MENDOCINO

April 22, 2015

We’ve been camped at Mendocino for 2 days now and have extended it to 3. If things go well … maybe 4. We’re at a commercial campground called ‘Caspar’s Beach RV Park & Campground’. As it’s name implies it is right across the street from Caspar’s Beach … a good-sized bay with a sandy beach and lots of surf.

Caspar Beach RV Park near Mendocino

We spent the day yesterday first hiking out to Point Cabrillo Light Station. It’s a beautiful lighthouse and the surrounding area with it’s high cliffs is spectacular!

The demand for lumber to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake meant that maritime commerce on the north coast was at an all time high and a light house was critical to the safety of the ships and their valuable cargo. Construction began in 1908 and its lens, a British-built Fresnel lens, was illuminated for the first time in 1909. Today the lighthouse and it’s grounds are part of he California Park System.

Point Cabrillo Light Station

Point Cabrillo Light Station Fresenel Lens

We hiked around for a bit and then got to pet a HUGE, beautiful bull mastiff puppy that was being walked by it’s very nice owners. They’re so intimidating looking, but I’ve never met one that wasn’t a big, lovable goof!

Then off to the town of Mendocino where we had coffee and checked out some of the little shops that line the main street. Some very neat clothes and jewellery I must say!

The town is full of beautiful heritage buildings in a variety of styles from Victorian to New England Salt Box, Gothic Revival and Italianate. It’s actually reminiscent of a Maritime town … sort of like Chester, NS. Very beautiful!

Mendocino

Enjoying a coffee in Mendocino

We took some time to hike one of the trails on Mendocino Headlands State Park which took us out to a point with great views back at the town and across the bay looking out over some rocky islands with a see arch. The trail also goes around a large hole looking down into the ocean!

Mendocino from the Mendocino Headlands

Hiking around Mendocino Headlands State Park

The downside is …. If you’re in an RV .. there’s just nowhere to park in these little tiny coastal towns. You are almost forced to stay in an RV park and drive your tow vehicle which is what we’re doing.

It pains us to do it, but we’ve decided to stay in this commercial spot even though it’s pricey at $45/night … as the several state parks nearby are charging $35/night for NO services. At least here we have full hook-ups and great free wi-fi. The state parks have gotten crazy around here … charging $8 for just a day-use pass!

After Mendocino, we went back to the mo-ho where Bruce got his boat down from the roof of the RV and got out into the surf! He had a pretty good time and scooted down the coast for a bit before coming back. He’s had some shoulder issues lately and didn’t want to over-do it. I think he’s going out again this afternoon … just trying to get in shape. I will not be going out as it’s pretty rough and there’s some pretty high waves around here.