We walked along the beaches of MacKerricher State Park today (no day use fee, which was nice). The waves were quite strong, given the full moon, and the seagulls seems to be pairing off, although it seems a wrong time of year for that. (Of course, neither one of us is an expert in seagull reproduction, so.....) The beach, especially at low tide, can be walked for miles - much longer than any other beach we've visited so far in northern California. The sand was more of a very loose black pebble, which made walking a bit more difficult, but it's never a bad day when you can walk barefoot on the beach.
Although no pictures today (we forgot the camera), we have updated our photo page, so you can check out more photos of Mendocino county. Enjoy!
Showing posts with label Ft. Bragg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ft. Bragg. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Russian Gulch State Park, Fort Bragg, California
We took a hike in Russian Gulch State Park this afternoon, which is a few miles south of Fort Bragg on Highway 1. We started along the North Trail, which begins in the campground, just after the last restroom. The first part of the hike is steep, but once it levels off, there are no elevation changes. The first two-thirds of this hike was nice - among ferns and trees. We were amazed at the number of pine needles covering the forest floor and the lower shrubs. We circled back on the North Trail, which opened up to walking along power poles and ultimately the road. This we didn't find as charming, to say the last. To get to the rest of the hike, we had to cross Highway 1 and walk a road to the trail head - again, not our favorite thing to do - once we're on trail, we like the trail to stay a trail. However, the west side of the hike, the Headlands Trails, was open with ocean views; in fact, lovely ocean views. This hike takes you to Blow Hole Overlook, where at high tide waves crash and pound, creating an echo. There is also an inland tunnel, which leads to a 100' by 60' deep hole created also by the pounding waves. We meandered around the Headlands Trail, and eventually (after more road walking) ended up at our car. It cost $6 to park at Russian Gulch State Park, and we're not sure it was really worth it. There is a waterfall trail as well, and perhaps we should have taken that one, but we had heard about this one, and went with the recommendation.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Touring Mendocino County’s Southern Coast
South of Fort Bragg there are many small towns and sights to along Hwy 1 to see, so today we spent the day exploring the coast in southern Mendocino County.
Our first stop was Point Cabrillo Lighthouse State Park. Point Cabrillo is a completely restored light station that consists of most the original buildings which includes the actual lighthouse, three light keeper family houses and a shop building that contains some exhibits and aquariums. These buildings sit near the coastline on the bluff edge which is a half a mile from the parking lot. So from the parking lot there are two ways to walk down the lighthouse and other buildings (it seemed like handicap parking existed at the lighthouse). You can hike on a dirt path through the open dried grass field or you can walk down the pedestrians only pave road. We chose to make a loop of it by hiking through the field and returning via the road. We were glad we did, for we saw several deer in the brush and had terrific unobstructed views of the ocean. Once you hit the bluff’s edge, the trail veers to the left through some thicker brush towards the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is a well preserved wooden building, which is somewhat unusual for most we have visited have been stone and/or metal to withstand the weather. This building looked very picturesque against the ocean and open field where it sits. Inside the lighthouse is a museum and gift shop with a suggested donation fee of $3 per person. We decided not to go not because of the fee, but because no one is allowed up into the lighthouse tower itself. There are some nice short trails along the bluffs edge which give you great views of the rugged coastline. We even saw seals sunbathing on the rocks. Next, we headed back towards the parking lot and stopped to tour one the open light keeper homes. Inside we found a completely restored downstairs that was representative of the time around 1909. Information plaques and other artifacts gave you a good sense of the time and work required to keep this critical lighthouse going. One of the other light keeper homes has been restored and is now available as a Bed and Breakfast. After completely seeing the grounds, we made the half mile walk on the paved road back to the car. Initial, we didn’t expect the long walk to get to the light station buildings but found that it enhanced our visit. This State Park is worth the visit and exercise.
