Retreat to the Sea

Karen and I enjoyed a three day trip this week to Ft. Bragg, California.  We had not been to the ocean since last June. 

It takes us 5 hours to drive to Ft. Bragg from Red Bluff.  It is an easy and interesting drive through varied terrain.  We first drive south on Interstate 5 to Williams, which takes us through the bountiful North Sacramento Valley agricultural areas.  Then we go west on California Route 20 which winds through the southern Yolly Bolly Mountain range sparsely covered with oaks.  The is cattle grazing country.  Route 20 goes along the north shore of Clear Lake.  The shores of Clear Lake, the largest natural lake entirely in California, are heavily developed with small homes and cabins.  Then Route 20 meets U.S. Highway 101 near the towns of Yukiah and Willits.  These towns are in the agricultural valley formed by the Russian River.  This valley is famous for immense vineyards all the way south to Santa Rosa.  We continue west about 30 miles on Route 20 through the final coastal mountain range, heading west to Ft. Bragg.  This area is in beautiful Mendocino County.  The mountains east of Ft. Bragg are heavily forested with many dense redwood groves.  

We both enjoyed the botanical gardens in Ft. Bragg and walking along the bluffs overlooking the rocky coastline.  There was strong winter surf roaring into the rocky shoreline all the time.  It was cool and windy.  There were mostly clear skies while we were visiting.  Since this is the off-season for Ft. Bragg, the town was uncrowded and motel rates were reduced.