Family Day

Day 15: Mendocino to Fort Bragg and back via Casper Beach State Park

Today, we woke up when we were ready, or more importantly when Jasper was ready. My cousin, being the wonderful human being that she is, made breakfast for us all. Then, we got ourselves together, and headed out for a hike/walk. 

We had decided on a hike they knew of along Casper Beach, so packed accordingly to be able to spend a little time on the beach. Once we got there, we headed out along the road up to the bluff over looking the ocean. It was a little sketchy walking the road, but I was reassured they had done it many times in the past. Also, my cousin’s 16yr old son and his friend were sent off before us. The views were gorgeous.

 At one point we took a small walk out onto a point where we could see, hear, and smell the pod of sea lions sunning on a medium sized rock outcropping in the ocean. Despite the smell, it was pretty amazing to see so many sea lions at once. 

After seeing the sea lions, we headed more inland and wandered through meadows and some forested areas. I was amazed how beautiful that was, and kept having to catch up to the rest of the family. The trail wound back and forth such that I was able to take photos of our group, and enjoyed trying some artistic shots as well.

Not sure those worked out that well, but still had fun trying.

After the hike/walk, we spent some time playing on the beach. My husband took Jasper for a jog to the water and back. Then Jasper tried to play keep away with my cousin’s dog’s ball. I think it was payback for her dog trying to dominate Jasper. While we all did our own things on the beach, I attempted to fly my various kites, with minimal success. The cove we were in was not to conducive to kite flying is my excuse, despite there being a couple other families there with small dollar store kites having no problem. I tried my dollar store kites, but they were broken before ever removing them from the package. Oh well. I know I’ve flown my kites along the Pacific coast before. Today, was a just not the day.

 Once we were all moving towards hunger pains, we packed up our stuff and headed to Fort Bragg for lunch, and more importantly ice cream. Lunch was at an all female fish place, where I had a wonderful cheesesteak sandwich, and bought Jasper more dog treats. They had a live band on the patio, which we enjoyed for a bit before heading into town and ice cream. 

 Most of us were stuffed from lunch, but I’m never one to give up 

 So, we got our ice cream and wandered around town as we finished it. I’m pretty sure my cousin and her family were sorry they took us walking. Although, they are the ones who took us to the Skunk Train Depot, and pointed out the brewery, and encouraged us to buy beer.

 

We checked out the maritime museum place, as the family sat outside waiting. 

Finally, we decided to head for home; however, we had been talking on the hike about cemeteries and the blowhole at one of them. This lead to a stop at the Little River Cemetery which is hiding a blowhole behind it.

We wandered the cemetery and eventually made it to the blowhole. My hubby and my cousin’s hubby decided to wander down into the blowhole, while my cousin and I hyperventilated on the edge watching them pick their way through downed trees and some pretty sketchy footing. Luckily, they made it safe and sound, and got some great photos. 

With all the adventuring out of the way for the day, we were able to return home, and have a small dinner, before turning in for the night. My hubby and I have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, and my cousin and her family have to go back to their normal lives. So, we turned in, and got ready for an early departure in the morning.