Continuing the day’s adventure, we stopped in the town of Mendocino. This is a small town that sits on bluffs that extend out into the ocean a little more than the surrounding cliffs. This gives you many great views of the ocean from many locations. The town’s buildings all have been well preserved so you really feel like you are back in era of it’s creation. We found Menodocino a charming and quaint town with many wonderful restaurants and interesting shops to explore. We had lunch at the Mendocino Bakery & Cafe, which was very good - they have sandwiches, soups, quiches, and desserts - it was a simple, filling meal for under $20. Suzanne found the numerous old water towers found throughout the town fascinating; they definitely added to the architectural charm. Also while we were in Mendocino, the Mendocino County Animal Shelter had an outreach with adorable dogs & cats for adoption ~ and here is our public service announcement ~ please visit your local animal shelter when thinking of adding a furry companion to you family ~ as long time volunteers at the Oregon Humane Society, we know how great these rescued pets can be.
Back on the road, we drove south along Hwy 1. Driving from Mendocino to south of the town of Point Arena offered many amazing viewpoints when the road was literally clinging to the cliffs above coastline. In other areas of this drive, we found many cattle ranched with large open pastures between the highway and the coast. This surprised us for we were expecting the cliff clinging views the whole way. We didn’t stop in any of the little town including Point Arena because we got a fill of town touring in Mendocino so we headed to a little south of Point Arena to Bowling Ball Beach. To find this beach you can park at Schooner Gulch road (which is parking for at mile marker 11.48) and hike down to Schooner Gulch beach and follow the beach north until you find Bowling Ball Beach. The information that we had talked about another route and leads to stairs down to the beach, unfortunately we were unable to find this trail. The beach itself is pretty interesting with a field of large round rock sticking out of the sandy surf. Viewing is only at low tide and for negotiating around some of rocky areas to get there. There are plenty of beautiful beaches in this area. During our visit there were several people wind surfing. That was fun to watch and was an added bonus. If you are in this area anyway, I would say visit this beach, but if you aren’t here anyway, we're not we would recommend the drive just to see the “Bowling Balls”.
Our first stop was Point Cabrillo Lighthouse State Park. Point Cabrillo is a completely restored light station that consists of most the original buildings which includes the actual lighthouse, three light keeper family houses and a shop building that contains some exhibits and aquariums. These buildings sit near the coastline on the bluff edge which is a half a mile from the parking lot. So from the parking lot there are two ways to walk down the lighthouse and other buildings (it seemed like handicap parking existed at the lighthouse). You can hike on a dirt path through the open dried grass field or you can walk down the pedestrians only pave road. We chose to make a loop of it by hiking through the field and returning via the road. We were glad we did, for we saw several deer in the brush and had terrific unobstructed views of the ocean. Once you hit the bluff’s edge, the trail veers to the left through some thicker brush towards the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is a well preserved wooden building, which is somewhat unusual for most we have visited have been stone and/or metal to withstand the weather. This building looked very picturesque against the ocean and open field where it sits. Inside the lighthouse is a museum and gift shop with a suggested donation fee of $3 per person. We decided not to go not because of the fee, but because no one is allowed up into the lighthouse tower itself. There are some nice short trails along the bluffs edge which give you great views of the rugged coastline. We even saw seals sunbathing on the rocks. Next, we headed back towards the parking lot and stopped to tour one the open light keeper homes. Inside we found a completely restored downstairs that was representative of the time around 1909. Information plaques and other artifacts gave you a good sense of the time and work required to keep this critical lighthouse going. One of the other light keeper homes has been restored and is now available as a Bed and Breakfast. After completely seeing the grounds, we made the half mile walk on the paved road back to the car. Initial, we didn’t expect the long walk to get to the light station buildings but found that it enhanced our visit. This State Park is worth the visit and exercise.
