STILLWATER COVE: This is located in beautiful Sonoma County, 16 miles north of Jenner, California. A wonderful spot for abalone diving, it offers full boat access. Though the beach is small, it is a very popular spot for boaters and divers alike. A half-mile trail leads to the historic one-room Fort Ross Schoolhouse. The park offers picnic facilities and a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean the Cove. The park has open meadows mixed with coastal forest and is a wonderfully scenic spot. The day park opening at sunrise and closing at sunset and the campground has individual campsites and a hiker/bicycle site. For specific park information, call (707) 847-3245

CLIMATE: The coastal climate in this area is moderate, rarely producing the low and high temperatures of nearby inland areas. Frost is rare and snow even rarer. A typical summer day forecast usually consists of coastal morning low clouds, sometimes fog, clearing by mid-afternoon. Highs range from the mid 60s to 70s. Fall usually produces the sunniest and warmest weather. Winter months bring the major portion of rain, with mild and clear days between storms. Spring is often windy, cool and clear.

ACTIVITIES: Stillwater Cove, is famous for abalone fishing, since the cove is loaded with Haliofus Rufescens, or better known as Red Abalone. The Stillwater Cove offers kayaking along the ruggedly imprinted bluffs of the Sonoma coast or the tranquil waters of the bay formed by the mouth of the Russian River, hiking the meadows and redwood forests of the ranch. As with most parks who offer diving, a current permit and fishing license is required.

OTHER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS:

Bird Watching
Beach walks
Jogging
Hiking
Bicycle and Water Sports
Horseback riding on the beach
Sport Fishing
Coastal fishing
Winery tours
Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory
The Children’s Bell Tower
Sonoma Coast Villa Country Inn and Spa
Hot air ballooning: View the beauty of the coast and wine vineyards
Golf: Bodega Harbour

WINE VINEYARDS:

Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estates
Korbel – Fine California Champagne
Iron Horse Vineyards
Osmosis Enzyme Baths
Wine Zone
Annapolis Winery
Gourmet au Bay
Flowers Vineyard & Winery

LOCAL FLAVORS: Not far from Sonoma’s Bodega Bay, that has an array of fine restaurants, shops, Antique shops, art galleries and famous golf courses.

by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti