The last stretch through Oregon was so foggy, that if there was an ocean next to us, we couldn't tell. We put on our bright jackets, clicked on our lights and pushed on. We rode over the highest bridge in Oregon (Thomas Creek Bridge) and even hiked out on a little trail to the view point to try and see what we'd just crossed. Through the fog we saw a little.
We stopped to eat bagels, salami and cheese on the roadside in Brookings, the last stop in Oregon. And it was funny, when we cruised into Northern California, it really felt different, like we were in California! There was farmland around us, and mountains in the distance and the name of the county we were in was Spanish, "del norte." We passed lots of school buses on the back roads we took into Crescent City, and little kids would hop off and begin their walk down a lane to a farm house. How rural and sweet of them!
As we turned one corner, we saw a cop car pulled over, and someone next to the cop car bending over a bicycle to get something. As we got closer we saw the tell tale wide-brimmed hat. The orange flag labeled, "x-treme" was rolled up, but we knew it was there. We slowed to a stop to wave at the crazy kid we had camped with 5 our 6 days before, and he looked up, happy to see us. "You okay?" We called. "I got robbed", was his response. He assured us he was alright, and we didn't get any of the story at all as he unloaded his bike into the car so the cop with him could give him a ride. Where, I'm not sure. So the next 15 miles for me consisted of inventing what on earth could have happened to him, and whether it could happen to us. Paranoid, cute rural California became hostile-out-to-get-you isolated back roads of California.
But we found a delicious burger joint, and once we hit the 60 mile mark, a campsite fell into or laps. We met a nice cyclist named Paul, and after I decided he wasn't going to murder and rob us, we had a nice time around his campfire sharing stories.
Today we have two large hills ahead and also the red woods to see, so we don't expect to go very far. The avenue of the giants is a couple of days ahead.
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From the photo it looks like California doesn't make any room for bikes. Or were you still on a bike route? Enjoy the giant trees and watch out for robbers. Be careful.
ReplyDeleteI send greetings and congratulations from lots of my colleagues who received my e mail saying "They made it to California!" Interesting that CA felt different...maybe it's the laid back vibe...those cows looked pretty relaxed. Also, soon it will be warmer, I bet. I hope this was a good riding day for you two. What is the avenue of the giants? redwoods obviously, but is that hilly country?
ReplyDeleteHi dad, the shoulders everywhere vary in width. Here, of course, we are on a farm road, an alternate route to hwy 101. So while the shoulder is smaller, the traffic is lighter.
ReplyDeleteVaunie, hi! the avenue of the giants is just a scenic route through the red woods. we rode through a gorgeous state park road yesterday. I'll let you know if it's more impressive than that one was. Today we are tired and likely sleeping in a motel in Arcata.
I am so glad you are resting in a bed tonight. Enjoy and night, night. By the way, that photo of the bridge through the fog and trees is so pretty. I received $ from a friend for Posada Esperanza. I better send checks made out to them to y'all c/o Gray in TX, OK? XO
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