The narrow road, winding through the hills to Bodega Bay, was less traveled then. The first glimpse of the bay, told you that you were almost home. Smiths Brothers, Lena and Andy’s Tides, past the old school house and Columbo’s ranch on the right…all familiar surroundings. Passing Merediths, waving to Amadao Formasi, and on up the road…Diekman’s store and post office, and around the bend to the Cliff House and Ottos. Yes you were home again!

This is the Bodega Bay I remember!

Some days there was thick fog, causing the old fog horn’s forlorn moaning. Looking closely, you could barely make out the small fishing fleet, one boat at a time, emerging like ghosts through the gray shroud, following the channel home. The chugging sound of the diesel engines competing with gulls screeching, and challenging each other, fighting for scraps from the day’s haul. The smell of the Bay, the boats, the fish, and Al's chili, cooking at Dusty's Café and Fish Market on the old Tides dock.

This is the Bodega Bay I remember!

Walking along Hwy 1, waving at the few and far between cars passing…not many people driving by that we didn’t know. Jess King leading a stray lamb on a rope. Taking it home, because it was lost and hungry. Hiking over the sand dunes to Horseshoe Cove, playing in the tide pools, daring each other to stick our big toe into a sea anemone’s beautiful mouth. No Marine Lab or Coast Guard to obstruct the view of the jetty or headland. Trying to sneak across Rose Gaffneys homestead, hoping not to get caught! Searching the old Indian mounds with their hidden arrowheads, was tempting!

This is the Bodega Bay I remember!

Dances at the Tides…fisherman, old folks, young folks and children, all danced to Rosie Clooney’s Half as Much, Teresa Brewer’s Nickelodeon, and Goodnight Irene!. The old black & white 8mm movies Lena Zankich rented so the young people would have something to do on those long winter evenings. The teens, and in the betweens, all playing baseball at Mosiers Beach. Bond fires, playing crack the whip off the dunes, sneaking into the old Mystery Spot, just because we could…no matter how tightly Tony locked up at the end of each day.

This is the Bodega Bay I remember!

Sure, I realize things are different now. Time doesn’t stand still, no matter how, at my age, I wish it did. But along with my memories, I know I’d also enjoy the changes and comforts of a vital new Bodega Bay…if I were fortunate enough to win this prize.

And maybe, just maybe…with the sound of a gull’s cry, or a familiar aroma, I’ll be taken back to those former days. Because, as we all know, there’s a place in our hearts, and in our mind’s eye, that will never change. That place is home!

–Barbara King Kynoch