ALDER CREEK - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH

 

Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy One) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Hwy 1 on about mile marker 22.48 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road, then turn directly left and park parallel to get in as many cars as possible on the road that parallels Hwy 1. 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 iris, poppies, and baby blue eyes along the way and walk back via the beach if we can. We may change the direction of the hike depending on the wind. We will drive to Beverley Thompson's lovely garden to view spring flowers (Rhododendrons and Azaleas to name a few) and to eat our lunches afterwards.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller
All photos contributed by Mary Sue

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: Liberty Laura for Adrian
photos contributed by Bob, Mary Sue, Wildflower Laura and Harmony

SKAGGS SPRINGS ROAD WILDFLOWER HIKE

Carpool at 9:40 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:55. Start at MM 6 on Skaggs Springs Road (before Haupt Creek Bridge)at 10:15. We will walk along the road looking for wildflowers along the bank with views of the Gualala River too. How far we walk will depend on how many flowers there are to slow us down.  This area is shady in the morning and can be cool so dress accordingly. We will have lunch at Clark's Crossing under the bridge  or the Annapolis Winery (leader's choice).
Leader: Harmony
photos contributed by: Mary Sue, Wildflower Laura, Bob and Harmony

WINDY HOLLOW AND STONEBORO ROADS (new)

Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:45 and Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:00am. Meet and park at 10:30 at the entrance to the Evergreen Cemetery at the corner of Hwy 1 and Mountain View Road.  Hike through the cemetery to Windy Hollow Road.  Head east (left) at Windy Hollow Road and hike a short ways to the end of the Road and the Garcia River where a bridge has been discussed.  This is a beautiful road with fabulous pastoral and valley views.  If you are so inclined, you may enjoy bringing your camera on this part of the walk.  This part of the walk is 99% on paved roads with only one moderate hill.  Return to our cars and drive north on Hwy 1 to Stoneboro Road.  Head west (left turn) at Stoneboro and park at the first (unnamed) street on the right about a mile from the cemetery. Walk around the Stoneboro Road area, including passing Thompson's heather garden.  This part of the walk is all on paved roads and very easy (one up and down).  We will return to our cars to get our lunches.  Gary and Susan have found a special spot close to our cars for us to enjoy our lunches.    The entire walk was clocked by car at 3.9 miles.
Leaders: Susan and Gary Levenson-Palmer
photos by Harmony, Gar and Mary Sue