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Hunting for summer in Cazadero

The early evening light shows the lovely redwoods outside of my airy cyber-hut. Luckily we have micro-climates here in Cazadero, which make cool summer nights possible.

I spent my childhood in and around New Haven, Connecticut and later in rural New Hampshire. I was always a water baby, taught early to swim and dive. My Dad had been a summer camp lifeguard as a teenager and emphasized the importance of knowing how to swim and applying safety measures. There is nothing like a dip in a cold river, creek or lake on a hot day!

As the months go by (I call it the Great Time Warp), we are about to commemorate the dreadful Myers Grade and Walbridge fires of 2020. We are bombarded with positive suggestions for increased fire safety, and I hope some will stick!

We went to Armstrong Woods recently for a weekday lunch break, and HOLY CANNOLI; the place was full of visitors on a Tuesday! It is an extraordinary place where we have participated in many events, such as Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), picnics and nature walks. Seeing up close the destruction that came close to leveling this gorgeous grove is very humbling.

The unusual and damaging hot spell happening now in Europe is a sobering reminder of the results of climate change. This is not a political act but a tragic situation that affects all living beings.

Caz BBQ!

A reminder to all that the fabulous Cazadero Old Time BBQ is back! This festive event will be held on Sunday, September 4 (Labor Day weekend) from 12–5 p.m. at the Cazadero Performing Arts Camp, across from Raymond's Bakery on Cazadero Hwy.

They feature a tasty steak or chicken BBQ plate, salad, beans and French bread, cold beverages from the CVFD, live music with Jeremiah and friends, Bingo, the amazing Raffle, Pie baking Contest, and a yummy dessert table from the Caz Community Church.

History on display

A historical display from the Russian River Historical Society and a vintage fire truck are shown by Paul Barry. Special Caz items will also be on sale. Tickets are now available at the Caz General Store and from Community Club members. This is a fantastic event, with proceeds benefitting the Montgomery Elementary School, Cazadero and Ft Ross VF Departments, college scholarships for West County HS grads from Cazadero and other deserving people and projects.

The next regular meeting of the Cazadero Community Club, which sponsors this BBQ, will be on August 3, 7 p.m. at Firehall #1, with a special BBQ planning meeting for all volunteers on Wed. August 10, also at 7 p.m. I appreciate all the great energy by volunteers and thank the Caz Performing Arts camp for the use of their great space.

The terrific Redwood Empire Food Bank continues its monthly food distribution on the 1st Wednesday of the month in downtown Jenner, from 10–11 a.m. adjacent to the Sea Store. Helpful volunteers from the Jenner Community Club will put the groceries directly in your car.

Need more stuff?

There will be a community rummage sale in downtown Cazadero on Saturday, August 6, from 9–4 p.m. Set-up is at 8 a.m. and is free! Bring your treasures, produce and jams, oddities, collectibles, tables, and shade (essential). Call (707) 632-5545 for more info. Reservations are not necessary.

Local historian George Juilly recently sent me some interesting historical info on our town's location for the Bohemian Club's Summer Encampments, known as the High Jinks, from the late 1880s-1899. More on that and other fascinating data regarding Cazadero's past in a future column.

I wish a happy anniversary or birthday to all August celebrants.

Enjoy summer and shop locally. The Caz General Store has daily groceries, locally produced produce, wines, body care items, and tasty soups and sandwiches. Cazadero Supply has a dizzying assortment of home, garden and vehicular products for your ongoing projects, plus tires and batteries. I believe Raymond's Bakery is again featuring their Friday Pizza and Music Nights.

Please call me at (707) 632-5545 or email mayawrld@sonic.net with info for your Cazadero column!

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