HORSESHOE COVE--SALT POINT NORTH

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:15. Park at MM 44.00 at Salt Point. The turnoff is tricky; turnoff at MM44 even though the sign says Turnout 1/4 mile. This hike is quite steep in places so hiking sticks and boots are recommended. Hike on the trail staying right at the fork until you go over the crest of the hill and have a beautiful view of Horseshoe Cove. Descend sharply until you reach the Bluff. Walk south along the bluff until about 11:30 and retrace your steps until we reach a magical rock formation for lunch. The return to the cars after lunch will be uphill, but this is a gorgeous spot and usually with nice wildflowers this time of the year so worth the effort.
Leader: Harmony Susalla
Mileage: 3 +/-

MOAT CREEK #3 EARLY START

Meet at 8:35 at pullout for Gualala business directory  to carpool and at Anchor Bay at 8:45 south side of town on west side of highway. Start at Moat Creek  (MM 12.77 on way to Pt. Arena) at 9:00.  Hike bluff south to Bowling Ball Beach.  Walk south on beach to the stairs going to highway parking for Schooner's Gulch and then return via beach and bluff to Moat Creek parking. Mostly level, but 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 so we will be starting early to take advantage of this. There are often nice wildflowers this time of the year along the bluff and Bowling Ball Beach at a low tide is a sight to behold. Lunch optional, but those people who want an early lunch or brunch can drive to Hearn Gulch which often has a nice display of
wildflowers in spring.
Leader: Linda Dorticos
Mileage: 3.3

ALDER CREEK - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH

All Photos by Bob Rutemoeller

Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Highway One on about mile marker 22.27 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Highway One. We will walk down the road where it is closed until we come to the trail that leads to the environmental campground hoping to see wildflowers and walk back via the beach if we can. We may change the direction of the hike depending on the wind. We will have lunch afterwards at Beverley Thompson's lovely garden to view spring flowers (Rhododendrons and Azaleas to name a few.)
Leaders: Bob Rutemoeller & Mary Sue Ittner

BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS

Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:45, and meet at the Sea Ranch Lodge north (additional) parking lot at 10:00. Walk north from the parking lot to the fire road. Turn left, then right to marker 1. Go down the stairs and walk on the beach to the north end, returning to the stairs (Note: The stairs are steep!). From marker 1, walk south to the first gate marked with the wildflower path marker and follow the path to Black Point, the barn, and Bihler Point. Continue on the marked path toward the Lodge, past the old sheepherder's cabin, and turn left on the main trail. Follow the Bluff Trail from marker 1 to 3, turn right and continue through the hedgerow to marker 3C, then right on Moonraker to the fire road gate at Black Point Reach. At the end of the fire trail we will go to either the barn or the Lodge chair area for our lunches. Note: If it's windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: Jane Seck
Mileage: 3.7

SODA SPRINGS RESERVE

Photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Photo credit: Steve Coffey-Smith

Photo credit: Steve Coffey-Smith

Photo credit: Steve Coffey-Smith

Photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Carpool at the pullout for Gualala Business Directory just north of bridge at 9:45 and/or at the Sea Ranch Annapolis Road Business Center at 10:00.  Turn right before you reach the Fire Station. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers who park there to carpool. Park on Kelly Road 1 mile beyond entrance to Annapolis winery and hike to park. Hike on gravel road 2.3 miles to this 49 acre relatively unknown Sonoma County Park known locally as Kelly Park.  From the Parks website: "The park is a perfect place to stop among your travels. Rest or hike under the fragrant shelter of redwood groves, while enjoying the soothing sounds of running water from the adjacent Soda Springs Creek. Amenities include picnic areas, restroom, barbecues, and hiking trails."  Lunch, tour the park, and return.
Leader: Dard Hunter