STONEBORO ROAD TO THE GARCIA RIVER

Meet at 9:50 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool to the west end of Stoneboro road in Manchester and start our hike at 10:30. Enjoy a 15 minute walk on the dunes to the beach, then walk south to the Garcia river, viewing the lighthouse and perhaps whales, pelicans and Canada geese heading north (during the winter). We will walk east for a short while along the Garcia, then retrace our steps for the return, passing where we came in through the dunes and exploring a little to the north. We will find a good spot along the beach (or in the dunes if windy) for lunch. This walk is entirely on the sand and dogs on leash are allowed.
Leader: Joyce Nugent
photos contributed by Liberty Laura

SALT POINT BLUFFS

All Photos by Bob Rutemoeller

Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 10:30 and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 10:45. Start at 11:00 at Salt Point State Park. Turn west at Main Entrance and follow road down to ocean where the large parking lot is. Bringcoupons or state park passes if you have them. Hike the coastal trail along the bluffs starting at left side of parking lot. Continue north until you are at trail which descends into Stump Beach. If the weather cooperates, we will have lunch at a special spot Glen Forbes found for us. We will walk back by jeep trail which is inland of coastal trail. This section of Salt Point has interesting rock formations and often spectacular waves this time of the year. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leaders: Bob Rutemoeller & Mary Sue Ittner

ALDER CREEK - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH

Photo Credit: Gary Levenson-Palmer

Photo Credit: Gary Levenson-Palmer

Photo Credit: Gary Levenson-Palmer

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 and Mary Sue Ittner

HORSESHOE COVE--SALT POINT NORTH

photo credit: Sus Susalla

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

photo credit: Sus Susalla

photo credit: Sus Susalla

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 so worth the effort.
Leader: Harmony Susalla

MANCHESTER STATE BEACH AND THOMPSON HEATHER GARDENS

photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

photo credit: 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 to the ocean and then go south on the beach and then return. We will drive to the Thompson garden afterwards for lunch. There will be a little beach walking, but there aren't rocks to scramble over and Manchester Beach is very pretty. The Thompson garden, always wonderful, in August is a feast for the eyes with the heathers in bloom.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller