Trip Includes:

Camping; shuttle transportation while on walk; all meals, including light breakfast, hot water/coffee, appetizers & hot dinners; guided hiking and an optional kayaking trip. Coffee and hot water for tea will be available every morning about 7 am. We will have breakfast about 8 am and start hiking about 9.30 am. Hiking will be with daypacks only. Every day appetizers will be available about 5:30pm, dinner at p.m. and a guest speaker and discussion about the following days hike between 7-p.m.

Daily Itinerary:

Sat June 1: Meet any time after 2 p.m. at the Salt Point Hike and Bike campsite at Salt Point State Park. This campsite is on the EAST side entrance to Salt Point and is 20 miles north of Jenner on Hwy 1. We will be camping two nights here. There is not a led hike today. We suggest you drive to the Kruse Rhododendron Preserve a nice 2-mile stroll or hike from the campsite to the pygmy forest. We will have a group meeting at 4.30 pm.

Sun June 2:  Campsite, Salt Point SP Hike and Bike campground We will shuttle hikers to the start of the hike at Horseshoe cove. We walk to Gerstle Cove and the visitor center a distance of 7 miles over fairly lever terrain. Hikers can walk or be shuttled back from the visitor center to the campsite an extra one mile. The hike will be led by a State Park staff interpretive specialist.

Mon June 3:  Campsite, Casini Ranch group site This morning we pack our tents into our own cars and drive 8 miles south to Fort Ross arriving at 10 am . We will hike to the original orchard, through the meadow to the coast and back to the Fort. The hike is 5 miles with 500 ft. elevation gain and will be led by a volunteer.

After visiting the Fort buildings, we drive south to Duncan’s Mills a distance of 12 miles. We camp here at the Casini Ranch for 3 nights with a site adjacent to the Russian River.

Tue June 4: Campsite- Casini Ranch. Today is our hardest hike – a distance of 9 miles with 1400 ft. elevation gain. We hike from Freezeout flat trailhead over Islands in the Sky and Pomo canyon to Shell beach. For hikers wanting a shorter hike a shuttle van will be available half way along the trail. This is a beautiful hike with creeks, redwoods and lovely ocean views. A park ranger will lead the hike.

Wed June 5: Campsite, Casini Ranch Hikers will be shuttled to Jenner where kayaks will be waiting for us to paddle in the Russian river. Anyone not wishing to paddle will be taken to the trailhead. We will hike from Goat Rock beach to Duncan’s landing along the Kortum trail a distance of 6 miles of mainly flat terrain. En route we will visit the mammoth rubbing rocks. The hike will be led by a Coastwalk volunteer. At Duncan’s landing we will be shuttled back to the campsite.

Thurs June 6: Today we will break camp, load our gear into our own cars and drive to Sonoma Coast State Park Bodega Dunes picnic area a distance of 13 miles. We will hike along Salmon Creek Beach and dunes to the UC Davis Marine Lab a distance of 2 miles. We have a private tour of the Marine Lab and then continue 2 miles to Bodega Head for our farewell. A coast walk volunteer will lead the hike.

Shuttles will take hikers back to their cars at approximately 3 pm.

What to Bring:

We will only be moving camp once-from Salt Point State Park to Casino Ranch. There is no gear van. You will use your own cars to transport gear. We suggest bringing the following:

GEAR:

• Tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag, a small camp chair
• A waterproof windbreaker, warm layers of clothing, hiking boots, socks, soft shoes to wear in camp and hat.
• A pair of shoes or sandals the can get wet for kayaking
• Any extra food for breakfast and lunches in addition to items provided by us. We have limited room in our ice-chest
• Your own cup, plate, bowl, eating utensils, a plastic container for leftovers, your own cloth napkin and dishtowel.
• Personal items such as soap, shampoo, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, and sunscreen.
• Basic first aid for your daypack such as bandages, insect repellant., moleskin for blister protection and your own special medical needs.
• Daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses & sun hat
• flashlight or headlamp,
• camera and binoculars (optional)
• Food for your packed lunches

FOOD:

There will be hot water for tea and percolated coffee available from 7 am Breakfast will be available from 8am. We will provide the following oatmeal, granola, low fat milk, half and half milk, sugar, fresh fruit and dried fruit, whole wheat bread, marmalade and home-made jam. Hikers will bring their own food for lunches; some room in the ice chest will be available. In addition, we will provide any leftovers from the previous nights’ dinner; whole wheat bread, mayonnaise, peanut butter and home-made jam, granola bars, fruit and nuts. Appetizers will be served at the camp at about 5.30pm. Dinner will be served about 6pm. Food will be provided by “food angels”. Food angels are volunteers who prepare food at home and bring it to our campsite. There will be a meat dish and a vegetarian option. Drinks Both campsites have good clean drinking water.

