RAMBLING WITH ANNIE #3 /GROUP POTLUCK

Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and meet at Annie Brayer's house at 40256 Foremast on The Sea Ranch at 10:00. Turn west on Deer Trail, south on Leeward Road, right on Pelican, right on Foremast. Those with Sea Ranch stickers should park along the road so those without can park in her driveway. Walk the bluff to Seal Rock. Walk down Seal Rock to Leeward Spur. Cross over the highway and go north on the Chapel Trail picking up one of the Azalea loops to the Dog Park to Deer Trail and back to Annie's house for a pot luck. About 3 or 3 1/2 miles with some elevation changes along the way.
Annie Brayer

Mystery Hike aka The Big ROCK Loop

This is a new hike on Mendocino Redwoods land. The first area we will be walking is very open so we advise hats, sunscreen, and enough water if this day turns out to be sunny and warm. After some wide flat open logging road with some distant ocean views we will head up hill to see the Big Rock and eat lunch. The assent is steep so walking sticks are recommended. After lunch we will continue the loop this time through shady tunnels of trees to return to our cars. Meet at the pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge at 10:00 a.m. (Next time start should be at 10:30am)
Leader: Harmony Susalla

MONARCH GLEN/WALK-ON BEACH LOOP #2

Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Start at 10:00 at the paved parking area at Piper's Reach. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers.  Walk to the bluff and then walk south to post 31. Continue east to Cormorant Close and through the hedgerow intersecting the trail that is adjacent to Highway One. Walk north on it until you reach the Monarch Glen Trail. Do that loop and then walk back to Bosuns Close and carefully cross the highway taking the road to the Chapel. Walk the first part of the Chapel Trail with its great views to post 128, turning left to Leeward Spur, crossing the highway again. Turn left onto Leeward Road and continue to Walk-On Beach where we will be able to stop for lunch (or on bluff above seal viewing spot).  After lunch proceed south on bluff top trail to post 35, then turn east to Pipers Reach and the cars. This hike is longer than we usually do but very enjoyable.
Leader: Linda Kennedy

SOUTH GERSTLE COVE BLUFF - "THE SLEEPING LION"

Photo Credit Bob Rutemoeller

Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:00. Drive almost through Salt Point to MM 39.17 where there is a wide area to park on the right side of the road.  At 10:15 cross over to the gate on the east side of the road and follow a path north, parallel with the road. Cross the road at MM 39.4 continuing north until we pass the waterfall.  Follow the trail south to the South Gerstle Cove Picnic Area. From here we will follow the bluff as closely as possible until we reach the extreme southern boundary of Salt Point Park. We will return to our cars the same way we came. The rock formations and views from the bluff are outstanding. There are great photo opportunities for camera buffs. Just one warning: the paths are rough and eroded in places, and there are a few steep gulches to cross. The trail is not maintained, and disappears in some places. We will take a very leisurely pace and explore whatever attracts our attention. Be sure to bring walking sticks and be ready to lend a helping hand to your fellow hikers. There are several nice places to sit on the ground overlooking the ocean and have lunch, or we may wait until we return to the picnic area at South Gerstle. Our leader will point out a "sleeping lion" rock formation that is most visible on a sunny day at about 11:30. This hike is mostly level, but with obstacles. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leader: Gary Sprague