Van Damme State Park-Fern Canyon Trail

So, for years now we have been staying at the Little River Inn and hiking along the Mendocino headlands and the Botanical Gardens. Only last year did we discover the Fern Canyon Trail at the backend of the Van Damme State Park campgrounds. We began the hike last year from the inn and did not make it all the way out.

I was resolved this year to go all the way out and back, an easy (they call it moderate) five miles. With a side trip up another trail, I covered a total of six miles. Yea me!! The only downside to the hike were the mosquitos. Still itchy, bumpy and somewhat queasy almost two days later.

Here's some of what I saw:

These images only partly capture the magic effects of the light in early morning

As the day progresses the light becomes less witchy

 

Rosa and I stopped for a rest at the halfway point

After the hike Sharon and I headed up to Fort Bragg for some (more) of one of our favorite ice creams, at Cowlicks. We stop there at least once every visit.

While enjoying our ice cream back at the car--we are still avoiding indoor dining as much as practical--a fellow BMW lover lavished praise on the virtues of the now classic 1M. The car loves it!!