The Twists and Turns of Mendocino

The well-illustrated article on Mendocino, Calif. (“Mendocino’s Star Power,” Sept. 2), was of considerable interest to me as a former resident. Two things should be brought to visitors’ attention.

Author James T. Yenckel suggests that the 185-mile return trip to the San Francisco area can be made via California 1 in four to five hours. Any traveler would be well advised to take carsickness pills if time is a factor in traversing this narrow, curved road.

Enjoy Mendocino. Then take California 128 back to U.S. 101 for your return trip. Several small, scenic towns along the coast can be visited if California 1 is taken, but a rush drive is a bad idea.

Also, the author identifies the Savings Bank of Mendocino County as the building with the statues of Father Time and the Maiden on its roof. That is correct, but I want to add that the building is also Mendocino Masonic Lodge No. 179, of which I’m a member; the lodge rents out the downstairs space to the bank. The hand-built structure, with its ornate roof figures, is the product of local craftsmen early in Mendocino’s history.

ADAM COUTTS

Santa Monica

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As frequent travelers to the Mendocino coast, we could not agree more with Yenckel’s article. Mendocino village is a genuine delight, and Mendocino Headlands State Park will help keep it so.

We take exception, though, to the short shrift given Fort Bragg, a lively and interesting city about 10 miles to the north with its own collection of fine restaurants and places to stay. Our favorite is the Weller House Inn at 524 Stewart St., a beautifully restored Victorian with charming hosts and wonderful breakfasts.

BECKY and WINSTON BOWEN

Los Angeles