Archive for the ‘picnics’ Category
Mendocino Bay Overlook: Picnic Above Big River With Village View
—Posted Saturday, October 6th, 2007 at 2:54 pm—
The Mendocino Bay Overlook, four acres of bluff owned by the Mendocino Land Trust and open to the public, is a great picnic spot that you’ll likely have all to yourself. To get there, you drive to the end of Main Street in Mendocino, make a right on Highway 1, travel south across the Big River bridge and make the first right at Road 500B and then a quick left on a two lane road. The parking area for the overlook is just 50 yards down the street on the right.
Dawn’s Early Light
I got up before dawn recently to capture a photo of the bay, Big River Beach and the morning light falling on the the Village from the overlook vantage point. There are few other spots on the Mendocino Coast with so much atmosphere. Waves crashing on the rocks. People strolling on the sandy beach below. Surfers. Kayakers. And the historic village of Mendocino on the opposite cliffs.
It may to be breezy, so bring a sweater or jacket and hat.
There’s picnic food at the Mendocino Deli, Harvest Market, Lu’s Kitchen or Corners of the Mouth in Mendocino.
Even if you come just to snap a photograph or share a personal moment with a significant other, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a special place. And one of our new “favorites.”
Gardens and More
—Posted Monday, July 30th, 2007 at 7:33 pm—
One of my favorite places to visit is the Mendocino Coast Botancial Gardens. You’re surrounded by beauty regardless of the time of year. The gardens is dog-friendly, so it’s a perfect place to walk my dogs, Gilmour and Peet.
This Saturday, (August 4) you can join the docent-led Summer Bloom Walk; the current summer highlights are Begonias and Fuchsias. Or you can join storytellers as they spin their tales at the Meadowlawn Stage – be sure to bring a blanket and a picnic lunch. Also on Saturday the Audubon Society is leading a beginning birding walk. The Gardens provides a habitat for over 100 species of birds.
If you haven’t visited the Gardens in a while, don’t let another weekend pass by. I hope to see you on Saturday. Look for the couple being led by the two black poodles!
Favorite Picnic Spots – Best of the Best
—Posted Thursday, March 8th, 2007 at 4:44 pm—
I have discovered about 30 (so far) great picnic spots on the Mendocino Coast. In future posts, I add to our growing list. Choosing a favorite spot is difficult when just about anyplace you go to picnic will be a treat. But those featured here are the best of the best for their location, beauty and photo opportunities.
Favorite Picnic Spot: Point Cabrillo Light Station
—Posted Sunday, February 18th, 2007 at 9:36 pm—
Lighthouses are romantic all by themselves: 300 years of guiding sailors safely through the night; withstanding great storms — lonely beacons that recall stories of heroism and history.
But sitting at a picnic table near the restored and operating 1909 Point Cabrillo Lighthouse in Mendocino, watching whales (December to April), being awed by huge waves pounding against 50-foot-high cliffs on a sunny winter day or listening the harbor seals or sea lions is simply an incredible experience.
State Park property, the 300-acre nature preserve that surrounds the lighthouse provides a wonderful backdrop for enjoying a care-free lunch.
Afterward, tour the Lightkeepers Museum, the Lighthouse, or walk a half-mile north to Frolic Cove, where in 1850 a Gold Rush Era retired opium trading ship sank with all cargo.
As you wander along Point Cabrillo’s trails, stay a safe distance back from the edge.
Be swept away by the beauty, not by the waves.
Getting There: from Highway 1, take Point Cabrillo Drive (from the north or the south) to the light station.
Artists of the Mendocino Coast. New on Our Site: Artwork and Profiles of Local Artists
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