Anniversary?

 We had to postpone this year due to Covid-19 from our original dates near the New Year as the Sonoma Coast was shut down due to an increase in cases and then I picked up a short term contract that conflicted with just about every date.  We were able to book for the first weekend of April in Guernville, CA at a place called the Creekside Cottages.  Nice little place that was fantastic as a base to the coast and some really great outdoor activities.  We were able to get out for a nice hike, the annual viewing of the harbor seals in Jenner, a kayak at the mouth of the Russian River, and a first time
on the road bikes in the Russian River Valley.  As well, able to spend an evening at Boon in Guernville as it is not just opening with limited seating indoors.  Food was awesome as always!

Road out to Berryessa Gap - it looks green again but pretty charred from the fires in the Fall of 2020.

Blind Beach in Jenner, CA

Blind Beach, Jenner, CA

Creekside Cottages, Guernville, CA.  All of the cabins are up on stilts and surrounded by redwoods and all of the buildings are connected by walkways.  Was an absolutely fantastic place to use as the launching point for a couple of great adventures.  This is land that is pretty much on the floodplain of the Russian River.  

Sunday morning kayak at the mouth of the Russian River as it empties into the Pacific.  While we don't kayak this area annually, we always seem to make a trek to check on the harbor seal colony that is regularly situated right near the end of the breakwater.  This time of year the area is protected as it is time for the birth of the new pups (so really hard to get good photos).  When we have kayaked at other times, we have actually had seals swim along side us and surface several feet away just to say "hello".  Pretty cool to watch.

More of the Creekside Cottages

Garden in Creekside

Random silhouette of girl playing in the waves 

Blind Beach

Blind Beach - I guess there is some surfing on this beach.  This photo doesn't show it but it is quite a rocky beach.

Creekside - The "Quail"

Non-stop vertical...or at least is felt that way.  Was a pretty incredible hike with a panorama shot down below.

The top of the climb in Duncan Mills.

Always a good way to end the trip when heading through Napa with a couple of fish tacos.

Depot in Duncan Mills, CA.  The rail line no longer exists and it now serves as a museum.  I have to say, I would love to build a home in this style.

"River's End" in Jenner, CA.  There are not a whole lot of options for food North of Bodega Bay on the Pacific Coast Highway but if you ever make it to Jenner, the River's End does not disappoint.

Can anyone say "Guest house"?

The pup is just days away for this one.

Goat Rock Beach, Jenner, CA

This harbor seal pup is likely just a few days old.  Would always love to get closer but I'll always choose to honor their need for space during this critical time... maybe I need to get a new lens with just a bit more focal distance.

One of the best road bike rides I've had in quite some time.  Sara joined me for a ride on the winding and rolling roads of the Russian River Valley.  Nice surface and decent shoulders.  There are quite a few people biking in this area so cars are actually pretty courteous to the bikes on the side of the road.