MANCHESTER STATE BEACH AND THOMPSON HEATHER GARDENS

Meet at 9:05 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) 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 which hasn't been marked lately, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Hwy 1. We will walk to the ocean and then go South on the beach and then return. We will then 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, though always wonderful, in August is a feast for the eyes with the heathers in bloom. It is Beverly Thompson’s birthday that day, so if you can, please bring a card for her to congratulate her on her birthday and thank her for letting us enjoy her garden.
Leader: Mary Heibel
photos contributed by Jane, Bob R and Mary Sue

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

MANCHESTER STATE BEACH AND THOMPSON HEATHER GARDENS (NEW)

Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. Turn toward the ocean on Kinney Road (mm 21.41) and drive to the end of the road, turning right when it ends and driving to the parking area. Hike starts around 9:45. We will be hiking on the dunes until we can get to the beach, then hiking on the beach. The web site for Manchester State Park advises there can be fog in summer and strong winds year round. On this day there is not a low tide, but there aren't rocks to scramble over and Manchester Beach is very pretty. Dogs are not allowed on state beaches to protect snowy plover nesting. We will drive to the Thompson garden afterwards for lunch.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller
Mileage: approx. 4.8
photos contributed by Steve, Mary Sue and Bob

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