Mendocino NCKA Gathering?

   Howdy All,

Looking at our calendar, I don't see any NCKA plans for gatherings between the May 3rd CSBA Tournament at Lake Mendocino, and Elk on August 2nd.

Therefore I would like to propose, and help host, an NCKA gathering of some kind between those dates; from mid May to mid July; camping at Van Damme or Russian Gulch, for a weekend of kayaking, fishing and diving activities based on everyones' individual preferences.

I know that lot of NCKA folks come to the Mendocino Coast individually, but I think a planned gathering would be great fun too.  (Also, I'm just being selfish because I live in Mendocino.  )

Am open to any and all suggestions as to the dates.  My one suggestion would be to avoid any three day weekends, because of the crowds.

So I'm hoping anyone interested will give input on this thread, so we can hash out the dates for a few weeks, then can come up with a weekend that works for the most of us, and then I can go ahead and reserve the best camp sites at Van Damme (Russian Gulch is an alternative camp, and might be even better, because we don't have to cross the highway to get to the beach.)

If anyone already has existing plans for this area and is interested in a group gathering, that might be the best place to start.

See you on the water,  -Matt 

Sounds good Matt I'm up for almost any weekend except the 2 sourounding the 4th. What about Albion? there used to be a private campground about a 1/2 mile up river from the one below the bridge it would be perfect for us. Just follow the river down to the ocean but we would need an incoming tide in the afternoon to make it back up river. Great for families also because you have the river to paddle. Much better fishing than the SPs you suggested plus no karting or surf launching

Hi Matt:

           VanDamm is the nicest camp site. Limits of Abs at Glass House
Channel. The Cave is a E-ride.
            Are you working for the Park Dept.?
                                                                 Sea-ya at VanDamm
                                                                 Ernie

Mickfish:  Albion camp is a really good idea.  I didn't even think of it, and I'm all for it. It's huge and sunny, and the bay and river there are great, and might be fine on a three day weekend, when more folks may be here anyway.

Ernie:  Now that Mickfish reminded my thick skull of Albion, I have a real problem with Van Damme.  Although very beautiful; the highway crossing to the beach is really dangerous, especially for children and distracted kayak fisherpersons, hauling kayaks back and forth, and it can get really crowded on any given weekend.

Also, Albion is not a State Park, and might just be less restrictive and more fun.

Russian Gulch State Park is nice and has no traffic to contend with, and is closer to Mendocino for other family activities, but has no river; just the nice long walk through the redwoods to the waterfall.

So my personal vote is for Albion, for a larger gathering.  Just my .02 though, as a local boy.

As for me working for State Parks, Ernie; not yet.  I did pass the test for maintenance worker level l, and am on the list, but won't know anything probably until April when the season starts.  I already work/play as a volunteer at Big River/Mendocino Headlands anyway, just for the fun of it.  But my motivation is not to bring people to State Parks.  That only means cleaning more bathrooms for me.

Mickfish, I think that that the weekends before and after Independence Day are probably not so great for most people anyway.  But what about the Independence Day weekend itself for you?

I guess what I'll do, as a formula to keep the decision on which weekend simple and democratic, is just dedicate a calendar to putting anyones name down on any and all given weekends that suits everyone, and at a certain deadline, say April 15th, whichever date has the most names will be it.

Of course whenever anyone is in the Mendocino area, and just wants to say howdy, or go kayaking/fishing/diving, just send me a PM and we can simply meet up, at least if just to say hello, and see if we are of a compatible species.

Thanks everyone, my motivation here is just to meet folks.  Whether or not they want to meet me is another question entirely.     Cheers, -Matt

I think June-August would be best because we would be able to fish for rockfish+lings. I believe the RF season doesn't open until June 1st up there.
PK

I'd vote for any time June - Aug too, and to avoid the weekend of the 7/4,5,6 because holiday travel can be more difficult. And I'd most likely be willing to take a Friday off to make it a 3day weekend.

I'd be up for this as long as I have enough lead time to get coverage.  Does anyone know if there is Verizon cell phone coverage at these sites?

This is a great idea, Matt.  Remember that ab season is closed in July, so you may want to do June... 

Looking forward to hearing how this develops.

 

I am a good possibility but I have to plan around my application release dates ( or do I plan application release dates around fishing   ).

-Brian G

Mickfish, I think that that the weekends before and after Independence Day are probably not so great for most people anyway.  But what about the Independence Day weekend itself for you?

Only if Salmon Season is Closed or there is good reports up there.

Hi Yakers:

           I like "The Flats", I lived in Albion for 8 years. I was a tender for friends and the old Parking Guy would bust my chops because I didn't pay a launch fee. I was commercial and had a Tender Licence.
           I try not to pay launch fees but, I like the Breakfast.
          The town of Mendo. "Edge" wirless works but, not in low areas like "Big River".

P.S. The Local "Albion Nation"  parties at Navarro  and don't forget the "Salmon Fest."
                                                                            Ernie

I like june cause we can abdive and rockfish(i think). i also like van damn cause it is a gorgeous campground set in the redwoods. there is a big sandy beach for the kids and us to play at. there is a little store around the bend. the town of mendo is 2-3 mi away. there are cool caves and gorgeous coastline to explore in the yaks. the campground is clean and nicely maintained. ilike the sites in the back on the lower level (# 8-14). great idea. i'm in.

June-August would work well. Nice warm weather, girlfriend definitely is a summer person.
Hey Kayakjack wusup with ocean cove?

I'd be up for this as long as I have enough lead time to get coverage.  Does anyone know if there is Verizon cell phone coverage at these sites?

As I live in the Bay Area but love the Mendocino area and spend some time there every year, I called several establishments up there last year to ask (whoever answered the phone) what service they liked before I got my new cell service, they voted for Edge Wireless, did some checking and found that Edge was owned by Cingular, now AT&T.  So having had both (Verizon and AT&T) up there I found that AT&T was much better, but up there you still have to be in the right spot.

My vote, August abs, fish, weather..
dale

So far it sounds like Albion in June,

Not July,

and again in August.

Perhaps we can attack with a moderate pincer movement.

I still await everyones' input.

It started simply as a fun NCKA idea.

Please keep the ideas and reasons flowing.