 Beverages:

Both campsites have good clean drinking water. The Coastwalk organization cannot buy or sell alcoholic drinks. Ice will be available.

Trip leaders Simon and Anne Lowings are avid hikers. They have trekked worldwide but especially like Nepal where they have been to Everest and Annapurna base camps. Both are now retired and have lived in Sonoma county for 20 years. They will be supported by volunteer Gary Morgret, a keen photographer and bird watcher. Gary has had his photos displayed in many galleries in California. Our team is complemented by Robert Harkavy, a member of the Sonoma Wednesday Walkers group, and a Coastwalker who is very familiar with the Sonoma coast. Simon also  volunteers at the Coastwalk office.

Sonoma Coast Trail Maps:

http://www.sonomahikingtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/sonoma-coast-state-park.pdf

 Fort Ross Conservancy & Historic Park

https://www.fortross.org/

 Salt Point State Park:

https://www.visitcalifornia.com/attraction/salt-point-state-park

Mammoth Rocks:

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Ice-Age-clues-near-Bodega-Scientist-thinks-2466058.php

 Casini Ranch Campground:

https://casiniranch.com/

Highlights:

Point Reyes National Seashore Exploration.

Details

Trip includes: camping and parking, 3 breakfast and 3 dinners, 3 days of guided hikes by knowledgeable leaders. Showers available at campground.       

Average Daily Hiking: The first day is short walks in the Visitor Center Area with an option for a 5.5 mile walk. Days 2 and 3 hikes will be about 8 miles. We will be exploring remote beaches including scenic sculpture Beach, a loop trail taking us along the CCT, and an historic dairy farm. Expect wildflowers.

Types of Hiking Surface: maintained trails, uneven ground, beach.

Elevation Gains and losses: optional hike 1000ft. gain. Other hikes modest elevation gains.

Fitness Requirements: participants should be able to hike 8 miles at a moderate pace. 5 hours of hiking.

Transportation: We will be ride sharing to reach trailheads on days 2 and 3

Day 1: Friday, June 7

10 AM or 2 PM – Meet at the Bear Valley Visitor Center at 10 or the Olema Campground after 2.

Explore the Visitor Center area, including a fascinating walk on the short Earthquake Trail, where you can see and   learn about the effects of the great earthquake of 1906. Optional 5.5 mile loop hike to Mount Wittenberg.

6 PM – Dinner

7 PM – Campfire and get to know you.

Day 2: Saturday, June 8

 7-8 AM Breakfast
 9 AM – Depart for trailhead. We will carpool to the Point Reyes Hostel and hike the coastal trail along rich wetlands, then on the beach to reach dramatic Sculptured Beach. We can scramble on the rocks to see the effects of waves on these sedimentary rocks. This is an 8 mile loop with one moderate climb.
 6 PM – dinner

7 PM – campfire & Talk by Executive Director of Coastwalk, Cea Higgins

Day 3: Sunday, June 9

7-8 AM breakfast
9 AM – Depart for trailhead. We’ll carpool to Abbots Lagoon trailhead. This hike takes out to the scenic lagoon, then    along isolated North Beach. After lunch we will head for historic Pierce Point Ranch with well-preserved ranch building, to learn about how this ranch provided high grade butter and cream for the inland communities and San Francisco. This is a 6 mile hike.
 6 PM – dinner
7 PM – Short presentation around the campfire

Day 4: Monday, June 10

7-8 AM breakfast

Departure after breakfast: we will pack up early and head for home. For those who wish to explore more the leaders can point to numerous other great hiking opportunities

