MOAT CREEK

Giant Pile Worm

ALL PHOTOS ABOVE by Bob Rutemoeller

While you were at Bowling Ball Beach I was backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia

Meet at 8:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool and at Anchor Bay at 8:15 south side of town on west side of highway. Start at Moat Creek at MM 12.77 on way to Pt. Arena at 8:30. We may have to park along Highway One because of the abalone divers so should carpool as much as possible. Hike bluff south to Bowling Ball Beach.  This stretch is mostly level, but with two short steep stretches (up one way and down another.) The beach can be rocky and a bit challenging to walk on in a few stretches. There is a minus tide this day. Bowling Ball Beach at a low tide is a sight to behold. After returning to Moat Creek you can either go home with the rest of the day free or those people who are interested can drive to Hearn Gulch and walk to the beach for brunch/snack. The latter requires using a rope, but the beach is quite charming and worth the effort.
Leader: Gary Sprague (THANKS Gary for filling in for me! - harmony)

CHAPEL AND AZALEA TRAILS

All photos by Bob Rutemoeller

Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool or at the Sea Ranch chapel at 10:00. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk north along the Chapel Trail through meadow, forest and ravine. Return on the Azalea Trail, which leads to the Chapel Trail; follow it south back to the Chapel. There are moderate elevation changes on this hike. Those who want to can use the bench or the rock wall close to the chapel as a place for lunch at the end.
Leader: Theresa Yuen

DMC LOOP #1

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

photo credit: Nancy Trissel

photo credit: Nancy Trissel

photo credit: Nancy Trissel

Carpool at 9:45 at Gualala Business Sign pullout just north of bridge. Start at 9:55 at Del Mar Center on TSR.  Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk to Tallgrass and hike under the Highway and then turn left on Saloon Trail to Pomo Trails and across Highway.  Hike the Salal Trail to Bluff Trail and then go south, taking either the Del Mar Meadow trail north of the bridge past post #62a , or if the leader prefers, staying on the Bluff Trail turning after Post 54 to take the trail back to Leeward and the Del Mar Center for lunch.
Leader: Linda Kennedy

SALT POINT LOOP

ALL photos above by Mary Sue Ittner

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:45. Park at the call box parking area one-half mile south of Stump Beach on the east side of HWY 1 (south of MM 41.00). Take trail on east side of the highway up to the first fork.  Turn right and follow the trail until you come out at the highway. Cross the highway and take the road to the campground (where there will be bathrooms we can use.) From there we will hike down the hill turning right on the road to the Visitor Center. Pass it and go onto the headlands. Hike north on the bluff all the way to a rock outcropping in line with the call box on the highway, then continue for another few minutes toward Stump Beach.  There have lunch seated on some wonderful rock ledges, watch the crashing surf and see the salt pockets after which Salt Point was named at Glen's Spot.  After lunch continue on the trail to the Highway and carefully walk back to the cars. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails. Walking sticks are a good idea. This is potentially a bit longer hike, but it has both forest and bluff and a wonderful lunch spot.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller