BAMA FORT BRAGG WEEKEND AWAY 2020
August 28-30 Leader: Rollo Dowling
12 BAMA folks participated with 8 shiny MX-5’s. We had two new members, Martin Boersma and Trent Eves, and enjoyed their company. The route to the coast was modified from the original plan to avoid areas significantly impacted by the current forest fires. The air quality and visibility were good, and the weather was pleasantly mild.
The restaurants and attractions were very accommodating, had outdoor seating and service, clean bathrooms, and all followed the CDC guidelines, as did we as a group. Dinner on Saturday at Silver’s at the Wharf was as close to normal as we could get, good food, and in a beautiful outdoor setting on the second floor, overlooking the end of Noyo Harbor!
There were several highlights on the run. We all toured the Mendocino Botanical Gardens, a totally amazing and very well kept place, with many acres of trails, including some with cliff overhangs at the Pacific Ocean! After lunch, several of us, in small groups, toured the northern coastal highway for 12-25 miles. A beautiful ride overlooking the ocean breakers, farm and ranch lands, all on some of the very best maintained Miata-style windy and hilly roadway!
Glass Beach Inn hosted 10 from our group, and they provided excellent accommodations and recommendations, acting as our home base for activities.
The other two members stayed close by in an air B&B and Country Inn, also rating well.
Before leaving for home on Sunday morning, many of us took a walk down the street to Roundman’s Smoke House, where we purchased some smoked meats for ourselves, and smoked bones for our dogs.
Detailed Trip Itinerary:
BAMA FORT BRAGG WEEKEND AWAY, CDC COVID 19 Guidelines apply at all times!
August 28-30, 2020. LEADER: Rollo Dowling
Friday
11:30 AM Meet at Railroad Station Bar and Grill, 114 Railroad Ave, Cloverdale, CA
12:30 PM Drive meeting, introductions, Club and CDC guidelines, sign-in document.
12:45 PM Leave for Fort Bragg.
1:00 PM Meet up with Martin Boersma Hwy 101 x Hwy 175 (Hopland, CA, 15 miles)
2:45 PM Arrive Glass Beach Inn, 726 N. Main St., Ft Bragg (or where you are staying) (71 miles). Check in, refuel, rest, or tour on your own.
6:00 PM Meet at Glass Beach Inn parking lot, facing the street.
6:10 PM Leave for dinner at Caspar Pub House, 14957 Caspar Rd, Caspar, CA
(6 miles south of Ft. Bragg)
Saturday
8:00-9:30 AM Breakfast.
9:30 AM All meet at Glass Beach Inn to go to Mendocino Botanical Gardens in Ft Bragg. Reservations (on-line, www.gardenbythesea.org) are required, limited tickets left. Opens at 10 AM. 18220 CA-1, Ft. Bragg, CA.
12:30 PM Leave for Jenny’s Giant Burgers, 940 N. Main St., Ft. Bragg, CA.
1:30 PM Independent touring, see suggestions.
6:30 PM Leave Glass Beach Inn for dinner. Silver’s at the Wharf, 32260 N. Harbor Drive, Ft. Bragg, CA. Sunset dining, of course. The rest of the evening is open; if there’s adequate space at the Inn at the breakfast area, some may choose to visit using CDC guidelines.
Sunday
8:00-9:45 AM Breakfast
10:00 AM Line up our special cars next to Glass Beach Inn. Closing meeting.
10:15 AM Depart for home. Those wishing to head back together toward the bay area may do so. Head south on CA-1 (Main Street) to CA-128 (23 miles). Take CA-128 to Hamburger Ranch and BBQ, 31195 N. Redwood Hwy, Cloverdale (75 miles).
12:00 Arrive. Enjoy the brisket, etc. End of event. CA-101 South is really close, head north on Redwood Hwy for a couple shifts, then veer to the right at the sign!
Have a safe and beautiful trip home.
Suggested places to tour or explore in or near Ft. Bragg:
Glass Beach (it’s a real place)
Skunk Train (call for information, times, costs)
Pacific Star Winer (north of town about 12 miles)
Cowlicks’s Handmade Ice Cream
Noyo River Harbor
The Brewery Tap Room
Ricochet Ridge Ranch (reservations required)
Pudding Creek Beach
Guest House Museum
And, a variety of small stores of every interest.
Marijuana stores are closed. Sorry.