Yesterday was an incredible day visiting the highly recommended MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA coast area. The stunning views of the HIGH, ROCKY CLIFFS and the POWERFUL PACIFIC OCEAN along the entire Mendocino coast were absolutely breathtaking to say the least. The quaint towns were beautiful and so warm and inviting, especially Fort Bragg and Mendocino. We started the day traveling from the Skyline Ranch westbound across California Route 20 through tremendous redwood groves and very steep switchbacks through the mountains to get to our prize, the gorgeous and rugged MENDOCINO COUNTY COASTLINE. Our first destination was to the fabulous MENDOCINO COAST BOTANICAL GARDENS to gather a flavor of the biodiversity of this special region. We loved their incredible collection of roses, heather, succulents, camellias, dahlias, rhododendrons, magnolias and conifers, which were a special treat to experience. The views of the Pacific Ocean coastline from the gardens were fabulous and an unexpected added bonus to the gardens. Our next stop was to the impressive, RUSSIAN GULCH STATE PARK, with awe-inspiring views of the 7,630 feet of ocean shoreline, where the waves crash into the high, sheer cliffs of the headlands far below. The view of the tall arch of the RUSSIAN GULCH BRIDGE, over the beach, was also quite impressive. The massive DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL, a 100 foot in width, 60 foot deep sinkhole, was super impressive as well, with the ocean waves crashing through an inland tunnel into the punch bowl from the ocean. Our next to last stop was to the fabulously restored POINT CABRILLO LIGHT STATION, containing a very beautiful, still functioning, 6,800 pound lead glass Frensnel lens from England. The lighthouse, as well as the spectacular, upfront and close views of the ocean, highlighted by its playful HARBOR SEALS was awesome. We ended this wonderful day in beautiful DOWNTOWN MENDOCINO, and headed back through the pass. What an incredible day!!!
Full-time RV'rs, retired and ready to make a difference
