Distance (mi) = 44.0
Ave Speed (mph) = 9.3
Max Speed (mph) = 21.9
Time (h:m) = 4:41

Route:
Cabrillo Blvd., Summerland, Old Coast Village Rd., Jameson Way, Barry Spiegel Bike Path, Sheffield Dr., Via Real, Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, Highway 1 S, Highway 101 S, Highway 1 S, Thomson Blvd., Ventura, Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
I left the hostel at 9:30 am on the way to Oxnard.   First, I did a quick tour of Stearns Wharf.   Many yachts were moored or anchored in the bay.  A nice scenic bike path lined with palm trees paralleled Cabrillo Blvd. on the way out of town. Passed the zoo on the left and the beach on the right was populated with beach volleyball activities.  After Cabrillo Blvd., I continued on Old Coast Village Rd., passing the little village of Old Coast Village.  The route continues on Jameson Lane and the Barry Spiegel Bike Path.  Jameson Lane becomes Sheffield Drive.  I rode to Via Real and later crossed the freeway to continue on Carpinteria Avenue which paralled Highway 1 S for many miles.  When Carpinteria ended, I had to jump on Highway 101 for less than a mile.  An exit at Seacliff took me on Highway 1 S toward Ventura.

Most vehicle traffic moves on freeway 101 so Highway 1 becomes a good alternative with relatively low volume of traffic and moderate to wide shoulders.   The highway is also part of the Rincon  Annex Parkway where RVs can park and dry camp overnight for $28/day ... almost on the beach with fantastic views (South of Carpinteria before Dulah).  The Emma Wood State Beach is on the South end of this parkway.  A miles long bike path along the ocean starts right after this beach.

Spencer Makenzie's Fish House is a popular seafood dive in Ventura on Thomson Blvd.   I had their very tasty and fresh Giant Fish Taco for lunch (voted best fish taco).  They have their own hot sauces.  This is a recommended stop.

On the way, I turned right on Seaward toward Piedpont. At the intersection with Piedpont, there is an interesting Seaward Village with several authentic looking restaurants.

I continued on Harbor Blvd. to the Mcgrath Campground in Oxnard.  But alas, it was closed.  I continued on for several more miles to Oxnard's Channel Islands  Harbor.  I ended up booking a room at the Hampton Inn in the marina area at the last minute.

Tomorrow will be a short ride day to the Leo Carillo State Park.  The park was named after Leo Carrillo (1880-1961), actor, preservationist and conservationist. Carrillo served on the California Beach and Parks commission for 18 years, and was instrumental in the state's acquisition of the Hearst property at San Simeon.  Leo's greatest fame came from his portrayal of Pancho, the sidekick to Duncan Renaldo's Cisco Kid, an early 1950's TV series. 

Distance (mi) = 55.0
Ave Speed (mph) = 10.4
Max Speed (mph) = 24.8
Time (h:m) = 4:70

Route:
Highway 1 S, Gaviota, Goleta, Hollister Ave., Modoc Ave., Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel

I left Motel 6 at 8:45 am on the way to the coast but first I had to climb 900 feet over the course of 13 miles.  The place I stayed at , Motel 6, was conveniently located across the street from a shopping center with two grocery stores and Starbucks.  In addition to Starbucks, there is a small espresso joint in mid-town called Coffee Tyme.

As I was winding my way out of town, a SpaceX private rocket was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 9:00 am.  This was the first time I actually saw a rocket launch.   It rose above the horizon on Sunday morning with a deafening thunder and fire spewing out of its primary engine.   It was visible for about five seconds before disappearing into the heavens.

The rocket carried a Canadian satellite intended to track space weather.  Billed as a rest flight, the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off under clear skies, eventually reaching its intended orbit.  SpaceX launched an older model of Falcon 9 five times from Florida. This was the first time the Southern California-based private rocket maker flew the next-generation version with upgraded engines designed to improve performance and deliver heavier payloads. The rocket carried a satellite dubbed Cassiope, a project of the Canadian Space Agency and other partners. Once in orbit, scientists led by the University of Calgary hope to start powering up instruments after a checkout period, but the actual mission to track space weather won't begin until next month. Cassiope carries instruments to study space storms in the upper atmosphere and their potential effects on GPS navigation and radio communications.

The road to the somewhat remote Jalama Beach is seven miles South of Lompoc.  There is a long established store there, Jalama Beach Store and Grill, founded in the 1970s that sells a hamburger with a secret sauce that is famous in these parts.  People call it the "best hamburger on the West coast."  It was 28 miles off my route so I did not stop there but note it here for future reference. 

