Two days in Mendocino
Ani loves the coast, always drawn towards the water and sea world, unfortunately i am just the opposite where the fogs and ocean air makes me sick.
Our close buddies Alok and Fin or The Panighrahy couple, i mentioned about in my San francisco trip planned a trip which they were sure will change my preference sooner or later. A quick 3.5 hour drive from San Francisco lies Mendocino, a name i never heard before I land in California. Typing the name on google map I learn a bit about the county. Located on the north coast of California, Mendocino derives its name from famous Spanish navigator of the 16th century, Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo.
July 4 being the national holiday and a long weekend we picked the date to be well spend in Mendocino and celebrate the triumph.
Staring early morning we jet pack our clothes and amenities with winter jackets since the weather is bit unstable in Mendocino due to its location near the coast. We made a quick stop at Joy of eating for breakfast and coffee. I ordered crab cake sandwich for the love of sea food. This eating thing has become a tradition and it goes like, never go on a journey empty belly.
July 4 being the national holiday and a long weekend we picked the date to be well spend in Mendocino and celebrate the triumph.
Staring early morning we jet pack our clothes and amenities with winter jackets since the weather is bit unstable in Mendocino due to its location near the coast. We made a quick stop at Joy of eating for breakfast and coffee. I ordered crab cake sandwich for the love of sea food. This eating thing has become a tradition and it goes like, never go on a journey empty belly.
A drive that didn't got us tired.
--Day 1--
Fort Bragg
We split the days into the number of attractions to see. Fort Bragg being closer to almost all the places and sites in Mendocino, we booked a two bedroom room in Fort bragg's lodge.I suggest advance booking of hotel during the holidays. We were lucky that we could avail a room that very day without any prior booking.
Alok was quick enough to buy the local beer of the town. And while the men enjoy the sip we ladies grabbed the best dollops in Cowlicks icecream.
For our afternoon lunch we all grab the Chicago dog from Relish in Fort Bragg. A small and dainty restaurant and yes we ate twice because we loved the flavor and those sour cum salty pickle was really a dare to chew on.
Alok was quick enough to buy the local beer of the town. And while the men enjoy the sip we ladies grabbed the best dollops in Cowlicks icecream.
For our afternoon lunch we all grab the Chicago dog from Relish in Fort Bragg. A small and dainty restaurant and yes we ate twice because we loved the flavor and those sour cum salty pickle was really a dare to chew on.
Glass beach
Like i said everything is nearby we put on our comfort shoes to visit the Fort Bragg glass beach,just one mile walk away. Mendocino tour will be incomplete without visiting this beach where the shore lines are smothered with glass beads instead of just black rocks and moss.
The beach though was a bit of disappointment since it hardly had any glass beads left as to what google images showed. Glad to learn that previous visitors have robbed the beach it no longer deserves the name. Pilfered to the point of non existence we still managed to hunt around for few beads and lucky flip flops got some catch.
The beach though was a bit of disappointment since it hardly had any glass beads left as to what google images showed. Glad to learn that previous visitors have robbed the beach it no longer deserves the name. Pilfered to the point of non existence we still managed to hunt around for few beads and lucky flip flops got some catch.
Point Cabrillo Light station
Next we picked up our car again for a short drive to point Cabrillo Lighthouse. Ordinary yet very pretty to be ignored, located in the lonely corner about 1.5 miles of north Mendocino and being in service since 1909. We parked our car in the upper lot began a long walk through the paved road. You wont be bored walking since there are lot of ice candy sights around with coastal views to give you an awe. We spotted two deer and they don't seem to be upset as we clicked their picture.
We had our early dinner at Mendo Bistro at north main street, fort Bragg which offers Italian and American cuisine with great wines. I am little surprised that today when i type this name the google shows it is closed permanently. It is very disappointing since it was the best of restaurant that made the for Bragg a place to keep coming for good food.
--Day 2--
Russian Gulch State park
The next morning i was very tired to wake up early(say im lazy) and drive through the forest to Gulch state park. Fin and Alok are early birds and gladly they jumped out of bed when Mendocino was still cupped in fog. So it was through their pics that i happened to see the beautiful view. They just missed out the waterfall since it was on opposite and at the end of the park Oh! how much i repent a lot if only the warm blanket had kicked me and Ani out of bed.
Skunk train
By the time the energetic couple were back to tell us their experience we were fresh and widely awake for the next to do thing list.
We took the Skunk Train out of Willits into the Redwood. For me it was a slow adventure at an incredible speed of 10mph. The train traveled for 30 mins through the epmty forest and didn't even go all the way to Willits. The conductor was very friendly with good information about the history of train and redwoods, i was glad i got friends around to crack silly jokes out of nowhere and made the trip worth every dollar. As expected we were hoping for some great views but it was just a train ride into a normal forest. Not so amusing but for kids it sure is a fun though we enjoyed the sunlight on wheels.
The evening we cozy up with friends and localities to enjoy the fireworks over the Noyo Harbour. The event cost you nothing and begins after dusk. Make sure you park your car two hours before the the lots are full. The road is closed for any kind of commute and all you do is walk or run to get your spot for best view. Todd's point is the perfect location to enjoy the fireworks.
To add the lost spark after such a slow ride we opt for brunch at Mayan Fusion. No doubt the food came good both in presentation and quantity. Nothing goes wrong after you have a hefty full day meal.
It was almost the time to bid good bye to Mendocino and before we return to our city life we did a bit of hang out along the coastline. We parked over at Jughandle State reserve and Headlands state park. A small hike and so much to see. Just couldn't get over the scenic view, the dogs playing with the friendly waves, people getting tanned as they kayaked gliding through the magnificent sea cave and the little spray of ocean on my face.
To add the lost spark after such a slow ride we opt for brunch at Mayan Fusion. No doubt the food came good both in presentation and quantity. Nothing goes wrong after you have a hefty full day meal.
It was almost the time to bid good bye to Mendocino and before we return to our city life we did a bit of hang out along the coastline. We parked over at Jughandle State reserve and Headlands state park. A small hike and so much to see. Just couldn't get over the scenic view, the dogs playing with the friendly waves, people getting tanned as they kayaked gliding through the magnificent sea cave and the little spray of ocean on my face.
And yes guys you were right, I fell in love with the coast and fog.
Other things to do
-Visit the Mackerricher State Park, three miles ahead of Fort Bragg.
-Camp at the Van Damme State park.
-Attend the Mendocino county farmer's market.
-Get a click at Point Arena lighthouse.
-Catch a canoe or bicycle if you want to explore the eight mile long Big River tidal estuary.
-Try the horse back riding tour at Ross Ranch through redwood forest or along the Pacific coast.
Other things to do
-Visit the Mackerricher State Park, three miles ahead of Fort Bragg.
-Camp at the Van Damme State park.
-Attend the Mendocino county farmer's market.
-Get a click at Point Arena lighthouse.
-Catch a canoe or bicycle if you want to explore the eight mile long Big River tidal estuary.
-Try the horse back riding tour at Ross Ranch through redwood forest or along the Pacific coast.
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