California Getaways
The Holy Mecca of Mendocino
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 To kick off our vacation, we took a round-trip ride on the Skunk Train, a railroad excursion through the Coastal Redwoods, so named by locals because of the old diesel used by locomotives. Natives say, "You can smell 'em before you see 'em!"
Riding along the same 100-year-old route forged by loggers through glorious redwoods into the Coastal Range was spectacular. In summer, open observation cars let you feel the wind in your hair as the train winds through pristine landscapes. Frequent wedding parties rent the Skunk, with ceremony aboard or within the forest at Northspur, a small clearing in the redwoods alongside Noyo River. A special delight was riding the Skunk to see a show.
The Warehouse Repertory Theatre entertained us with a delightful rendition of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing." Attracting accomplished performers from throughout the country, Artistic Director Meg Patterson has assembled a crew that receives nothing but raves from critics and theater buffs alike.
We followed our jaunt on the Skunk Train with a short drive north to Mackerricher State Park near the town of Cleone. Waves slap against the cliffs, flinging spray in arcs. Hardy souls enjoy ocean fishing in the surf; hardier souls dive for abalone. A whale-watching station is at the far end of the boardwalk.
Mendocino will remind visitors of a small New England coastal village, with the added attraction of the wild Pacific and the towering redwoods.
Click to see Mendocino hotel information.
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