Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sea Ranch




For those blogging friends from California, I'm sure you know about Sea Ranch. But for those of you unfamiliar with the California coast, Sea Ranch is a planned development between Fort Bragg and Bodega Bay. It was designed to have homes that would not take away from the beauty which surrounds them. It has about 9 miles of trail all along the ocean front, but many more miles of trails up into the forested areas across Hwy One, which is also part of the development. It is a marine reserve, so the tide pools are always full of life. And you have your choice of several beaches, often with no one on them. A more beautiful spot would be hard to find.



We have brought our family here for many years, especially when our children were young. We would pack up the car with kids, food, dogs, kites and toys and head to Sea Ranch for a week of sun, beach, walking, napping, and just being together. Our lives were hectic in those days. Kids going one way, me another, and my husband always working. This week, every other year, was our time to spend quietly, communing with some of the most beautiful nature in the world. We would rent a different house each time. Some better than others - but that was part of the adventure! Everyone had a good book, and play was encouraged. Friends were not allowed to come on this trip - only family. That way we had them all to ourselves!


They're grown now, but the memories linger. We look forward to introducing our new grandson and son-in-law to Sea Ranch someday. If you have a chance, take a few days and stay at the lodge or rent one of the hundreds of homes that rent for several days, or weeks, and treat yourself to some exercise "Sea Ranch style".






27 comments:

Butternut Squash said...

Your pictures are spectacular. I really love the wooded path. We have never had a non working vacation as a family. Someday.

Kathy's Klothesline said...

I am intrigued. It looks breath taking and I would love to walk along that path. I lived in California, briefly as a child, but I don't remember much about it. I think every state in our country holds it's own special display of beauty in nature. I would love to see them all.....

Tess Kincaid said...

Wonderful pics!

And I adore Christopher Morley, BTW.

CrazyCris said...

looks lovely! a great place for a family getaway, I wish I was close enough to enjoy it in person!

robert said...

It made me glad, to 'see' you happy - which surely isn't too hard being at such a beautiful place. The fourth picture is amazing!

Natalie said...

Sounds beautiful,for sure. Isn't it nice that you, and your family have some wonderful, warm memories to cherish, and now share with your "new boys".
Love to you.xx♥

Expat From Hell said...

Love the pictures, and the commentary. For me, being a native Angeleno, Highway 1 was always the path to peace and comfort. Cambria remains one of my favorite towns in the entire world.
Thanks for posting this! EFH

Snowbrush said...

I loved the picture of the leaning trees--cedars, perhaps?

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a beautiful spot! The flowers, surf and cypress trees ..all so lovely.

The east and west coast both have their unique beauty, and every state between!

Joanne said...

What a gorgeous place. We do the same type of vacation here, a small cottage at the sea, family only, lots of outdoor activity in the fresh salty air. There's something so insular and peaceful about these communities.

Brenda Susan said...

Oh man, I'm a californian that actually grew up just outside of Bodega bay & I've never been in Sea Ranch itself! Been all around it at the cheaper & not so great camping grounds & beaches. Making me homesick for the area! beautiful pics!

TheChicGeek said...

Wow, so beautiful! I love that area of California :)
Thanks for sharing your gorgeous pics!

Anonymous said...

I can almost hear the rushing rhythm of the waves - so relaxing - at night.

susan said...

I don't generally tend to tears but a few years ago we went to San Francisco and then spent a few days driving back to Portland via Highway I. It was so beautiful there were times I had to wipe my eyes so I wouldn't miss anything.

Nancy said...

Butternut - You need to have a non-working vacation! But then your little farm looks like a nice vacation spot.

Kathy - You're right about each state having it's own beauty - we have yet to see an entirely ugly state.

Willow - Thanks

Crazy - You seem to be on the move - just put it
on your list!

Mo' - I like that fourth picture, too - it is actually a little darker part of the path - but my point and shoot camera had the flash on.

Nat - Yep, they will love it, too, I'm sure.

Expat - You're the second person to mention Cambria - never been - need to go.

Snow - Monterey Cypress, I think

Pat - You're right about both coasts, but I need to see more of the Atlantic. We're thinking maybe next spring or fall.

Joanne - Yes, little coastal communities seem to go at their own pace, don't they?

Brenda - It sounds like you enjoyed the beauty of the area anyway!

Chic - Thanks!

Debbie - That's exactly what you hear.

Susan - You know what I'm feelin'...

Lori ann said...

How beautiful! I love all those traditions! we did the same thing, family only, made for some wonderful memories.

Swetha said...

lovely pictures... !! i love that place !

Linda Pendleton said...

Actually, I don't know about it. What a beautiful place...sounds very inviting..

CrazyCris said...

LoL, in spite of being (almost always) on the move... the damn list just keeps getting longer and longer and LONGER!

So many gorgeous places to visit... so little time! (and $$$)

But I have resigned myself to the fact that I can't see them all, and so will just enjoy those I do get around to visiting! ;o)

Whinja Turtle said...

What a delightful blog you have here. Intelligence, great photos and warmth. Congratulations.

California Girl said...

Interesting you stayed at Sea Ranch so many years. I think I mentioned Timber Cover Lodge which is south of there on the Sonoma Coast. We stayed there years ago and loved it. Had planned to travel up to Sea Ranch but couldn't leave the Lodge. I understand it's had a makeover of some magnitude. When we went, it had old gigantic fiberglass hot tubs in the rooms (very Seventies) and balaconies with barrel style hot tubs overlooking the sea from the cliffs. Their restaurant was one of the best I've ever enjoyed. We went inland from there to a very chi chi place (name escapes me) for a gourmet multi course meal and it did not compare. Sea Ranch sounds wonderful and I am happy to see photos.

Anonymous said...

Seeing your photos makes me eager to move to sea side!!! I'm a forest gal so the photo of the trees really got to me. Very nice!

Leah J. Utas said...

It looks so beautiful. I want to go there. Now.

cindyshi said...

Love the pictures thanks for sharing.
I too am experiencing "Life in Second Half" and I welcome the new adventures that it brings.

Yunz said...

what a scene...its so beautiful...wish i were there...~

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

Beautiful...I could walk the trail under the trees for hours.

Kathlene said...

I just discovered your blog and love your post about Sea Ranch. We felt the same way about Bodega Bay while our kids were growing up. Now they're about the same age as yours and last year we decided to move to Bodega Bay. It's been a big change but wonderful living here in this paradise on the coast!

~Kathlene
www.BodegaBayLife.com