Page 48 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 DISCOVERING MENDOCINO

to long, steep flights of wood and dirt stairways.
The path is uneven, as are the stairs, so we took
our time. Ron was starting to grumble about the
return trip up the stairs, when our final descent
revealed a broad, spectacular shoreline.
The scenery is stunning, the white-sand beach
is pristine and the ocean inviting (tho with no
lifeguards, a dip is probably one for the hardiest
swimmers). There were just a handful of families
sharing the shore with us on this sunny morning.
They shared coffees and breakfast fare spread
out on colorful blankets, explored tide pools and
walked barefooted on the tide-lapped wet sand.
A graceful arched bridge stretches over Jug Han-
dle Creek, which tumbles down one side of the
bluffs into the ocean.
When we headed back, Ron was panting by the
time we reached the parking lot. He did a cele-
bratory Rocky Balboa dance with fists raised
high. Stallone would have been impressed.

48 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2021