Page 45 - Sonoma County Gazette July 2017

The inland heat this past month drew thousands of folks to the local beaches. It looked like Santa Monica with sunbathers in swim suits, Frisbee throwing, beach balls, blankets, and BBQ’s minus the swimming of course as our cold cold water is dangerous to say the least. I know it
Jenner now has a Second Great Restaurant: El Tiburon! The food is bringing rave reviews from all. Owner Juan Navarro (of Sazon Restaurant fame in Santa Rosa) has brought his amazing menu to West Sonoma County, and we couldn’t be happier! When you go, do not miss the Ceviche. I am sure you will agree, there is None better! Located in the Jenner by the Sea building, the river views are almost as good as the food! Tell your friends! El Tiburon is my new Scenic Sonoma County Dinner Destination Favorite!
is tempting to jump in for that coastal dip but our ‘cold as heck’ ocean is not the place. It can even be a little rough for the dogs, who by the way, must be leashed - yes even your baby! A good place to enjoy the coastal weather and at the same time get wet is the Gualala River. The Gualala River (all locals know the G is silent and is pronounced “Waalaala” ) has several safe places to swim a little inland from the coast.
Recently, 28 members of Coast Walk (The California Coastal Trail Association coastwalk.org), including a very capable 86 year old female hiker, while trekking from Salt Point to Bodega Bay were helped across the Russian River by local volunteers using Suki Waters Kayaks (watertreks.com). Suki is a local treasure with a vast knowledge of (and direct connections to) our local Native American history.
I want to o er a shout out to the Gualala River Redwood Park. If you are looking for a family friendly camping trip to the beautiful coast this is the place. They o er 120 camping sites, reservations accepted, with each site having electricity and water. Pets are welcome. Kayaking is available as well as ping pong, volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes, basketball court, and a children’s play area. The ocean is a short walk along some beautiful trails. Going north, past the Gualala Bridge is a left turn along the river. Follow the signs to the Gualala River Redwood Park. For more info visit their web site at gualalapark.com/. The river beach is a great place for hanging out or being active and the water
is pretty slow moving which allows you to swim. Family camping or getting
a group of friends together is one of those summer memories that will last a lifetime. I remember our group camping and the young teens walking around at night through the campground singing hit tunes, or our parents going out with us to the elds for ‘snipe’ hunting with a paper bag and ashlight. The bag had to be paper and the ashlight could only be turned on when setting up the trap. We are told to sit at the bag and wait. We would wait and wait for what seemed to be forever and then give up – only to learn that the parents went back to camp or if we had real young ones were waiting nearby. Much laughter would follow. No spoilers here – but we never did get a snipe.
Father’s Day found my wife and I enjoying our Hobie 2-seater kayak, paddling the Russian River & Estuary. With ‘triple-digit heat’ inland, the Sonoma Coast beaches were packed. It was perfect weather at the Estuary and beach. One couple who was enjoying the pleasant cool weather commented that it took them two hours to drive from Sebastopol! They opted to stay a little later and catch the sunset, rather than join the parade heading back. Good choice.
I want to remind all the gardeners about donating extra foods to our homeless shelters. This includes fruit from the trees. Get a few people together for a “Picking Party” and donate the extra. The other reminder is CalFresh, a state government owned program that is trying to bring local businesses into partnerships to provide food for those in need with healthy food choices. Please contact them at their website at www.calfresh.ca.gov or call them at 707-284- 3850 x174 to sign up or to get more info for friends and family.
Docents who volunteer to advise the public of the Harbor Seal population and the need for periodic restriction of certain beach areas, had a rope up on the shore just beyond iconic Haystack Rock, which was at the water’s edge. Families were happily enjoying the river and beach on the inland side of the Rock, while beachcombers and kayakers were turned back by the ropes, signs and Docents on the river-mouth side of it.
