SKAGGS SPRINGS ROAD WILDFLOWER HIKE

Talented stick woman - Ginger. Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Carpool at 9:40 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:55. Start at MM 6 on Skaggs Springs Road (before Haupt Creek Bridge)at 10:15. We will walk along the road looking for wildflowers along the bank with views of the Gualala River too. How far we walk will depend on how many flowers there are to slow us down.  This area is shady in the morning and can be cool so dress accordingly. Afterwards we'll drive to Annapolis winery where we'll eat our lunches on the picnic tables.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner & Bob Rutemoeller

HORSESHOE COVE--SALT POINT NORTH

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

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 iris, poppies, and baby blue eyes along the way and walk back via the beach if we can. 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 & Mary Sue Ittner

BLACK & BIHLER FLOWERS AND BLUFF WALK

Photo credit: RC Vasavada

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 and meet at the Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:00. We will be exploring the marvelous wildflower displays this time of the year on the Black and Bihler footpaths finally intersecting with the Blufftop Trail and heading north. At post 7 we will take the Sea Meadow Trail and when it intersects with the Blufftop Trail again we will this time turn south. Lunch at the old Barn where weddings are often held.
Leader: Jane Seck 785-1749

SEAVIEW HIGHLANDS

Photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 or at Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 10:00. Carpool to Kruse Road, to be admitted through the locked gate at the first road on the left.  Hike private ridge road at Seaview Highlands, next to Kruse Rhododendron Reserve.  About 4 mile hike, relatively flat. Bring lunch to eat at Marian and Ken's camp site. [Rain shortened hike.]
Leaders: Ken and Marian Brown

BIG TREE AND WHITE FIR TRAILS

Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45. Start at Big Tree Close and Timber Ridge Road at hike marker 122 at 10 a.m. Please bring hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Pass marker 116.  At marker 111 take left fork.  Follow trail to marker 104 which ends at Longmeadow. Go through gate and turn right back onto a forest path.  Continue on this trail, past the Sag Pond.  The path eventually joins the main trail again at marker 110.  Continue back along trail until marker 117. Walk west to marker 118. We will loop down to post 267 and the bench (with a great view) for lunch continuing back up the Big Tree Loop to marker 120 after lunch. Exit at 123 at Big Tree Close and return to parking area on Timber Ridge.

Leaders:  Dave and Diana Bower, 785-9725