During October and November,
Mendocino County’s deciduous trees and
vineyards turn red and gold before their
leaves fall. Although travelers on Highway
101 will see fall colors, the best views of
fall foliage are along the backroads.
Early in October, fall colors can be
seen along Highway 128 in the Anderson
Valley, Mountain House Road between
Hopland and Highway 128, and East
Road between Talmage and Hopland.
Even though fall driving is more
leisurely than summer driving, fall brings
different kinds of traffic to rural roads.
During the September and October grape
harvest, trucks hauling grapes are out in
force on Highway 128 and Highway 101.
Backroads drivers should always be alert
for slow moving trucks in grape growing
areas, but especially during harvest season.
At night, drivers face other hazards such
as critters - deer, raccoons, sheep and occasional horses on rural roads.
Drivers, who are going at a slow pace
and enjoying the fall views, should keep
an eye on the rear view mirror to see if
they are holding up traffic. If so, there are
turnouts and passing lanes for slow traffic
on some of the County’s major highways
including Highway 20, Highway 128 and
some segments of Highway 1. The turnouts provide a safe place for faster vehicles
to pass.
By the end of October, Mendocino
County has usually seen the first of the
fall rains, and during November, rain
and wind storms become more frequent.
Drivers should be aware that pavement
is slick after the first fall rains, and that
plant debris is slippery after rain and wind
storms. After mid-November, motorists
may encounter frost and black ice on
bridges and in shady places in the early
morning hours.
Is a white Christmas unknown in
Mendocino County? Snow can fall in
December, usually at elevations over 1,500
ft., and may result in closures or chain
controls on Highway 101 at Ridgewood
just south or Willits, Highway 20 between
Willits and the coast, and Highway 128
east of the Anderson Valley.
Heavy rains during November and
December may also result in flooding of
Highway 1 north of Point Arena and on
the west end of Highway 128 from Cloverdale to the coast. Luckily for motorists,
warnings of road conditions are posted on
NANCY BARTH
highway signs and broadcast on local radio
stations and AM 1610. During storms,
first time visitors using back roads would
be wise to schedule their trips during
daylight hours.
In case of vehicle breakdowns, calling
on a cell phone is usually the best way to
get help, but not all locations along the
Mendocino County backroads have cell
phone service. If a tow truck is needed,
passing motorists are often willing contact
a towing service.
Most accidents on rural County roads
are caused by excessive speed or impaired
driving, which often involves falling
asleep at the wheel. Prevention is simple.
Use caution and common sense. Enjoy
the most beautiful parts of Mendocino
County and have a safe trip.
Nancy Barth
While You’re In
Anderson Valley
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Anderson Valley Realty, Philo. 895-9595.
Coast Real Estate. 1806 Highway 128,
Navarro, 895-2255.
North Country, Boonville, 895-3762.
Rancheria Realty, Boonville, 895-3333.
T J Nelson & Assoc. Navarro, 895-2440.
RESOURCES
Anderson Valley Chamber of Commerce
P. O. Box 275, Boonville, CA 95415
(707) 895-2379.
info@andersonvalleychamber.com
www.andersonvalleychamber.com
Enjoy a round of Disc Golf at
Anderson Valley
Brewing Company…
Where a cold beer is standard equipment.
• 18-holes to play
• $4 course: all par 3
• Award-winning beer
• Craft brewery clubhouse
Open daily except Tuesdays
Corner of Highways 253 & 128
Boonville
707-895-BEER
www.avbc.com
