Peaceful hills that cradle the village-like settlement of Jenner seem to be nodding their approval as the Russian River and Pacific Ocean unite below them.

The small town hosts about 121 year-round residents. Its post office, gift shop, a couple of bed and breakfast businesses, two restaurants and a gas station along Highway 116 make up Jenner "proper." Many of its residences have become vacation homes or rentals for peace-seeking visitors.

Although there are several establishments that provide lodging in the area, Jenner Inn and River's End Inn are on the beaten automobile path of Highway 116, ready to provide rooms, cabins, small cottages and newer vacation homes with scenic views to those who require a getaway. There are no phones, TVs or interruptions in most of their accommodations.

"Most of our guests are regulars who come every year," says Jim Lydecker, Jenner Inn manager. "Once they stay in one of our bungalows or suites near the river and see how beautiful it is, they want to return. They remember how stress free their time was here and how close they felt to nature."

Nearby Goat Rock Beach serves as a door to view where salt water merges with fresh. Visitors picnic, hike and enjoy nature along its sandy beach. It is also where a colony of seals have decided to homestead. During spring and summer months when pups are being born, California State Rangers warn visitors to stay clear of the protected families.

While seagulls in flight alert each other about the availability of leftover picnic snacks, bait or vulnerable fish swimming too close to the water's surface, winding roadways welcome travelers in their recreational vehicles looking for one of the popular parks or campgrounds in the area.

A series of early morning fog-veiled beaches along 17 miles of rock formations, cliffs and peninsulas becomes a mural or backdrop for fishermen, campers, ocean-lovers, divers and tourists. It's where they gather to drink in the color and scent of the Pacific coastline along Highway 1.

"My wife Carmen and I go to Bodega Bay, Doran Beach and Bodega Dunes in our fifth wheel as often as we can," says Don Fraser of Citrus Heights. "The ocean is the main attraction and there is an ambiance about Bodega Bay. It's a great place to kick back and talk to God. It's a kind of beach town and it's peaceful."

Bodega Bay, a popular beach destination even before Alfred Hitchcock filmed scenes of his famous 1961 film "The Birds," is about 10 miles from Jenner and still attracts thousands of fans looking for the Potter Schoolhouse in the town of Bodega. The rebuilt structure is one of the few that survives but is now a private home. However, the public is welcome to view its exterior.

Fraser says Jenner and Bodega Bay offer some great places for dining.

"There are some nice quaint little restaurants on the way to Highway 1," Fraser says. "It's a good drive traveling from Sacramento. We go down Highway 101 through the Napa Valley. We love Petaluma. Jenner is a pretty nice little area too and we make a point to eat at the River's End when we are there."

Fraser, a Canadian, says he was raised near the Atlantic Ocean and his wife the Pacific - which influences their decision to vacation near salt water.

"When I think of places where we camp, I get homesick almost," he says. "The ocean calls to me. Hearing the ocean and taking in its scent - it draws you. The seagulls, the temperature - it's a freshness that doesn't get old."