Fort Bragg, California: Roadtrip to see gardens and coast
May 24 - 27, 2016
Memories from Adele

[Four of us, Adele, Reenie, Shirley, and Bob, visited the Ft. Bragg area for several days. Afterwards, Bob asked Adele to write about the trip. These memories have been incorporated, many with photos, at Our Ft. Bragg adventure. Following is the original email written June 3 by Adele.]

Hi fellow travelers,

A week ago this very morning we were packing up to journey home after 2 interesting and fun-filled days in Fort Bragg and Mendocino. I have so many wonderful memories   - the beauty, the color and design of the botanical Gardens as we wove our way on the paths from Highway 1 to the ocean. The signs of creativity everywhere!

The height of the Mendocino cliffs where we watched the power of the ocean doing its work never fails to fascinate me.   The rhythm of the waves at low tide splashing and pounding the rocks far below us with the contrast of the colorful wildflowers surrounding us.   Returning to the ocean to contrast the rocks and water lines at high tide and then again at sunset to view the sun dipping behind the cloud bag emitting such striking light .

The attractive town of Mendocino with well kept old wooden buildings surrounded by beautiful and plentiful flowers and a delicious lunch well located with more garden beds and a view of the ocean. The talent and creativity of the artists work as well as the gardens at the Mendocino Art Center was really joyous to our eyes and spirit.   Shirley surrounding the Nile of Persia magnificent stately flower and Adele being hugged by the delightful wooden bear and Bob never missing a photo op.    

Who can forget the trip home?   Glass Beach watching Reenie navigate the rocks.   Discovering shells, rocks and tiny pieces of glass washed ashore.

Noyo harbor nestled below the cliffs with the haunting sound of the fog horn .

The Cabrillo lighthouse and windswept cliffs above the powerful ocean and imagining the lonely life and significance of the lighthouse keeper in former times as the lighthouse is now electrified.

A walk around the Pygmy forest   - so unusual and a poverty stricken view of nature.

Our ride home on 128 - the magnificence of the Redwood Forest opening up into the fertile valleys filled with plentiful vineyards followed by a surprising stop at the   Navarro Winery for fun wine tasting and a gorgeous view   and a beautiful winding road home. 

But, best of all,   a wonderful adventure for 4 flexible (Shirley's word for us) good friends who traveled together for the first time, sharing,   laughing and enjoying good food and works of nature and man.

Contact/Website Author:
Bob Phillips [phillips bob 27 at yahoo dot com - no spaces]
Santa Rosa, CA
February, 2016

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