Finally after reaching the peak, there was a seven percent grade two mile run downhill to Gaviota Beach.  The highway merges with 101 as it approaches the coast.  The traffic is busy but the road shoulders are wide.  My legs felt unusually strong today ... not sure of the reason.

I stopped at El Capitan State Beach for a break before pushing on to Santa Barbara.  As I neared Goleta, bicycles had to exit the highway at Hollister Avenue.   Hollister winds through Goleta with its many stores, eateries, motels, and services.  About half way to Santa Barbara, the route switches to Modoc.  I stopped at at the El Mercado Real shopping center in Goleta to have a quick sushi lunch.   Later, I stopped at the Java Junction with great espresso and WiFi.  It is a very inviting place and recommended stop.

The Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel was across the street from the Amtrak station and two blocks from the beach.  The hostel seemed to be a holding area for college  students who were still searching for living accommodations for the semester. 

Distance (mi) = 41.1
Ave Speed (mph) = 10.2
Max Speed (mph) = 27.7
Time (h:m) = 4:00

Route:
Highway 1 S, Guadalupe, Orcutt, Highway 135, Lompoc

I left Oceano Dunes at 9:30 am after an oatmeal breakfast and giving the tent a chance to dry out.

Route 1 South turns into a terrain of wide open fields and mega farms as far as the eye can see.  Guadalupe is a farming-oriented town along the way, with a definite Mexican flair.    I stopped at Masatani's Market to buy a banana.  The owner, an 86 year old Japanese woman,  was recounting her ordeal with internment by the U.S. during WW2 with a customer.

After riding the mostly flat no shoulder miles, but very light traffic, I arrived in Orcutt.  I had lunch of fish tacos at the Pasion Mexican restaurant.  It was excellent and I would recommend this eatery next to an ice cream parlor.  Kay's Country Kitchen across the street also looked interesting but I did not eat there.

The destination for the day, Lompoc, is 15 miles from Orcutt, but requires traversing 600-foot and 1,000-foot hills.  I pulled into Motel 6 on the edge of town across from the Northside Shopping Center and Starbucks.  It is my outpost to watch Notre Dame play Oklahoma on Saturday.

Distance (mi) = 22.5
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.3
Max Speed (mph) = 21.4
Time (h:m) = 2:42

Route:
Higuera St., Highway 1 S, Pismo Beach, Oceano

I departed Hostel Obispo at 10:00 am headed toward Pismo Beach and Oceano.  The hostel was OK but the cleanliness was a weakness.  The dorm rooms were full of dust bunnies ... looks like  it has not been cleaned in eons.  Andrew and the other staff were helpful, though.   This hostel had an unusual practice of closing between 11:00 am and 4:30 pm for the staff to to its thing.   The place definitely needs a cleaning make-over.

I left town on the recommended bike route which is Higuera Street which eventually turns into Ontario after it crosses Highway 1.  Just before reaching Avilla Beach Drive, there is a road uphill to a Buddhist temple and a Bob Jones bike path to Avilla Beach several miles away.

At Avilla Beach Drive, I went off route to check out three attractions.   One is the Avilla Hot Springs which has a sulfuric hot springs, cabins, and massage services.  The place seemed to be undergoing renovations and will have tent camping in the future.   A block further down the road is the Avilla Valley Barn which was buzzing with activity.  Lots of cars in the parking lot.  It is a farmer's stand with fruits and vegetables, roasted corn is available, juices, pickled and locally canned items fill the shelves, ice cream is sold in an adjoining barn.   Further down is the more upscale Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Garden restaurant.

Afterwards, I took Shell Beach Road to Pismo Beach to pick up a General Delivery package at the central post office.  My mismatched flip-flop packed in Santa Cruz was reunited with the correct mate.

The destination for the day was Oceano Dunes RV Park which has two biker tent sites.  The park was tightly sandwiched between Highway 1 and Amtrak's railroad track  ... making for interesting sound effects throughout the night.    Later, two brothers, Adam and Todd, joined me at my tent site because the other one was in a remote spot.   They were both riding Surly Long Haul Truckers ( LHTs) on the way to the Mexican border from San Francisco.  Across from the park, Old Juan's Mexican restaurant offers food, drinks and a sports bar.

