Wanting to get out from under the trees, we considered staying in one of the Sonoma county regional parks at Bodega Bay on the coast. The weather forecast was calling for fog and highs only in the upper 50s, which didn’t sound very inviting for $32/night and no hookups. We read good reviews about Casini Ranch, a Passport America park on the Russian River just a few miles inland, and decided to give it a try.
We were pleasantly surprised at how nice it is here. We picked back-in water and electric sites, and with the 50% discount are paying $27/night with tax. It’s $3 more for pull-through full hookup sites but they have a dump station so we don’t need the sewer anyway. They do charge $1/day per dog, so Debbie is paying a bit more. Still not bad considering we are in California.
Some sites have river views and there is a large beach.
We even have horses just across from our site.
There is a lot to do and see in this area, so we signed up for eight nights, putting us out on Good Friday, (as they are almost full and the price will double). Now we are working on finding a place for Easter weekend. Oh how we dislike holidays!
Yesterday we did a hike at nearby Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve. It’s a beautiful park, and we enjoyed walking and gawking at the huge redwoods.
The fallen trees were most interesting. We didn’t know that redwoods have a very shallow root system (less than 12’), but the roots can extend 150’ from the base of the tree.
After the hike a beer sounded good, so we stopped at Stumptown Brewery in Guerneville where we both found something we really liked. They have a huge deck overlooking the Russian River, a great place to sit and relax. it sure is nice to be in a more rural area again. And I’m now caught up on the blog!
Those California camping prices always make me wince, even after discounts.
ReplyDeleteIt's always a concern to avoid the masses on holiday weekends. Good luck with that! :)
What a nice-looking park! One of my aunties lives in Guernville--she loves it there! Enjoy your stay!
ReplyDeleteWe visited that same park. We loved and were so amazed at the Redwoods. Made us feel so tiny. Glad you are enjoying that area.
ReplyDeleteWOW $27 for PPA. I'm paying $15.50 for one in N.C. Guess I'd better get ready for California. Although, that is a really nice looking park and a lot nicer than the N.C. one. Gorgeous pictures of the redwood roots and the trees themselves. They are so regal.
ReplyDeleteI have relatives there - It's a neat place. When I was in high school, we used to drive up there and go down the Russian River on inner tubes.
ReplyDeleteI just noticed Dawn has an Aunt there - I have a cousin and Aunt, too. Humm, wouldn't it be funny if we were related?
Have fun, and good luck with the Easter weekend reservations. :)
Those redwood roots make really nice sculptures.
ReplyDeleteAmazing stumps!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! You are definitely finding some gems on your trip north. I'm making notes on all your blogs!
ReplyDeleteNina and Paul (wheelingit)
The redwoods are hard to photograph when they are living. I loved the photos of the roots.
ReplyDeleteLove, love the redwoods!!! We have some amazing photos that I took from the back of the motorcycle but we've only done one hike (walk) through a forest. I am really looking forward to returning to see these giants. Enjoy your time with these big guys! Holidays drive us crazy, also! I think Spring Break is the worst and way too many weeks. I don't why they can't get together and declare one week for everyone...haha!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous park! Don't you just love the redwoods...so green, so enormous, just so freakin' beautiful!
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