North Coast Winds by Robin Joy Wellman - June 2018
Deeply rooted in our minds and hearts is the comfort of a bonfire. It brings out all what came before us and creates thoughts and visions of what lies ahead. I for one can gaze into a campfire for hours. Camping and sitting around the warmth of that campfire with friends and/or family ties us together. To share stories. To tell ‘Tall Tales”. To sing. To create your own fire dance.
I used to pack up the boys and a few necessities and go camping locally even though we lived in the country. We felt like we entered another time zone when we set camp. We focused on each other, played games, and of course sat around the fire. I know, most of you that read my column live in the country with a nice warm bed. So why would you leave the comfort in the countryside for a camp bed? But why not give it a try for a weekend. I promise you will love it, it’s easy packing unlike our long road trips, and creates a simple day of being in our lovely nature. Water the garden good in the morning, drive the 20 minutes to get into a peaceful mindset (freedom), set camp, and relax. Many campgrounds offer talks, hikes, and kid friendly programs too.
The Reef Campground is a gem being small and cozy (although I heard it was closed so check the website or call 707-847-3286 for more info). parks.ca.gov/ .It is first come first served so get there early or call for updates.
Salt Point State Park has many campsites on the ocean and inland side. Miles and miles of hiking and often excellent State Park interpretive staff leading programs. Stillwater County Campground and Gualala Point Park are county parks and will require reservations parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov. They too often have educational programs. Please visit the web for all the details.
Gualala Redwood Campground is a really fun family oriented place along the river for summer time swimming and ocean beach access. gualalapark.com/. They have numerous activities including ping pong tables, campfire programs, and kayak rentals fromAdventure Rents adventurerents.com/.
Further north is Anchor Bay Campground where I often took the boys. There is a little creek along the Campground they loved playing in. They have showers and often evening activities. Visit them at abcamp.com/.
For other staycation activities on our coast try a movie at the Point Arena Theater, dinner beforehand at Chowder House, visiting the many shops at the pier and after the movie a visit to 215 Main Street for a nightcap and music. So you see, there is a vacation feel to even our local spirit.
Another new event that just came in is a part of the “Walk and Talk”series on June 3rd. Hank Birnbaum, guide at Fort Ross, will discuss the Russian presence along our coast. Meet at the schoolhouse at Bodega Pastures for the Talk, then move on to explore the site of the former Khlebnikov Ranch on Salmon Creek. This is south of Jenner area but a part of our overall local history.
