Roundstonefarm Blog

As the president of the West Marin Lion’s Club and the 2010 chairman of Western Weekend, I am pleased with the outcome of the weekends events; especially Sunday’s parade.  June 6 started at 0630 lining the streets of Pt. Reyes Station for the floats that would occupy 20 to 90 feet of street surface awaiting the parade start. It took four of us  about 2 hours to line all of “A,” ”5th”, “6th” and “C” streets. Actually we were lucky in that the spacing seemed to just work out. The Wells Fargo Bank Stage Coach entered at the corners of “B” and “6″th. just as if we had planned it. The Coast Guard “Rapid Resopone Boat” ended up at the corners of “4th” and “C” streets. Again, just perfect. Someone watching would have thought that we knew what we were doing. 

There were plenty of riders to consider, so we kept all the horses sequestered on “5th” street and just fed them into the main line-up when appropriate. Overall, I think we did a pretty good job of placing the animals so that they wouldn’t get startled by sudden noises or back fires from antique farm equipment.

In total there were “54″ floats consisting of animals, antique cars and tractors, marchers, drill teams and bands in the parade. The parade started at 1200 p.m. and went till about 1:30 p.m. . People lined the streets. It was noisey, exciting and smiling faces was the norm.

There was plenty of food after the parade, for West Marin Senior Services had their Chili cook-off, pie and cornbread contest., while simultaneously, the Marin County Farm Bureau hosted  a chicken barbecue. People pigged out.  Natasha Jones and her band entertained the crowd while they ate and watched Halleck Creek Ranches “Cow flop contest.” Never did hear who won the $500 prize for guessing which number the calf would poop on.

Of course, the Western Saloon was wild. But, it didn’t get too bad.  Monday morning I had to go around town  to check out the trash cans and street litter in town. Well, the Green Team of West Marin Middle School did their job, for the streets looked great. That was money well spent. We payed the kids $15 a piece to clean up the trash.  And, with 20 of them there wasn’t any more trash than there would have been on a normal weekend.

It was a great weekend and I may do it again next year. Maybe?

Sunset Magazine’s May 2010 issue lists boat-in camping on Tomales Bay as one of its top 25 secret camping spots.  Well, thanks a lot, for if it was a secret, it’s not a secret anymore. But, being a local, I’ve got to admit that it’s tough to beat a paddle across Tomales Bay on a calm, warm day. If  it’s windy, forget it because you’re gonna work. If you don’t own a kayak or just don’t want to drag yours along, you can rent one at Blue Water Kayak (www.bwkayak.com) or Point Reyes Outdoors (www.pointreyesoutdoors.com). Both offer great guided trips (some with food) if you don’t want to go it alone. If you plan on camping on any of the beaches, you will need to get a camping permit from the Pt. Reyes National Seashore. You can get the permit at the Park’s “Bear Valley Visitor Center” in Olema. Check out their website at www.nps.gov/pore for more information.

Just at half-light this morning I heard a turkey gobbling down near the pond, but couldn’t quite pick it out visually. When picking up the morning paper in the driveway of Roundstone Farm, I saw it roosting in one of the big Cyprus trees. While fixing breakfast for the guests I started to hear more and more turkey’s calling. I assume they were in the trees also, but I didn’t see them initially. Anyway, while the guests and I were talking at breakfast I looked down by the pond and spotted a bunch of gobblers in full display. Man, they had their tails all fanned out and were strutting around all over the place trying to impress the ladies. Typical male reaction to Spring. And, it’s not only the turkeys, for I’m even starting to work out more…gotta look decent at the beach!

Coming up in late April, 2010 is a great venue of birding related activities. This four-day event, is the first of a planned annual birding festival in the Pt. Reyes area. Jules Evens, Rich Stallcup, David Wimpfheimer, and other well-known area experts will be leading many of the programs. Register on-line at www.PointReyesBirdingFestival.org.

What a day, sunny, clear and in the 60’s. Karen came down to the B&B where I was working on creating this Western Weekend’s Parade application and post card. If I may say so, it doesn’t look too bad, maybe a little utilitarian, but hey, the price is right. Anyway, we went up to Perry’s Deli in Inverness Park and each got a turkey sandwich. Loads of turkey, cranberry sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles…no mustard. Perry’s make the best sandwich in the area,  as far as I’m concerned. We parked at White House Pool and watched the tide coming in. I used to sit there in my truck and take great naps.  It wasn’t uncommon for people to tell me that they saw my truck there. Probably thought I was on a hike or something. There used to be a scrub jay there that would come to the driver side window most times I was there. I always gave it some crumbs, after which, it would sit on the hood and stare in the window at me. I really looked forward to seeing it. But it wasn’t there today. If still alive, it would be pretty old. Anyway, we totally enjoyed our visit to White House Pool.

From March 1 through June 30,  Drakes Estero is closed to protect the breeding colony of harbor seals. The closure applies to kayak and canoe usage but is applicable to any other water sport users around harbor seal colonies in the area.

The east side of Hog Island in Tomales Bay is also a land resting area for harbor seals year round. Visitors are asked to stay at least 100 yards away from resting seals. Never pick up a seal pup that may look abandoned. Although they may appear abandoned, they are most likely waiting for their mother to return. Pups are about two feet long and weigh about 25 pounds and are weaned at 30 days.

For more information check www.nps.gov/pore

Since 1987 the “Inn at Roundstone Farm” has been a Bed & Breakfast Located Near Point Reyes. This Bed and Breakfast has a high rate of return guests that most could only dream of and this is not just because of the Acres of land that surround it or the Connemaras and Arabian horses that are raised on this same land, it is mostly because of the peaceful feeling everyone has from their stay.

If you have not visited Point Reyes this is your chance to visit a beautiful place but enjoy the comforts of a Bed and Breakfast. We will keep updating our blog here with information about “Inn at Roundstone Farm”, the savory foods & all the different things you can do while visiting us.