Sunday, May 4, 2014

More to Fort Bragg Than the Coast

 

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But before we went inland we stopped to check out the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a collapsed sea cave 100 feet wide X 60 feet deep that fills with water during high tide.

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We were there at the wrong time, but it was a nice spot. We must go back at high tide.

Fort Bragg, CA

Then on to Van Damme State Park for a mostly down hill six mile hike. We left one car at the coast and drove to the trailhead in the Pygmy Forest, where highly acidic nutrient-poor soil causes stunted growth of cypress, pines and rhododendrons.

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The trail then drops into Fern Canyon and follows the creek the entire way back to the coast. It was a beautiful hike through the redwoods. Everything is so green, with a few wild flowers thrown in for the occasional burst of color.

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That evening we went to the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Fort Bragg. The shops and galleries were open later hours for people to browse. We saw some really nice and unusual art, and some unusually dressed people walking around town. It’s quite an eclectic little community, which I guess is why we like it.

Yesterday our hosts took us on a shorter hike to Russian Gulch waterfall, another picturesque trail through the redwood forest. We’ve been surprised that we’ve only seen a handful of other people on these trails.

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Fort Bragg, CA1

This morning Debbie and I took a walk on the beach at low tide checking out the tide pools while Jim stayed home lounging in his sweats. We were both happy.

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5 comments:

  1. I love tidepooling! The further North you go, the better the tidepools, I guess because the water is colder. Beautiful photos!

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  2. It's always wonderful to have natives show you around. Looks like two great hikes with amazing scenery. Those little blue flowers are so cute. They almost look artificial.

    So glad you got out for a tidal pool trip. This is something I am really looking forward to doing.

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  3. Outstanding pics! I am jealous.

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  4. I love the idea of hiking down a steep trail without having to turn around and hoof it back up! Your pictures are stunning - I can almost hear the water running over the rocks. So glad you're seeing so much of that wonderful area .

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  5. That Fern Canyon is stunning. I see we didn't spend nearly enough time exploring that area.

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