North Coast Winds by Robin Joy Wellman - July 2018
Whether you live here on the coast or you are a regular visitor you know the month of July brings the blessed fog onshore and cools us down. The gentle lines of the fog belt come and go, meander up and down the coast lingering with the most refreshing feeling you can imagine, especially when you come down the off the hot hills of the coast. Living in Annapolis for close to 40 years, hot unending days are always cooled down after two or three days with the dependable fog that would come in over the hills. We would always say to friends and visitors “Don’t worry the fog will be in soon”.
Recommendations for North Coast Destinations…
Soda Springs County Park is a wonderful place to picnic and laze around near one of the cleanest and most refreshing creeks in Sonoma County. The last two or three miles are a dirt road so a good car or truck is important in getting there. The park has two rock BBQ pits that were built close to a hundred years ago, good clean bathrooms, and lots of places to swim. When we (myself and Shirley Ray worked on this for 10 years) were saving this park about 30 years ago from being logged the elders in Annapolis shared many tales of gatherings that would last a day or two with people coming in from all over. It is called Soda Creek because it has a spring with carbonated soda water coming out. The long local history is wonderful and really tells the story of people who came to live in this still rural area for cattle, logging, and orchard farming. Visit the website at parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov for more history and directions to this sweet spot.
On the way to Soda Springs you pass by the Annapolis Winery. They were one of the first vineyards and later wineries in the coastal region of Sonoma Coast. Totally family owned I remember many local teenagers being hired on to pick during harvest, as well as anyone willing to work. I still have my scar on my right hand I earned while picking one harvest with my boys. Please check their website for days and times open at www.annapoliswinery.com Annapolis also has the Annapolis Historical Society, a dedicated group of local residents who keep the community spirit alive. They host a few events in the year at the Old Schoolhouse (which a few of them attended back in the day) and keep the old timers stories as real as it gets as you sit on the old schoolhouse steps. Please visit their facebook page to contact them at facebook.com/Annapolis-Historical-Society
Other events on the coast are important to note:
Fort Ross State Historic Park Festival July 28th. This event is a wonderful event to get a glimpse into the history of our coast, mingle with costumed volunteers, and take part in many handcrafts. Visit the web page at fortross.org/fort-ross-festival.
Moving up the coast is Timber Cove Resort which hosts locals night on Wednesdays where it’s a great place to meet this great community for a hearty meal and good conversation. Visit them a timbercoveresort.com/activities.
Gualala Arts has four art openings the month of July. One special exhibit is the Youth Exploring the Sonoma Coast (Yes-Coast) photography exhibit. These 29 youth have participated in a yearlong program connecting to their scenic coastline by attending several outdoor excursions learning about the natural and cultural history of our coastal area. Reception July 6 starting at 5:00.
This month is also the Global Harmony Adventure Camp, the Annual Car Show, the very fun Pinewood Derby race, and several handcraft workshops. Of course I get to mention a presentation I will be offering regarding a remarkable collaboration between a Russian museum in St. Petersburg and California academic tribal and community members. The museum in St. Petersburg,The Kunstkamera, houses the largest collection of coastal and inland tribal basketry, tools, and adornment. I will share personal stories of this 6 year project with photos that have not been shared before; 27 years of researching this collection; how it came to be collaboration; how it received funding; and more importantly the connections made.
Please join me at the Gualala art Center on July 28 at 7:00 PM. Visit the web for more info on all these events. gualalaarts.org. The Point Arena Lighthouse will host a lecture on local logging July 14th with Michael Combs. The Full Moon which is super special is Friday July 27th. Please visit their web at pointarenalighthouse.com.
The coast has so much to offer, never a dull moment. And what better way than to come to the coast and cool off! Blessings to you all!