What to Bring

• Lunch for 3 days. Leftovers from the previous evening’s dinner may be available
• plate, bowl, utensils, cup, cloth napkin
• Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag pillow
• Hats (warmth and sun protection)
• Jacket, wind and water-resistant Long pants, Hiking shorts
• Hiking boots & Walking shoes
• Vest
• Long Sleeve shirt
• Sweater
• Underwear Tee shirts & comfortable quality socks
• Bandanna, handkerchief
• Sleep wear
• Poncho or rain gear
• Toiletries Soap or body wash, shampoo (Bio based/biodegradable)
• Tooth brush, toothpaste & dental floss; comb or brush
• Daily Medications and vitamins
• Sunscreen & Insect repellent
• Towel and wash cloth
• Personal first-aid items
• Flashlight or head lamp (bring extra batteries)
• Folding chair/ camp chair
• Day pack
• Canteen, hydration pack or 2 water bottles, 1 liter minimum
• Personal Snacks

• Nice to have

  Camera

  Binoculars

  Tupperware container, for left overs

Brenda & Brenda Nichols: Richard and Brenda have been volunteering at Coastwalk since 1982. During that time, they organized and led walks and performed various administrative functions. Richard became the Executive Director of Coastwalk in 1990 and retired in 2006. As Executive Director, he played a pivotal role in the passing of SB 908-the key legislation which established the California Coastal Trail as a State Trail.  Richard coordinated and completed the first border to border Coastwalk in 1996 and subsequently authored with Bob Lorentzen 2 comprehensive guides on hiking the California Coastal Trail. Brenda provided support for Coastwalk while also working in administration at the SRJC Disability Resources department and retired in 2008.
 
 When they moved to Sonoma County, the Nichols discovered the wild and beautiful coast and met the first organizers of Coastwalk. The goal of the first walk in Sonoma County in 1983 was to promote the idea that the coastal access is for everyone, and the shoreline needs to be protected from pollution and overdevelopment. The California Coastal Trail became an important symbol and a concrete example of coastal access and under the Nichol’s leadership, the stewardship and completion of the CCT became a primary goal of Coastwalk. 
 
 Brenda & Richard make their home on the outskirts of Sebastopol and continue to be involved in local politics and the environment. They co-founded the advocacy group Sebastopol Tomorrow, and were early advocates for saving and restoring the Laguna de Santa Rosa. They have worked to elect City Council and County Supervisor candidates who reflected thier desires for a healthy environment and controlled growth.

Brenda & Richard are avid hikers and travelers, enjoy music and film. They are currently attending memoir writing class compiling stories of their exciting travels & environmental and social justice advocacy histories. 

Point Reyes National Seashore:

https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm

Point Reyes Association:

http://www.ptreyes.org/

Tomales Bay State Park:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=470

Olema campground:

https://www.olemacampground.net/

Samuel Taylor State Park:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=469

 Towns and activities in West Marin:

https://pointreyes.org/

Film about preserving Pt. Reyes:

Rebels With A Cause

We will be staying at the housing and conference facilities for the UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab. The lab itself is located at 2099 Westshore Rd in Bodega Bay. It is on the right-hand side of the road. The gate to the housing and conference facilities where we are staying is approximately a quarter of a mile BEFORE the gate to the UC Davis Marine Lab (also on the right-hand side of the road).

To get to Westshore Rd -drive north from center of Bodega Bay on Hwy1. Turn left on Eastshore Rd, then Right on Bay Flat Rd which leads into Westshore Rd. There is plenty of parking at the site, but we do encourage carpooling if possible.

Housing and meals:

Each room has two single beds and a bathroom with shower. They are basic rooms but very clean. All linens are provided. We will eat in the meeting room. There is a fridge for our use, but we suggest you bring a cooler chest with ice. Tea and coffee are provided but please bring your own beer and wine. Our meals will be catered.  Let us know of any dietary constraints and we will try to accommodate you. Breakfast and lunch are cafeteria style and we will make our own pack lunch for the day’s hike from the food provided.

We will have breakfast about 8 am and start hiking at about 9.30 am. Hiking will be with daypacks only. Every day appetizers will be served at about 5:30pm, dinner at 6 and a guest speaker and discussion between 7-8.pm

Wednesday May 8

Meet at the housing and conference facilities between 12:30 and 1p.m. where we will check in. Starting at 2p.m. we will hike from the housing to the Bodega headlands. The Bodega Headlands was once considered as a site for the largest nuclear facility on the West Coast and it was the fight to save the headlands that led to the passage of the Coastal Act and is considered the beginning of grassroots environmental coastal activism. The hike will be led through the dunes by a wildflower and bird specialist. Approximately 5 miles with 500 ft elevation gain.

