Day 20: More Redwoods

Today started like most other travel days, we packed the bikes and took to the road. We had had a preview of the road ahead, so knew what to expect as far as road conditions. The road surfaces were in poor shape in some places, and better in others.

The theme of the day was again the California Redwoods. The day started along the coast. And again the marine layer kept the temperatures cool until we turned inland in Eureka. 

We decided to stop for a quick bite in Eureka at a local place, AA Bar and Grill. There, we met Jessica, the bartender. She was kind enough to get us an order of wings, a side of Sweet Potato Fries, and some town tales. The wings were excellent, as were the fries. 

We have ridden US Hwy 101 through several states now and one thing California has that is different from Oregon and Washington is "Freeway" status. Here in CA, the highway turns into "Freeway" for miles at a time. It kind of takes away from the ambiance of the ride, but does wonders at keeping the idiots off our tailpipes -- for the most part. 

Despite the intermittent "Freeway", we spent the day winding through some of the most beautiful forests we have seen. The trees towered over the roadways, offering welcome shade to the day that had become much warmer now that we had turned inland. 

An interesting weather fact that I learned is that the hot air inland from the coast causes the marine layer to build up, which is why the coast is chilly and foggy when the inland temperatures soar. 

As we neared our destination for the day, we took a slight detour and visited the drive-through tree.

It is also called the Chandelier Tree because of the smaller trees growing from some of the limbs.

This picture sums up the awe-inspiring feeling that is the redwoods.

About an hour and a half later, we pulled into one of the swankiest KOAs that we have ever been in. This place has it all. Some of the Kampers here in the park actually have their own private hot tubs. As I sit here blogging this day, I am listening to movie night in the area across from our kamping kabin (I think it's How To Train Your Dragon II), which is on the other side of the miniature golf course. 

We will get a chance to explore the new digs a little more tomorrow. The plan for tomorrow is to visit with my cousin, Chelene, who I haven't seen in so many years I've lost count. 


Mileage today: 248.0
Jae's trip total: 3336.3
Donna's trip total: 3328.7