BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS

Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:45, and at the Blackpoint Beach Coastal Access parking area (just north of the Lodge) at 10:00. Walk from the parking area to the Bluff Trail and turn left 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 area for our lunches. Note: If it’s windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: Laura Bridge
Mileage: 3.9
photos contributed by Mary Sue, Bob R. and Gary B.

ALDER CREEK - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH

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. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the trail in this State Park. We will have lunch afterwards at Beverley Thompson's lovely garden to view spring flowers (Rhododendrons and Azaleas to name a few.)
Leader: Mary Heibel
Mileage: 3.4
photos contributed by Gary B, Bob and Mary Sue

HORSESHOE COVE--SALT POINT NORTH

Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:10. Park at MM 44.00 at Salt Point at 10:30. 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. This is a cell phone free hike. If you have a cell phone with you, you will be asked to turn it off or put it in airplane mode so Annie Mills can hike with us. She has radiation sickness so is limited on where she can be with people and there are no cell phone towers in the area so she can join us. There could be early wildflowers on this hike. The return to the cars after lunch will be uphill, but this is a gorgeous spot so worth the effort. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the trail in this State Park.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner and maybe Bob too
Mileage: 2.4
photos contributed by Mary Sue & Bob

POMO TRAILS & FOREST

Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Meet at Dard's (205 Screech Owl, Sea Ranch) at 9:55. It's East on Halcyon (North end of Sea Ranch) North on Deer Trail, West on Screech Owl. Hike starts at 10:00. Starting on Screech Owl, enter the trail at post 144 and do entire Pomo Creekside Trail.  At Deer Trail turn left to Pomo Hillside Trail, post 147.  As this trail exits to Deer Trail cross the street and enter the trail at post 150 and then turn left on the dirt road.  As road exits the woods, take the unofficial trail to the right which exits on County Park Road to campground.  Follow to the right and at bottom of hill take unofficial trail heading toward river and explore this beautiful area. Reverse and start back. Cover the route taken inbound until exiting on dirt road.  Turn right to Haversack connector trail.  Take it exiting on cul-de-sac which traverse turning right on Deer Trail.  Turn in on Pomo Creekside trail and return to beginning. We will have lunch at Dard and Mary’s house.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith
NOTE: Lunch was moved to Nancy's house on Screech Owl
Mileage: 4.3
photos contributed by: Mary Sue and Harmony