We finished up our five-month volunteer gig at the Point Cabrillo Light Station just as the cooler and wetter weather started to arrive in Mendocino.
Over the past couple of weeks, we saw more whales spouting and breaching off shore, a sign that perhaps the
gray whales are on the cusp of beginning their migration from the feeding grounds of Alaska to the breeding grounds of Baja, Mexico. Gray whales undertake one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, traveling up to 14,000 miles round-trip between the Arctic and Mexico. They typically begin their southward migration in mid-October to mid-November and their northward migration in late February to May. In addition to gray whales, you can also see Humpbacks and blue whales traveling the Mendocino coastline. Orcas can also be spotted occasionally.
So Long for Now
A few days before we departed Mendocino, the Point Cabrillo Light Keeper's Association (the non-profit that operates the light station) hosted a thank you BBQ to recognize the many volunteers that keep the lighthouse functioning and beautiful. Volunteers not only man the museums, gift shop, and welcome center, but also do routine maintenance and repairs, landscape upkeep, cleaning, and a host of other necessary jobs.
Volunteers were recognized for the number of hours they contributed. Cliff and Anne Marie received a silver lighthouse pin for 100+ volunteer hours.
We were a bit melancholy that our time came to an end because we really enjoyed contributing our services,
working with the other passionate volunteers, learning about the history of the light station, and exploring the area in depth.
In fact, we loved it so much, we will be returning for another stint in May of next year. So it isn't good-bye for good. It's so long for now.
Heading South
Before we headed back to Jackson, we decided to make a four-night stopover at another of our favorite coastal towns: Bodega Bay. This past Thursday, we hitched up the car to the motor home and headed south on Highway 1 for the three-hour drive.
Anne Marie determined that she will never, ever be a passenger in an RV going south on that coastline again. To say it was a butt-clenching experience is an understatement. She wished she had downed a gummy beforehand. That might have dulled the 15 panic attacks she had as she envisioned the motor home pitching over the very low railing into the roiling sea.
But, we made it and have spent an enjoyable few days in unseasonably warm and sunny weather.
Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a tiny (population just under 1000), picturesque fishing village on the Sonoma Coast. There are a handful of restaurants, two small markets, and many vacation homes and rentals due to its close proximity to the Bay Area. We stayed at the Porto Bodega Marina and RV Park.
The Birds
As a historical point of interest, in 1963, much of Bodega Bay and the nearby town of Bodega was used for exterior filming in Alfred Hitchcock's film, The Birds, which starred Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette, and Tippi Hedren. The story was loosely based on a short story of the same name by Daphne du Maurier.
Bodega's Potter School, now a private residence, was used as the Bodega Bay School in the movie and is in one of the film’s most iconic scenes where children run from the school attempting to avoid violent bird attacks.
Food and Wine
While here we, of course, checked out some local eateries and a winery. Two really excellent restaurants are within walking distance of our campsite right in the marina itself.
Gourmet Au Bay is a coastal-style wine bar. The restaurant offers wood-fired cuisine including oysters and flat breads. We split an order of wood-fired mushrooms with a chimichurri sauce, crab cakes, and clam chowder. All were very tasty, especially the clam chowder. In fact, their chowder was the best we had so far on the California coast. Lots of clams, herbs, veggies, and a hint of nutmeg. Yum. Next door is Ginochio's Kitchen, which serves fresh seafood and award-winning BBQ and smoked meats. Cliff ordered the brisket sandwich and Anne Marie the pulled pork sandwich. The meats were smoky and tender. Both restaurants have large decks facing the ocean. We highly recommend them.
Bodega Bay has one winery right on Highway 1. The Sonoma Coast Vineyards offers the typical selection of coastal varietals including Chardonnay, Rose, and several Pinot Noirs. Two of the Pinots we tasted were our favorites. Their Sangiacomo Vineyards and Koos Family Vineyards, both 2022's, were balanced and fruit forward. We purchased a six pack.
Where Next?
We spend a little over two weeks in Jackson doing the usual maintenance stuff (hair, vet, oil change, dentist, etc.) before heading down south for a 10-day wine tasting trip with friends in the Paso Robles and Santa Ynez Valley AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). We have some fun activities planned, so we'll update you on that trip sometime in November.
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It will be nice to see you again.
Bill told me leaning against him was not keeping the 5th wheel on the road on that trip while I was scared to death.
If you can squeeze in a game of cribbage, lunch is on me.
Char, We'll take you on! 🙂
My wife will often say, when reading about experiences like this: "Ya this is the life I was supposed to have!" :)
Paul, There’s still time! Of course, you have those pesky grandkids to deal with. What were you thinkng!? 😉
Slow down on hwy 1 Clifford!!!
Charles, I think 30 in a 55 is pretty damn slow. At least, that’s what I believe all my “friends” collecting behind me thought. 😆
I don't have to worry about traveling south on 1 ever again. First, Jim is more nervous about driving down that coast than I am riding passenger. Second, we did it going north and swore never again. We weren't sure the RV would make a couple of the hairpins without doing a 3 point turn. Not to mention the tunnel that we "technically" didn't fit into! Heading north, on the cliff side, was enough excitement for us.
Can't wait to see you in PR!!!
Anne Marie said she’s OK on northbound. But, I think that maybe due to memory impairment. I’ll let you know in the Spring. 😆
Looking forward to seeing you guys in Paso, as well!
Yep, Anne Marie!! We felt the same way about the drive south on Hwy. 1. Did it once and never again towing our trailer.
Pat, What is it that California has against guardrails preventing 300’ drops into the ocean?
So glad you had a great summer experience. If you want to see the whales with babies in Baja perhaps, you'll come visit us during the winter?
B, Just saw this. Thank you for the invite! In case Jim didn’t told you, we’re staying close to home for the holidays and then we’ll be wintering in Coachella this year.