KRUSE RHODODENDRON STATE RESERVE

All photos by Bob Rutemoeller

Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:00. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road, just before Fisk Mill Cove. There is just a short drive to the official parking area. No fees and no passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:15. We will hike the short Rhododendron trail connecting with the Phillips Gulch Trail and return on the Chinese Gulch Trail. This is only a 2.5 mile hike. The first part is mostly up and the second part is mostly down.  We will cross eight bridges. This is a spectacular area with rhododendrons and orchids in bloom in the spring. Lunch at the end near the cars. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails.
Leader: Gary Beall

TIN BARN ROAD TO KING RIDGE ROAD

photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:30. From Skagg's Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road. Park below Odiyon. Walk to King Ridge Road and back, lunching at the end where there are logs along the road you can sit on. This is a road hike, but with lovely green vistas in the winter and glimpses of the Buddhist Temple on the return.
Leaders:  Ken and Marian Brown
MILEAGE: 5.5

STILLWATER COVE/GLEN FORBES MEMORY HIKE

Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:25 and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:40. Hikers with County Regional Park passes should drive. We will first walk to Glen Forbes bench overlooking Stillwater Cove. Afterwards we'll hike the interesting bluff section of Stillwater Cove and then return back to our cars. We will drive then to the day use area and park.  We will hike through the beautiful forested canyon, cross a small stream, then up along the ridge until we reach the old Fort Ross schoolhouse and then through the Canyon and down to the Cove for lunch. After lunch we'll return to our cars.  Dogs allowed on leash and hiking sticks helpful for a few steep spots and river crossing. Parking in the first section could be a challenge as there are only room for about three cars so we may have to drop people off and do a shuttle.
Leaders: Harmony Susalla

SODA SPRINGS RESERVE

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. 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 Sonoma County Park since 1994 (and known locally as Kelly Park) with lovely old growth redwoods and stream running by, plus being dog friendly with a toilet and picnic tables also. Lunch, tour the park, and return. There is a bit of up and down on this hike.  OPTION: Swimming in the swimming hole!  Robin did!
Leader: Harmony Susalla
It was great to have long time Annapolis local Robin along on this hike to tell us the history and answer questions.   At lunch we were treated once again by "Brownie Bob".