LONGMEADOW TRAIL/BLUFFTOP TRAIL LOOP (RAIN CHANGE)

Carpool at 9:50 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area. Walk south to the Ohlson Ranch Center and cut through the Demonstration Garden to take the trail between the highway and the Ohlson Ranch Center. Cross the highway at Headlands Reach and take an immediate left on a trail off Headlands Close (mm 53.00). Upon reaching Longmeadow Trail follow it south and up hill. At a trail crossing take a right on Spur Close Trail. This trail goes downhill almost to Spur Close in order to go around trees along a creek, then uphill again through a wooded area. Reaching a bifurcation, take the right hand fork down to the highway. Cross and walk down Navigator's Reach, then walk north on the Blufftop Trail to the starting point, saying hello to the seals at Green Cove's Marine Preserve along the way. Eat at Ohlson at the end.  [DUE TO RAIN THIS HIKE WAS CHANGED AND TWO HEARTY PEOPLE WALKED FROM ART CENTER TO GREEN IRON BRIDGE INSTEAD.]
Leader: Jane Seck
mileage: 4.5

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

SKAGGS SPRINGS ROAD WILDFLOWER HIKE

Carpool at 9:40 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:50 to carpool. 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. We will have lunch at the Annapolis Winery.
Leader: Mary Sue and Bob substituted for Harmony - THANK YOU!
photos contributed by: Mary Sue and Bob R.

BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS

Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:45, and at the Blackpoint Beach Coastal Access parking area (just north of the Lodge) at 10:00. Walk from the parking area to the Bluff Trail and turn left to marker 1. Go down the stairs and walk on the beach to the north end, returning to the stairs (Note: The stairs are steep!). From marker 1, walk south to the first gate marked with the wildflower path marker and follow the path to Black Point, the barn, and Bihler Point. Continue on the marked path toward the Lodge, past the old sheepherder’s cabin, and turn left on the main trail. Follow the Bluff Trail from marker 1 to 3, turn right and continue through the hedgerow to marker 3C, then right on Moonraker to the fire road gate at Black Point Reach. At the end of the fire trail we will go to either the barn or the Lodge area for our lunches. Note: If it’s windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: Laura Bridge
Mileage: 3.9
photos contributed by Mary Sue, Bob R. and Gary B.

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