Mendocino to Benbow Valley, California

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Today was my day. I wanted to visit Mendocino, I read it’s a unique California town. We stayed 2 miles north of town at Russian Gulch State Park last night. Frank parked CT in Mendocino about 8:30 am and I walked around. It was overcast and cool. Mendocino is a unique sea town; lots of Victorian houses turned into B&B’s and Inns; quaint architecture; numerous shops, galleries and spas; a bit pretentious, but definitely unique. I found a quarter acre lot for sale 2 blocks from the shore for $450,000. (what a steal). It was a very photogenic town.
Next we stopped at Mendocino Botanical Gardens just a few miles down the road from town. Frank waited again in CT. WOW! It was a beautiful place. Roses were in bloom and so were the most gorgeous rhododendrons I’ve ever seen. Even the vegetable garden was pretty. It was a huge place. There was a ½ mile hike to the coastline cliffs. I spent a great hour and a half walking around looking at colorful flowers, breathing their fragrance mingled with the sea air and hearing the birds sing.
After the gardens it was a quick trip to the grocery store and then north on Highway 1. We left the shoreline and traveled inland. We’re on our way to see the huge redwood trees of northern California (more curvy roads).
We stopped early at an RV park with hookups and WIFI. It even had a dog wash, which I have never seen before. I gave Regan a quick bath. He was a little stinky!

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Photos

Mendocino
Full of victorian houses

Comments

[Kimberly]

unique
the shoreline view pic is great. Often you see mossy cliffs or really green cliffs like Ireland but I can't recall seeing pretty flowers dropping off to the ocean.

[Mary]

Amazing
I wish I could've been walking around with you in this town!! Absolutely beautiful. Hope you've had a wonderful time. I liked living vicariously through you this afternoon....:)

[Destiny]

Hometown
I grew up in Fort Bragg and Mendocino. I have moved from their now though, its been about 4 years. I do miss it though. That cool ocean breeze. I also remember going to Mendocino for the fourth of July parade's, it was like a family tradition. :) I love going back home(Mendo & Fort Bragg) and visiting.