Fort Ross State Historic Park

Today, I decided to explore Fort Ross State Historic Park.   Fort Ross is well known by most in the local area because it is a historic Russian-era fort compound that is part of school curriculums and a tourist attraction for this who love history.   It is also on 3,400 acres of incredible coast land.   I primarily went to explore the land through walking the trails along the coastline, but I am also a history lover. On many of these journey's I am listening (via audiobook) to the biography of George Washington by Ron Chernow.  It is highly compelling and astonishing at how so many issues of that time are still playing out today.  I recommend it (it is 33+ hours long, and I have about 5 hours left).

Jason and the girls have had intimate experiences here because, when in 4th grade, their classes each had an overnight immersive experience in what it would have been like to live in the Fort in the early 1800's.   Jason went as a chaperone for one of them.  It included being in costume, in character, having adventures in exploring, skills, food and even rotating night watch duties.   It was a great experience for all of them.  I am grateful that we have this slice of history preserved.  You can read more about the history of the fort, which was a Russian - Native Alaskan settlement in the early 1800's primarily to establish fur trading and logging.  They nearly succeeded in extinguishing the sea otter and northern fur seal from the earth.  While I was able to enter the fort and look around, the buildings were locked, and there were no docents because of Covid-19.  There is a visitors center that was also closed, but there are bathrooms, lots of parking and picnic tables.  There is also an $8 fee for entry, unless you have an annual State Parks pass (which I now have!)  Here are some photo of the fort:

Moving along from the fort, I started walking along the bluffs and exploring the coast line.  I had an incredibly enjoyable time!  I saw many birds including quail, gulls, ravens, coots, etc., and I saw many harbor seals.   I basked in the beauty of it all -- the lush green hills, powerful waves, fog, sun, light rain, wind, wildlife, redwoods, cypress, flowers, succulents.  The California coast is just so beautiful, and I am so grateful that I live here!    Here are some photos and a video:

I also want to mention that as a electric vehicle (EV) owner, I am always interested in how I can structure my adventures and keep my car charged.   Fort Ross has two free, level 2 chargers that I utilized to allow my journey to be an emissions-free journey!  So far, my EV has supported me well through all of my journeys.  The only one that I didn't use it for was the hike at Tomales Point, where we took Jason's truck.

Once again, the journey was such a pleasurable part of the adventure.  Such a gorgeous drive out to Fort Ross.  On the way home, I just had to pull over and take a photo of how full the Russian River is from the rain of the last week.  It has just broken through and is starting to mingle with the ocean.  

Also, one of my pleasures in driving out this way is stopping in Duncan's Mills at Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery and getting a latte and a plain croissant.  Delicious!