Thursday May 9

We will carpool to the trailhead in Bodega approximately 3 miles and start hiking at 9.30 am. Bring shoes that can get wet for an optional 1-2 hour kayak trip up Salmon Creek. We then continue hiking along the dunes and beach to Mussel point where we walk through the UC Davis property for a 1 hour private tour of the lab given by the manager. From the lab we walk back to the residences.  Approximately 6 miles hiking with 100 ft. elevation gain.

Friday May 10

A special morning. At 9 am we will drive to the Estero Americano about 6 miles. We will hike on a recently acquired property not yet open to the public with stunning coastal vistas. The walk will be led by a representative from the Wildlands Conservancy who manage the property. The hike will be completed about noon.

• A waterproof windbreaker
• warm layers of clothing
• hiking boots
• Socks
• Soft shoes to wear indoors
• Sun hat and hat for warmth
• Sleepwear
• A pair of shoes or sandals that can get wet for kayaking
• Personal items such as soap, shampoo, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, & sunscreen
• Basic first aid for your daypack such as bandages, insect repellant, moleskin for blister protection and your own special medical needs
• Daypack
• Reusable water bottle,
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight or headlamp,
• camera, binoculars

Simon & Anne Lowings:  Simon and Anne Lowings are avid hikers. They have trekked worldwide but especially like Nepal where they have been to Everest and Annapurna base camps. Both are now retired and have lived in Sonoma county for 20 years.  Simon also volunteers at the Coastwalk office.

Estero Americano:

https://www.wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_estero.html

Bodega Marine Laboratory:

https://marinescience.ucdavis.edu/bml/about

Directions to Bodega Marine Lab:

https://marinescience.ucdavis.edu/bml/directions-bml

 Bodega Marine Reserve:

https://naturalreserves.ucdavis.edu/bodega-marine-reserve

Bodega Bay Info:

https://www.bodegabay.com/

 The Battle of Bodega Head:

https://baynature.org/article/the-ballad-of-bodega-head/

https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/05/03/bodega-bay-activist-honored-for-fight-against-nuclear-plant/

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/8266429-181/sonoma-county-event-honors-womens

Sonoma Coast Map of Trails:

http://www.sonomahikingtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/sonoma-coast-state-park.pdf

HIGHLIGHTS:

Set in the shadow of Hearst Castle on newly acquired California Coastal Trail through the Hearst Ranch, the Piedras Blanca lighthouse, the elephant seal breeding grounds, San Simeon State Park, charming Cambria, spectacular pocket beaches of Montana de Oro State Park and the Point Buchon Trail to Diablo Canyon.

TRIP INCLUDES:

camping & parking fees; guided hiking; nightly dinners; shuttle transportation; gear haul; evening programs; dinners, hot water/coffee & light breakfast fixings

 FACILITIES: You will be camping out each night so you will need appropriate gear including sleeping bag, mattress or pad, and tent with rain fly. Since seating at some of the camp sites is minimal, we recommend you bring a folding chair. These items and your personal duffle will be hauled from camp site to camp site so you do not have to carry them during the day.

 CAMPGROUNDS:

Nights 1 & 2: San Simeon State Park Washburn Campground

Nights 3, 4 & 5: Morro Bay State Park Group Campground

AVERAGE DAILY HIKING:

5 to 11 miles per day

TYPES OF HIKING SURFACES:

Coastal bluffs on small tracks and wide trails; sandy beaches.

ELEVATION GAINS & LOSSES:

fairly level

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS:

There are no additional fitness requirements for this trip.

PARKING:

We will be meeting no later than 12:00 at the far end of the Marina Parking Lot of the Bayside Café across the road from Morro Bay State Park campground
#10 State Park Road Morro Bay, CA 93442.  All vehicles should be parked on the north east side of the lot (away from the Café and against the roadside, not the marina waterside). We will be leaving our vehicles in the lot for the duration of the trip. http://baysidecafe.com/contact-us/

CLIMATE & CLOTHING:

The ocean is our climate control (water temperatures are in the lower 50s year around) so you can expect relatively cool temperatures with highs mainly in the mid-60s during the middle of the day and lows in the low 50s during the evening and early morning. There may be some morning fog that will burn off by about 10:00 am. Rain is not likely but is a possibility- we should have a fair handle on this at the time of the walk – a lightweight windbreaker is advised. It does get windy on the bluffs and beaches. You’ll definitely want a sweater and/ or jacket in the evenings and mornings; layering is usually best. Fleece is a warm, comfortable option. Otherwise, you can use your judgment about clothing when temperatures are in this range (the humidity can be fairly high which can affect how the air temperature affects your comfort). Bring sturdy hiking shoes that are comfortable and in good condition. A trekking pole provides excellent stability while crossing tricky terrain and rocks and can offer good support while tide pooling.