If you are looking for a summer camp for the kiddos while you camp nearby, the Global Harmony Summer Camp has much to o er. The instructors are truly caregivers and bring a nurturing spirit to the camp activities. The class are well suited for local kids and kids who are visiting from out of town. Classes
The “seal areas” that were restricted were clearly marked for the beach walkers, but signage was absent for the many boaters and kayakers. Later that day, when we paddled back to watch the sun set, we went to the exact spot – well away from the restricted Seal area. As we were heading back to our kayak as the sky glowed behind the rocky point, a loud voice from across the still waters startled us.
in the past have included: culinary arts, beading, drumming, mask making, portrait painting and much, much more. Visit gualalaarts.org/category/ events/global-harmony/ for more info and to sign up. The Auto Show and Pinewood Derby, one of the best on the coast, is July 15th at the Art Center. Truly something for all ages including! What could be better - award winning cars, good food, and redwoods to relax in. For more info visit gualalaarts.org/ category/events/
All the way from across the river a man was (loudly) telling us to get back in our boat and leave! (Which we were doing anyway). He went on to say that the beach was for the seals and kept telling us to get back in the boat. He then said something about tourists and wineries and that we should go back from where we came from.
Point Arena Fireworks Show and Festival is Saturday July 1st this year. This is an amazing downhome, rework display and street faire with great food, live music, crafts, BBQ, and fun for the whole family. This reworks display
is known as the best and longest displays on the coast. There is a $10 charge. Presale of tickets made available online at pointarena.net/events-festivals/4th- of-july-fest.html and in some local businesses. It is a little tricky for parking and getting to the event site – so plan ahead. They have a shuttle which is encouraged. The annual Point Arena Street Parade will be held at noon on Sunday, July 2nd. To volunteer, become a vendor, or to be in the parade for Point Arena Celebration please contact City Hall at 707.882.2122 or pointarena. net or cityofpointarena.net .
Earlier we ventured upstream, under the bridge, and around the bend past Willow Creek. Then we paddled even farther upstream past Sheephouse Creek and by the Willow Creek Campground beach. When we got up that far there was not a whisper of wind. The re ections in the river were mirror-like. Great Blue Herons were posing on logs near shore. Mother ducks with dozens of perfect tiny ducklings following close behind her cruised by. I would swear that the proud Mom’s were showing o their pride and joy!
Fort Ross State Historic Park will host its annual Festival July 29th, supported by California State Parks and the Fort Ross Conservancy. Over 80 costumed people in the fort compound, beer garden, salad bar and other great good, free horse and buggy rides, and much more. Please visit fortross.org for more information.
As we were silently gliding through the water, slipping in a little closer to
get a photograph of a Great Blue Heron in the late afternoon sun, something stepped out of the reeds on the shore. A magni cent adult Bobcat! It didn’t notice us at rst. We tried to get some pictures with our little camera-phone as it walked the sandy strip between the reeds and the water.
Please, turn and hug the one you’re with!
I am in awe of the coloring and markings on these beautiful creatures. Truly wonderful. There were stripes on the inner front legs but spots and checks elsewhere. It was a big cat with powerful legs, striding slowly along the water. It gave us a glance when my paddle made a small splash, but wasn’t worried too much about us. We watched it slowly, majestically walk along the shore and silently disappeared into the brush. What a day.
Many blessings to you and wishing you all a great summer!
7/17 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 45
We paddled out towards the jetty to check out the beach and ocean conditions. It was like glass, perfect conditions for the many SUP (stand up paddleboard) enthusiasts gliding by. The river was emptying on the extreme North side, running along the base of the cli below the highway. The long sandy Goat Rock beach now extended well past the jetty, creating a great surf break that was being enjoyed by several lucky surfers.
At rst, I thought, how rude. But then I saw his point about protecting the seals and the need to avoid certain areas at certain times of the year. Perhaps some well-placed signs at the boat launching ramp alerting the public of the restricted areas would be in order. A few signs at water’s edge would help as well.