Swiping in decline at an excessive rate, she lifted her thumb at the photo of a handsome man authentically grinning in front of a broad coastal countryside.  Messaging first, she asked him where he was located in the picture, he responded “Mendo.”

There are places that all of us have that hold so much more meaning than just a location to enjoy.  We have special spaces that are nostalgic, sentimental, and renewing.  The smells in the air, the landscapes shared with loved ones, and events that happen once in a lifetime uniquely tie us to places that are shared.

For a vulnerable and personal share, I want to give you a day in Mendocino, California.  The California coast holds a very special place in my soul and I spend many hours creating experiences along the roads and trails that travel alongside the Pacific Ocean.  Whether you are near or far from the west of North America, I encourage you to take inspiration and set intentions to explore and connect with the worlds around you, big and small.  

Five years from first sending a message, we chose to visit Mendocino together.  The drive from the northern valley floor was mapped to take about 4 hours, so we left before the sun rose with our doberman nestled in her chair and “calming classical music for dogs”  playing softly from an echo dot.  My sister would pick her up shortly because we share custody of the dog.  Side note, dobermans, especially ours, don’t do well being left alone for too long, so whenever we leave for an extended amount of time, assume she is with family.  

Before our departure, I poured coffee with a smidge of whole milk into my Yeti tumbler and ice water into 40 oz. Hydro Flask periwinkle bottle.  I also filled up my Camelbak pouch because we decided on a hiking trail in the Russian Gulch State park the previous night.  Collecting additional essentials, The North Face quilted vest, Darn Tough wool socks, and Clif Bloks, we said goodbye to our home and headed west (no affiliate links, just love the products).

The drive was typical, a combination of freeway, highway, and small community streets.  We listened to podcasts and music, talked about past trips, planned new ones, and set goals for building our future dreams.  The sun had been awake for more than a few hours and we flowed with the curvature of the road as the earth’s giants stood tall into the sky, reminding us we can be so small at times.  

Trees so graceful and powerful within the same being, Mendocino coast merges with ancient redwood groves that replace the skyscrapers of city life.  Acres of protected and private lands, the forest is home to the native red-bellied newt and trees that reach up to 300 feet high and thousands of years in age.  Although we were surrounded by nature so immense and mystifying, it felt as though within the forest’s floor, we were all meaningful creatures sharing a space with love and admiration.  

Driving through the town of Mendocino in Mendocino County, we parked street side and visited The Outdoor Store on 45000 Main Street.  The view of the coastal bluffs from the storefront was alone worth the stop, but I really wanted to try out new hiking shoes for the trek ahead.  It is a risky decision to test out new shoes on a new trail, but research on the shoe brand Altra had me hopeful about comfort and support from a hiking sneaker. I tried on two different pairs and quickly chose the Alpine style. 

Within a couple of miles north of town, we entered the Russian Gulch State Park.  An entry fee of $8.00 gave us passage down the road to the entry of the only campsite within the park where the trailhead is located.  New shoes on and trail map downloaded from the Alltrails app, we eagerly started the Fern Canyon Trail with anticipation of steep inclines, towering trees, and a stunning waterfall along the 9 mile loop (it’s a 6 mile loop, but we extended the hike with the scenic trail).  

To describe the feelings within body and mind on hikes like Fern Canyon Trail is complex; I greatly hope that you give yourself moments like these as often as possible.  It’s clarity in the challenge, emotions in the experience, and nurture from nature.  It’s balance of breath and heartbeat until the relief of last steps mentally registers and sitting down is a gift. 

Honorable mentions: 10 Fun Things To Do In Mendocino County

Our hike was the focus of our day, but there are many more moments to experience in Mendocino county.  Check out Leoluna’s honorable mentions for additional activity ideas.  We hope you find meaning and love in exploring the worlds around you.

We said goodbye to the forest and offered our gratitude before heading back to town for a reflective stroll and seat at the headlands.  Over a dozen cute shops and eateries along the quaint walkways of Mendocino, I especially enjoyed an almond crumble cookie at GoodLife Cafe and Bakery. 

We made our way to the bluff and meandered out to a bench that sat cliffside.  I can stare out into the ocean waves like I can stare at flames of a fire. The mesmerizing movement along with the soothing sound is a calm rhythm that recalibrate the connection between mind and body.  I was grounded and restored in time for the drive home.  

Picking up the dog on the way, we returned to our home of warmth and comfort with a renewed reminder of how special life is and the blessings we are able to experience.  

I am honored to share this story with you~ thank you for being here

Leoluna loves you~ 

Love,

Leah