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North Coast Winds by Robin Joy Wellman - May 2017

Welcome to our North Sonoma/Mendocino Coast

What a beautiful place to live and play. Enjoy the sandy beaches, the rocky shores with tidal pool life, the beautiful grass fields, the redwood forests, the pygmy forests, the oak hillsides, abundant wildflowers, birds, and wildlife. Getting out and about on our coastal and hillside trails will now be a treat with retirement upon me. I am honored to have served State Parks for 27 years at Fort Ross and to have been in a natural and cultural setting but now I also get to roam the countryside as many of you do!

I have been told to brace myself for the fun times ahead, casual mornings, and the ‘what should I do today’ feel, and others have said I will be as busy as ever – I think both are true. The Sonoma Land Trust leads several great hikes out on the Jenner headlands. I am looking forward to joining them on a few hikes and look at volunteer opportunities.

These hikes have amazing views and wildlife viewings.

Check out jenner headlands hikes. Sonoma County Regional Parks also has many opportunities forgreat hikes self lead and ranger lead. And further north in Point Arena the Stornetta lands are amazing with pristine acreage and walks. Stornetta lands hikes.

THANK YOU BBQ

On May 13 the Jenner Community center is hosting the 2nd annual ‘thank you’ BBQ for our coastal emergency responders (mostly volunteer based). Last year they gave lifeguard Aaron Pendergraft an award for rescuing two people from the surf off Goat Rock. It’s not a public event but one where we feed the responders for free and let them hang out together in a non tragic setting. Thank you to the Jenner community for providing such a lovely annual tribute.

The Gualala Arts is having a tribute to an active community member who I loved dearly, Jim Grenwelge. He was instrumental in so many community projects and the Gualala Art Center. Learn more about the pizza oven and outdoor kitchen dedication here. Gualala Arts is having many local events and art openings.

Many Years Later…I would like to end with a favorite saying that has stayed with me since BC (before children). I remember having enough time to lay in the fields on my property in Annapolis while the day passed by. These words seem to be fitting once again, 35 years later.

I meant to do my work today

But a brown bird sang in an apple tree

And a butterfly flitted across the field

And all the leaves were calling me.

From one of the first albums by Elton John – Friends

The words are by Richard Gilliene -

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