After a few days back in the Bay Area following our southern California road trip, it’s time to hit the road again. Instead of going south, this time we decided to head north.
Heading north in our Toyota Camry along with our surfboards
With no real destination in mind, just the direction north, we hit the road. After a quick stop in Sausalito to pick up a back-ordered part for Madrone’s trusty diesel, our rental car led us through the beautiful Sonoma Valley and then over to the even more beautiful Sonoma County coast.
Hiking near Point Arena, CA
After a couple hours driving, we arrived in Fort Bragg, CA. The town is built in the redwood forest around the Noyo River, which flows into the Pacific through a narrow bay. This sheltered harbor allowed Fort Bragg to develop a large and successful fishing fleet that augmented the thriving timber industry.
Mike looking small next to the largest redwood tree known to have grown in Mendocino County
Like many coastal towns in Oregon that were built on the twin pillars of fishing and logging, the collapse of the fishing stock and unsustainable pace of timber harvests led to a stagnant economy. Unlike those Oregon towns, however, the proximity to the SF Bay Area and the better climate of the California coast means that Fort Bragg has started to reinvent itself as a tourist destination.
Artwork in downtown Fort Bragg
Blessed with miles and miles of mostly deserted, undeveloped sandy beach, Fort Bragg is a paradise for beachcombers. It also happens to be home to North Coast Brewing, one of Mike (who likes Red Seal Ale) and Angie’s (who prefers Scrimshaw Pilsner) favorite breweries.
Pilsner-time!
Day one of the road trip? Not too bad….
