FORT ROSS STATE PARK TO OLD GROWTH REDWOOD TREE

All photos by Bob Rutemoeller

Carpool at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:30 or meet at Fort Ross State Park at 10:00. We will walk to the Cove and take the trail to the Russian graveyard. Carefully cross the highway from there and take the fire road up the hill for a up close look at one of the few remaining old growth redwoods in the area. Here you will be treated to some life lessons you can learn from a Redwood. We will then have a nice view at the water tanks and then on to the Archaeological Camp. Walking between the last two cabins and looking through the hole in the fence you can see the fault line and where the creek dropped in the big earthquake. Return as you came, having lunch at the Cove or Call House picnic area or in the Fort. We'll decide depending on the weather and interests of the group. There are elevation changes on this hike, but the walking is not difficult. Dogs should be left at home.
Leaders: Mary Sue & Bob

KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Carpool at 10:30 at pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:45. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road and drive to the official parking area for Kruse Reserve. There are no fees or passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 11:00. We will hike up the gravel road all the way to Plantation. The ascent is gradual, but the gravel large and often sharp, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the late nineteenth century, Plantation was an important destination for travelers from San Francisco on their way to Gualala. It had the only hotel available. Lunch at Plantation Camp. After lunch it is all downhill. The views are spectacular. We will walk along several gushing creeks, and have views into deep forested canyons. This hike is a bit longer than our regular hikes, about five miles, but the rewards are great.
Leaders: Diana and Dave Bower

KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION

Photo credit: Anita Green

Photo credit: Anita Green

Photo credit: Massomeh Roberts

Photo credit: Massomeh Roberts

Photo credit: Massomeh Roberts

Photo credit: Massomeh Roberts

Photo credit: Anita Green

Carpool at 10:30 at pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:45. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road and drive to the official parking area for Kruse Reserve. There are no fees or passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 11:00. We will hike up the gravel road all the way to Plantation and have our lunch there. The leaders may be able to arrange a tour. The ascent is gradual, but the gravel large and often sharp, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the late nineteenth century, Plantation was an important destination for travelers from San Francisco on their way to Gualala. It had the only hotel available.  The views are spectacular. We will walk along several gushing creeks, and have views into deep forested canyons.
Leaders:  Dave and Diana Bower

FORT ROSS SOUTH

The bottom angled board represents Jesus' feet and also the 2 disciples.... good and bad.... 

4th graders from Palo Alto on a field trip.  They each had taken on the roles of actual historic Fort Ross residents.

2nd largest Eucalyptus tree in the USA!

May-Tee-Nee is the Kashia name for the area.

Carpool at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:30 or meet at Fort Ross State Park at 10:00.  Fort Ross is only open on weekends after early September, but there is a school visit this day so we were able to see the Fort.  We will walk to the Cove and then take the trail to the south end of the park along the bluff. Return and walk to the Russian graveyard. Robin Joy who has worked at Fort Ross as an interpreter joined us and educated us along the way.
Leader: Gary Sprague
NOTE: for those interested visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/163772490349838/  for information about trips, big ships and events at Fort Ross.
LOVELY warm, sunny day at Fort Ross.