For the past couple of weekends, my girlfriend, Ana, and I have set up camp in the Anderson Valley. (By the way... the local vernacular, or Boontling, term for Girlfriend is "Applehead". I'll just put that out there for educational purposes. If I were to refer to Ana that way...."I wouldn't have no Applehead no more!")
We have covered both the East end (High Roller - Boontling) and the West end (Deep End - Boontling) of the valley. The first weekend we set up in The Paul Dimmick Camp Site, located in "The Deep End" of Anderson Valley, or the more West end of the Valley near Navarro. The site was amazing. Situated in the redwood forest along the Navarro River, Paul Dimmick was a very relaxing site with nice amenities, and also proved to be a great staging point the next days travels to Mendocino and Fort Bragg.
The first weekend also proved to be an educational trip on the area and just what it has to offer. We realized that we missed out on the amazing biking opportunities out there. So, we made sure to bring the bikes on the next trip.
The second weekend, we camped at Indian Creek (more toward the "High Roller" side of the valley). This camp site was also situated in the redwood forest. With Indian Creek running right through the camp, we were able to hike down the bank to where it merged with The Navarro River.
Once we were at the river, we were able to hike along the banks and in some cases, wade through knee to waist high water to the next bend. I will remember that hike for as long as I live! Definitely one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas that I have ever seen.
The next morning, we woke up really early and packed up camp. We were headed out to Mendocino and the Van Damme State Park to ride our bikes.

The ride was great. It was early enough that we were the only ones out on the trail. It was a bit cold though. Especially when we both charged through a creek bed and got soaked! Lots of fun though.
The rest of the day was spent between eating breakfast at The Mendocino Hotel (they actually pour Expression 39, Anderson Valley by the glass!) and taking a nap on the beach. We also were able to break up the drive home with another bike ride at Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa.
NOT A BAD MEMORIAL DAY!!!
If you ever have a chance to visit The Anderson Valley, whether it be for wine or any other reason, don't be foolish and pass it up!
Cheers,
Austin.
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