Beginning
in Guerneville, we head out to the coast, past cows and sheep, redwood trees,
and views of the Russian River, where we reach or first stop: Duncans Mill.
Lots of little shops here and a real old fashioned Country Store where you
can buy lemonade, a pickle, a ceramic collectable, or a wind chime. There's
Wine and Cheese tasting (707-865-0566), Pig Alley and Dreamers & Weavers.
There is an art gallery too and if it's time for brunch on a weekend, the
restaurant Cape Fear (707-865-9135) where I like to order grits and eggs with
smoked salmon. Yumm-me! Duncans Mill is the home of the Russian
River Rodeo and some of my best friends. Yee- haw! I love you guys!
Past
more cows, redwoods, sheep, the river and your first navigation choice. Turn
right on Highway One to Jenner and you can get gas, grab a meal at a couple
of decent restaurants, and if you drive until just past the town there are
some turnouts on the ocean side of Highway One where you can get the best
views of the river mouth where it meets the ocean. For photography fans, this
is where you can set up to get some great telephoto shots of the river mouth
where the seals are usually out sunning and waiting for their salmon dinner.
Get out of the car here to breathe in the windy salt air and watch the surf
crash on the rocks. If you continued up the coast (another tour) you would
pass Salt Point, Timber Cove, Sea Ranch, and Gualala on the way to Mendocino.
On
the other hand, If you turn left (south) at the Highway One intersection,
you're still on our tour. If you haven't eaten yet there's an Indian restaurant
- Sizzling Tandoor (707-865-0625) - that has great views of the river and
surrounding hills and serves a wonderful array of Indian delicacies. (Hint:
Have a breath mint). Half a mile further on is the turn off to Goat Rock State
Beach. This is worth the dirve down to the beach and rock that gives the park
its name. There's a long sandy beach where you can walk down to the river
mouth and watch the seals. This beach has some dangerous rip currents and
occasional sleeper waves, so it's smart to pay attention as you walk the beach.
Now back on the road and up the hill - Wow! What views! Too bad the driver
can't look - ha, ha. There are many pull outs along the road to Bodega Bay
where you can stop and have a look. I hope it's sunny! The water is glistening
and the grass is blowing like green hair in the wind.... A few more cows and
some horses on the right hand side. There are a series of state
beaches all along this stretch of Sonoma County coast where you can stop
and kick some sand, watch surfers, or picnic. Fifteen miles south of Jenner,
you'll make your way into into Bodega Bay - stop and buy a wind sock or a
kite. More little shops: knick knacks, glass, shells, t-shirts, a surf shop....
Now if you're hungry stop for some oysters and clam chowder or a seafood salad
at Inn at the Tides Restaurant where
Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds starring Tippi Hedron. Try some down home
friendly service at the Sandpiper
or buy fresh fish off a boat from a real fisherman at Spud Point Marina
Bodega Bay is home to the Fisherman's Festival, a great event with enough characters to fill a book. Put in on your to-do list for 2009. The annual April event is a Sonoma County favorite. Check out their website for the full schedule.
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