Annual migrations brings Gray Whales and whale watchers
by Nancy Barth

   Since the Whale War of 1976, when Mendocino Coast residents boycotted Japanese imports until the Japanese agreed to stop killing gray whales, the coast has celebrated the recovery of the gray whale population and the migration of the 20-40 ton marine mammals on the first and third weekends in March with a festival which became official in 1982.

   The 22nd annual Whale Festival in Mendocino on March 6-7, and in Fort Bragg on March 20-21 will feature whale related activities for residents and visitors.

   In March, California Gray Whales migrate from their winter calving lagoons in Baja California to the Bering Sea, 6,000 miles to the north and whale spouts can be seen off Mendocino Coast headlands and beaches.

  Visitors come to the coast during the winter season to watch for whale spouts from State Park trails, charter boats and even from horseback rides.

   At the POINT CABRILLO LIGHTHOUSE activities for the whole family take place from 10 am until 4 pm.  Novice whale watchers can receive help from experienced docents at one of the best observation locations on the coast.  Visitors can also learn about marine life from the saltwater aquarium and local history from interpretive walks on the headlands.

   Volunteers from the Marine Mammal Center show how stranded seals and sea lions are rescued.  For the younger visitors, art activities and the life size whale puzzle are always popular.

   In the restored lighthouse, visitors can see historical displays, including articles from the wreck of the Frolic, and the lighthouse gift shop offers many books and unusual items including original local artwork.

   The lighthouse is located on Point Cabrillo Drive between Caspar and Mendocino.  Visitors walk half a mile from the parking lot to the lighthouse.  For more information about Point Cabrillo activities pick up the Point Cabrillo Whale Festival Guide at local visitor facilities and shops, call 937.0816, or visit the web site www.pointcabrillo.org.

   STATE PARKS offers a whale exhibit and whale videos at the Ford House in Mendocino and interpretive walks on the Mendocino Headlands.  Whale watchers can visit the elevated whale and seal viewing station at MacKerricher State Park north of Fort Bragg.

   WHALE WATCHING CRUISES from Noyo Harbor provide an close look at gray whales.  Several local charter companies offer packages.

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Mendocino Events
Saturday, March 6

Wine Tasting.
12-4 pm.  Mendocino County wines will be available at participating galleries and shops
where commemorative glasses may be purchased.

Chowder Tasting.
11 am - 2 pm at Crown Hall.  Sample chowders from Mendocino's finest restaurants.

German Sausage Sandwiches.
Mendocino Fire House 11 am - 4 pm.

KOZT Live Concert.
7:30 pm at Crown Hall.


Saturday & Sunday, March 6-7

Ford House Whale Celebration.
Whale videos, whale watching and history walks on the headlands.

Art Exhibits at Mendocino Galleries and an Art Fair, location TBA.
 

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Fort Bragg Events
Saturday, March 20

Whale Run & Walk.
8:30 am.  10 and 5K walk/run along the oceanfront on the Logging Road north of Fort Bragg.
Sponsored by the Soroptimists.

Beer Tasting.
12-4 pm.  Sample local award winning micro brews at Eagles Hall on the corner of Corry and Alder.
Sponsored by the Fort Bragg Rotary Club.

Seafood Chowder Tasting.
Fort Bragg Town Hall at Main and Laurel.  Chowder from Fort Bragg restaurants.

Classic Car Show.
10 am - 4 pm at Laurel and Franklin streets, downtown.  See restored vintage vehicles.


Saturday & Sunday, March 20-21

Art Fair at the Recreation Center next door to City Hall from 10 am.

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For more information on Whale Festival activities,
 call the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce at 707.961.6300.