Continuing the day’s adventure, we stopped in the town of Mendocino. This is a small town that sits on bluffs that extend out into the ocean a little more than the surrounding cliffs. This gives you many great views of the ocean from many locations. The town’s buildings all have been well preserved so you really feel like you are back in era of it’s creation. We found Menodocino a charming and quaint town with many wonderful restaurants and interesting shops to explore. We had lunch at the Mendocino Bakery & Cafe, which was very good - they have sandwiches, soups, quiches, and desserts - it was a simple, filling meal for under $20. Suzanne found the numerous old water towers found throughout the town fascinating; they definitely added to the architectural charm. Also while we were in Mendocino, the Mendocino County Animal Shelter had an outreach with adorable dogs & cats for adoption ~ and here is our public service announcement ~ please visit your local animal shelter when thinking of adding a furry companion to you family ~ as long time volunteers at the Oregon Humane Society, we know how great these rescued pets can be.
Back on the road, we drove south along Hwy 1. Driving from Mendocino to south of the town of Point Arena offered many amazing viewpoints when the road was literally clinging to the cliffs above coastline. In other areas of this drive, we found many cattle ranched with large open pastures between the highway and the coast. This surprised us for we were expecting the cliff clinging views the whole way. We didn’t stop in any of the little town including Point Arena because we got a fill of town touring in Mendocino so we headed to a little south of Point Arena to Bowling Ball Beach. To find this beach you can park at Schooner Gulch road (which is parking for at mile marker 11.48) and hike down to Schooner Gulch beach and follow the beach north until you find Bowling Ball Beach. The information that we had talked about another route and leads to stairs down to the beach, unfortunately we were unable to find this trail. The beach itself is pretty interesting with a field of large round rock sticking out of the sandy surf. Viewing is only at low tide and for negotiating around some of rocky areas to get there. There are plenty of beautiful beaches in this area. During our visit there were several people wind surfing. That was fun to watch and was an added bonus. If you are in this area anyway, I would say visit this beach, but if you aren’t here anyway, we're not we would recommend the drive just to see the “Bowling Balls”.
~On a final note, restaurant.com is having a special this weekend ~ beginning Friday, October 10 at 12:01 a.m CDT all $25 Gift Certificates are only $3. Plus, Dinner of the Month packages are 70% off too. The 70% off sale (Coupon Code: SAVE) and runs through October 13, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Please use our restaurant.com button on the left if you decide to take advantage of this opportunity (which you should ~ you won't be disappointed!)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Fort Bragg, California
We spent today meandering the Fort Bragg town and area, and had a wonderful time in the quaint, costal town. We strolled along Main Street and Franklin street, as well as the side streets connecting the two. There are many fine shops, not ticky-tacky tourist stuff often seen in coastal towns. The restaurants are numerous – also of the same high quality as the shops. One fun place we stopped was the Triangle Tattoo Museum. This is a tattoo museum with photos and stories of tattooing over the ages, around the world. One poignant area was the “Tattoos without Consent” area which highlighted those who were forced to be tattooed, such as was done to the Jews in the Holocaust. The Triangle Tattoo Museum also has a tattoo parlor, where you can get tattooed. (No, Mom, we didn’t get tattoos.)
We happened upon our lunch place as we noticed it packed with locals – we even saw our waitress from the night before! Laurel Deli and Desserts was excellent! Suzanne had their homemade soup and salad with homemade dressing; Brad had their pastrami sandwich with homemade pasta salad – all was wonderful and very nicely priced!
It was getting late, and quite windy again, but we had time for one beach stop – Glass Beach. Until 1967, people of Fort Bragg dumped garbage on the beach and allowed it to wash out to sea. (This is not the only place that disposed of garbage this way.) Then in 1967, this ended and the beach was cleaned-up, however not all could be cleaned away, and the glass kept washing ashore. Today, it’s a beach of pieces of tumbled glass – white, green, purple, red, brown blue- that you can walk on barefoot. It’s a bit tricky to get here – take Elm (by the Denny’s) towards the beach and park at the end of the road. Walk towards the ocean along the gravel road, and take a left at the first “No Trespassing” sign. Continue past the second “No Trespassing” sign, and you’ll see the beach below – now just scramble down the cliff, and there you are!
