Join the celebrating this weekend as gray whales migrate along the North Coast
by George Lauer

   The second half of Mendocino's annual tribute to watery migrants of the Pacific unfolds this weekend, mostly in the Fort Bragg area and mostly to the sound of beer cascading down the side of a glass.
   The first half of the 22nd annual Mendocino Coast Whale Festival, March 6 and 7, featured wine tasting in the village of Mendocino.  This weekend's  offerings revolve around beer tasting in Fort Bragg.
   And if you haven't had your whale wishes filled by the end of the month, the second annual Redwood Coast Whale and Jazz Festival is scheduled April 2-4 in Gualala.
   Gray whales, swimming between Baja California and Alaska, pass close enough to be seen from shore in many places.  Humans organize whale watching walks and cruises, wine, beer and food tastings, arts and crafts fairs and children's activities to coincide with the spring swim.
   Catching a glimpse of a whale tail or a spout is certainly a highlight for many festivalgoers, but even if grays keep a low profile, there's plenty to see, do and taste.
   "I just thought it was wonderful...all of it," said M.J. Korbol of Stockton, who spent the first whale weekend in Mendocino earlier this month.
   "We shopped, we tasted wine all over town, we walked down to the headlands and saw a pretty large  pod of whales.  We saw spouts and tails.  That was awesome," Korbol said.  "I imagine if you went out in a boat you'd get right up next to them, but they really do come close to shore."

Wine and whales

   Many Whale Festival veterans appreciate a good red as much as a good gray.
   "We've been coming for the Whale Festival for years," said Alice Plummer of Eugene, Ore.  "Mostly it's for wine tasting with friends.  The whales aren't that much of an attraction for us.  We have a boat in the San Juan Islands and we're used to seeing them up close.  It's a wonderful experience, thought."
   The Gudmundsons from Chico have made it to Mendocino for the past 10 Whale Festivals.
   "This year I don't think we ever made it down to the water to actually look at whales, but we sure tasted a lot of good wine," said Paul Gudmundson.
   "This was the first year we actually stayed in Mendocino.  All these years we've been driving back to Fort Bragg and after sipping wine all day, that's not really a good idea," Gudmundson said.
   This weekend, the reds and whites shift from merlots and chardonnays to ales and Pilseners.
   Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m., at least 15 California microbrewers will pour their wares--Pilsners, stouts, ales and more--at Eagle's Hall, at the corner of Corry and Alder in Fort Bragg.  Admission is $20.
   Chowder tasting is scheduled 11 a.m. till the chowder runs out at Town Hall, corner of Main Street and Laurel in downtown Fort Bragg.  Four tastes for $5.
   Also planned this weekend are the annual 5K and 10K Whale Run and Walk on the beach, whale watching from Noyo Harbor charter boats, a classic car show and guided whale walks at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and in some Mendocino Coast state parks.

Light Station

   Point Cabrillo Light Station and Preserve--about midway between Mendocino and Fort Bragg--plans activities for all ages this weekend--games, educational whale walks, gray-whale exhibits, marine science displays and guided tours.
   The light station also has artifacts from the shipwreck Frolic on display.
   This weekend's activities include a marine art exhibit featuring work by celebrated marine life artist J.D. Mayhew at the Mendocino Art Center on the corner of Little Lake Street and Kasten in the village of Mendocino.
   Two all-you-can-eat dinners are planned in Fort Bragg on Saturday--fish at Pentecost Hall and corned beef and cabbage at Lion's Hall, both beginning at 4 p.m.
   The first weekend in April, whale watching and taste-bud tickling make room for jazz in the second annual Redwood Coast Gualala Whale and Jazz Festival.  The three-day event features performances by The Pier Group, The Eric Shifrin Trio, The Larry Vuckovich World-Class Sextet and the Subtones.
   A chowder cookoff with expert tasters picking their favorite and rank-and-file tasters making the Peoples' Choice will feature chowders from several local eateries.