WATER!!

Due to the draught conditions on the Central Coast, water may be a problem. There are no showers or flush at San Simeon State Beach. I strongly suggest that each camper bring a solar shower bag. We will fill these and leave them in the sunniest areas.

There will be flush toilets and showers at Morro Bay State Park. Chemical toilets have been set up in the other camping spots. Hygiene is a priority for Coastwalk- be assured that we will handle the situation. We will be setting up an outdoor shower for use with your solar water bag.

TRANSPORTATION:

Your camp gear will be transported from camp site to camp site. We may shuttle our vehicles if necessary. Otherwise, transportation to our parking area and home again will be your responsibility. Please contact your Walk Leader if you will be taking public transportation, and perhaps we can help get you to where you need to be. Please bring some change for the occasional public bus and shower facilities (where available).

FOOD:

Coffee, juice, and milk will be available each morning, as well as a variety of breakfast foods. We brew a large pot of coffee- decaf will only be available in the evening. You should plan to bring other food items for lunches. Wine, beer, or soft drinks will be available each day to refresh you contingent on donations to the food kitty. Dinners are provided each evening. You will only need to carry lunch items and water while hiking. See attached food provision note.

MAKE SURE TO BRING:

cash for public bus transportation and quarters for camp showers.

PLEASE NOTE THIS ITINERARY MAY CHANGE AS NEW TRAILS AND OPPORTUNITIES DEVELOP ON THIS ADVENTURE.

Day 1:
Cambria to San Simeon State Park- Beach and nature trail walk.

Day 2:
Old Piedras Blancas Motel to San Simeon State Beach- Beach, bluffs, forest; lighthouse tour and elephant seals.

Day 3:
Estero Bluffs, Cayucas and Morro beach walk (10+ miles). Morro Rock and otter families.

Day 4:
Morro Bay Esplanade; war canoe row across bay to sand spit; sandspit and beach walk (6+ miles) to Hazard Canyon.

Day 5:
Montano De Oro Bluffs to Windy Point (Diablo Canyon)

Day 6:
Port San Luis to Point St Luis Lighthouse on Pecho Coast Trail

LIST OF THINGS TO BRING:

• sturdy walking shoes
• spare walking shoes
• camp shoes (Crocs are great)
• hat for sun protection
• sunglasses with UV protection
• sunscreen (minimum 15 spf)
• bug repellant (most likely not necessary)
• personal first aid kit (band aids, blister pads)
• day pack and plate, cup, bowl, and eating utensils
• personal medicines
• flashlight with new batteries
• folding chair
• A roll of quarters for bus fare and showers
• Solar shower
• Tent, Sleeping bag, Ground Cloth
• Water Bottle
• Lunch foods
• cash for public bus transportation and quarters for camp showers.

NOTE:  Our Camp Coordinators & Walk Leaders will need to know every participant’s medical conditions, insurance information, medications, and doses. We ask that you provide that information when you register for the Walk and notify both the Coastwalk office and Walk leaders of any changes or new medical conditions prior to the Walk

Mike Minky

2018 will be the 7th year that Mike Minky leads the SLO Coastwalk. A CPA by day, Mike owns several record companies specializing in a wide range of classics from Cambodian psychedelic surf bands to Calypso to ‘60’s East L.A. garage bands. Mike’s first Coastwalk was joining the 2003 Border to Border walkers for 3 weeks on the San Simeon to Carpinteria leg. As land acquisitions have opened up new trails on the Central Coast, Mike has been bushwhacking and marking for the future route of the California Coastal Trail.

Volunteer Support Staff- Bob Adams, Mel and Diana Savage, Susie Schneider

Hearst San Simeon State Park:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=590

Morro Bay State Park:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/594/files/MorroBaySPFinalWebLayout020917.pdf

KCET Coastal Trail Videos (Point Buchon Trail):

https://www.kcet.org/shows/california-coastal-trail/point-buchon-trail-the-gateway-to-a-secluded-coastline

Aerial Photos of the California Coast:

https://www.californiacoastline.org/

 All About Cambria:

https://www.visitcambriaca.com/

 Hearst Castle:

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