After meandering Fort Bragg today, browsing a variety of stores and meeting many people, we continually notice how nice the people of Fort Bragg are – every store owner was welcoming and cheerful, the tattoo artist at Triangle Tattoo was chatty and friendly, and the waitress at Laurel Deli and Dessert was helpful, sociable, and warm.
We happened upon our lunch place as we noticed it packed with locals – we even saw our waitress from the night before! Laurel Deli and Desserts was excellent! Suzanne had their homemade soup and salad with homemade dressing; Brad had their pastrami sandwich with homemade pasta salad – all was wonderful and very nicely priced!
It was getting late, and quite windy again, but we had time for one beach stop – Glass Beach. Until 1967, people of Fort Bragg dumped garbage on the beach and allowed it to wash out to sea. (This is not the only place that disposed of garbage this way.) Then in 1967, this ended and the beach was cleaned-up, however not all could be cleaned away, and the glass kept washing ashore. Today, it’s a beach of pieces of tumbled glass – white, green, purple, red, brown blue- that you can walk on barefoot. It’s a bit tricky to get here – take Elm (by the Denny’s) towards the beach and park at the end of the road. Walk towards the ocean along the gravel road, and take a left at the first “No Trespassing” sign. Continue past the second “No Trespassing” sign, and you’ll see the beach below – now just scramble down the cliff, and there you are!
After meandering Fort Bragg today, browsing a variety of stores and meeting many people, we continually notice how nice the people of Fort Bragg are – every store owner was welcoming and cheerful, the tattoo artist at Triangle Tattoo was chatty and friendly, and the waitress at Laurel Deli and Dessert was helpful, sociable, and warm.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Pomo RV Park & Campground and North Coast Brewing Co., Fort Bragg, California
We traveled down 101 south today, onto 1 south to Fort Bragg. A few things to share:
The drive - From Eureka, take 101 south to Leggett where you have a decision to make: continue along 101, then head west on the 2o to Fort Bragg, or take 1 south to Fort Bragg; we chose the latter. Route 1 was quite windy with some steep and narrow turns. If you read our post form a couple days ago where we went to Shelter Cove, the drive was similar, although this time we were towing our trailer. The road starts inland, then once you arrive to the coast, the views are phenomenal! The northern California coast consists of steep cliffs, rocks, and roaring waves.
The campground - Pomo RV Park and Campground is a very nice, well treed, clean private park. It's just south of Fort Bragg - there is a decent laundry facility, wifi (although not every site gets a great signal), full hook-ups including cable, and a nice staff. We had read many positive reviews online about this park, and so far agree.
Dinner - We ate an early dinner at the North Coast Brewing Company which was very good. They have a dining area or bar, and serve great beer and equally great food. This would be a worthwhile place to stop when in the area.
Fort Bragg itself, on a quick look, appears to be a cute coastal town, on the bigger size. There is also beach access, biking trails, and shopping. We look forward to exploring the area more tomorrow.
The drive - From Eureka, take 101 south to Leggett where you have a decision to make: continue along 101, then head west on the 2o to Fort Bragg, or take 1 south to Fort Bragg; we chose the latter. Route 1 was quite windy with some steep and narrow turns. If you read our post form a couple days ago where we went to Shelter Cove, the drive was similar, although this time we were towing our trailer. The road starts inland, then once you arrive to the coast, the views are phenomenal! The northern California coast consists of steep cliffs, rocks, and roaring waves.
The campground - Pomo RV Park and Campground is a very nice, well treed, clean private park. It's just south of Fort Bragg - there is a decent laundry facility, wifi (although not every site gets a great signal), full hook-ups including cable, and a nice staff. We had read many positive reviews online about this park, and so far agree.
Dinner - We ate an early dinner at the North Coast Brewing Company which was very good. They have a dining area or bar, and serve great beer and equally great food. This would be a worthwhile place to stop when in the area.
Fort Bragg itself, on a quick look, appears to be a cute coastal town, on the bigger size. There is also beach access, biking trails, and shopping. We look forward to exploring the area more tomorrow.
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