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

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

OHLSON RANCH LOOP & POTLUCK

Meet at 9:40 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Linda's house: 37677 White Barn at 9:50. Non-Sea Rancher's will need hang tags. We will leave our food for a potluck at Linda's. Hike starts around 10:00 a.m. Walk from Linda's to Ohlson Ranch and take the trail behind Ohlson Ranch that parallels Highway 1, connecting with bike path to Navigators Reach. Turn right onto Navigators Reach and left on Sculpture Point Drive to end, pick up trail which connects you to Sea Gate Road. Turn right on Sea Meadow Drive where you pick up the first trail on the right (marker 7B.) Follow through hedgerow and markers 7C and 7D, talking trail to connect to bluff trail at marker 8.  Head north on bluff trail until you get to marker 22 exiting at Wild Iris and back to Linda's for lunch.
Leader:  Linda Kennedy

KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION

all photos by Mary Sue Ittner

Carpool at 10:00 at pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:15. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road and drive to the official parking area for Kruse Reserve.  Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:30. We will hike up the gravel road all the way to Plantation. The ascent is gradual, but the gravel large and often sharp, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the late nineteenth century, Plantation was an important destination for travelers from San Francisco on their way to Gualala. Now there is a summer camp at our destination. We will eat lunch on the porch and steps next to the museum. After lunch it is all downhill. The views are spectacular. We will have views into deep forested canyons. This hike is a bit longer than our regular hikes, about five miles, but the rewards are great.
Leader: Jim Suhr