Charlene, Ron, John, Bob, Nancy and Tom (17).

Four bike riders this morning, I think that is a record.  Inspired me so much, I may ride my bike next Sunday, gonna have to get my bicycle legs back.

It was 52 degrees with a heavy overcast and no wind this morning, real good for running, walking and biking.

And some pictures from John.  Thanks John.
A             

Wear your mask!
                                










NEXT SUNDAY, 5/17, 8:00 A.M.,  GROUP RUN, WALK AND BIKE, COASTAL TRAIL - MIDDLE, We've been meeting behind the Fire Station and using the Coastal Trail.  It works well, giving you several directions by which to start.  Next Sunday, we'll again meet at behind the Fire Station.

County Shelter in Place Order continues, pertinent section and current revision copied below:

Allowed: 
  • Outdoor Recreation may now be initiated from within a 50 mile drive of one’s residence taking into account the new provisions in the  Facial Covering Order
  • When engaging in recreational activities in public, it is recommended that everyone bring a facial covering with them in a safe and accessible location and wear that where it is difficult to comply with social distancing requirements. However, the Order clarifies that for some public recreational activities which cause people to more forcefully expel airborne particles, the six feet social distance requirement may not be enough and may call for additional measures.
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, GROUP RUN AND WALK @ 7:30 A.M.,   for now, we're starting behind the Fort Bragg Fire Station and using the Coastal Trail - Middle access on Tuesdays.  On Thursdays, we are starting at Harvest Market at Mendosa's, Mendocino.