Hike to Ft Ross

Eleven very lucky Sunrise extended family members enjoyed a superb day of hiking and history enhancing at Fort Ross State Park, 54 miles northwest of Santa Rosa.

The robust group organized by Peter Banks walked about three miles on wildflower studded cliffs overlooking the Pacific.  With the sounds of surf, sea lions and grazing cattle punctuating the pristine skyline, Betsy Sanville provided exceptional commentary on the resilient wildflowers, surviving tremendous coastal winds.

That's a songbird perched on a stem.

A dozen sea lions enjoying Father's Day in their own style.  Below, Peter Banks enlightened on the Russian roots in now California.  Hiking students included Mary Banks, Jim, Susie and Scotty Kirkbride, Marty Behr, Del Raby, Rob and Betsy Sanville and Rich and Betsy Randolph.

Even humans attend school on Sunday:  Sunriser Peter Banks shares his research into the history of Ft Ross, it's origins as the Russian American Company in the early 1800's.  Did you know the Russian assets were purchased by John Sutter a few years before the Gold Rush?  The fort had significant iron working resources and Sutter utilized them well in the years to come.  

The Hiking Group welcomes newcomers and guides as well.  Talk to Marty Behr or Peter Banks.