Distance (mi) = 38.2
Ave Speed (mph) = 11.8
Max Speed (mph) = 33.6
Time (h:m) = 3:20

Route:
Highway 1 S, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Hostel Obispo, San Luis Obispo

I left San Simeon State Park at 8:30 am on the way to San Luis Obispo.  It will be a hot day, blue skies, no wind in the morning.  I diverted off Highway 1 S for about three miles at Sea Pines Resort to follow a scenic route along the ocean.  The alternate route is called Moonstone Beach Drive  At the point where I was about to rejoin the highway, I came upon an interesting boutique hotel, El Colibri Hotel and Spa.  See my picture with the colibri ladies.  This hotel is worth a further look.

After reuniting with Highway 1 S, there is a bike route which parallels the highway for about a mile.  The next town along the way was Cayucos.   The only good espresso place in town is the Top Dog in the center of town on the Highway 1 business route.  I spent over an hour here as they have very good WiFi.  This a recommended stop. 

Cayucos sits quietly between the Pacific Ocean and the rolling hillsides of open ranch land and is what some people call "the last of the California beach towns."  The city has quiet charm with low pollution, no noise, and little traffic ... the perfect  remedy for those who suffer from the ills and frustrations of life in the fast lane in our crowded cities.

I continued on to the nearby city of Morro Bay, a slight diversion off the route but I wanted to visit the harbor district.  It was blowing 25 knots in the bay filled with moored fishing boats and yachts.  Some vessels were docked in heir berth.  I had a fish burger at on of the local eateries, The Great American Fish Company.

The wind was building as the afternoon progressed.  The 25-knot Northwesterly was coming from the starboard quarter giving me a strong boost along my route.  It was the fastest ring day averaging 12 mph and reaching top  speeds of 33 mph on downhills.  There was heavy traffic but the shoulder was wide.

I arrived at Hostel Obispo at 3:00 pm.  Vaughn, also staying there, gave me the scoop on a nearby mini-mart, a coffeehouse, a Vietnamese restaurant , and a Thai restaurant.

Distance (mi) = 38.7
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.8
Max Speed (mph) = 33.9
Time (h:m) = 4:20

Route:
Highway 1 S, Pacific Valley, Gorda, Ragged Point, San Simeon, San Simeon State Beach

I had an early start out of Kirk Creek at 7:30 am ... no cars on the road.

The first opportunity for breakfast was in Gorda, another one building town.  Gorda, which was named after the mountains in the area, means "big or fat" in Spanish.  The Whale Watcher's Inn is the main attraction lodging overlooking the Pacific.  There is also an attached restaurant, espresso bar, a general store, and a gas station.

After the breakfast the fun began.  I had to climb the Gorda Mountain which has two 1,100 foot ascents.  The day was hot and sunny.  I stripped down to my padded bike underwear, boxer style, and my yellow visibility vest, no jersey.  I pedaled and grunted up the mountain like a bear.  Used up all my water.   Fortunately, after the last peak, I reached Ragged Point, a small mecca with lodge, restaurant, a general store and superlative views.  I had an Anchor Steam there at the Ragged Point Inn and filled up my water bottles.

After finishing the downhill run from Ragged Point, the road becomes mostly flat and follows along the ocean and later among farm fields.  The traffic is busy but the shoulder becomes wide to moderate. 

I stopped to observe an elephant seal colony. the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, about five miles before camp. They were hunted by fishermen almost to extinction because of the high quality of oil made from their blubber.  The colony at Piedras Blancas was saved and now numbers 17,000 strong.  The males grow to 5,000 pounds and16 feet long.  Live CAM at www.elephantseal.org

I rode through the small town of San Simeon before reaching  Hearst San Simeon State Park. 

Distance (mi) = 28.4
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.2
Max Speed (mph) = 27.5
Time (h:m) = 3:27

Route:
Highway 1 S, Lucia, Kirk Creek Campground

Left Big Sur State Park at 8:00 am and have to climb a big hill, the same one I climbed yesterday, to visit Nepenthe for lunch.  Half way up the hill on the right, the Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant has espresso, pastries, and chow but no WiFi.  Next to the bakery is the Taproom and a General Store which has WiFi but does not work all the time.

I saw my first bike touring toddler this morning.  The two year old was in a seat behind the dad.  Mother was pulling a trailer with another older child. Both bikes were laden with much gear.

The ocean is very calm today, no fog and sunny.  There is a lot of kelp in the water in the Big Sur area.

Lucia is a one building town and after the Lucia mountains. It has a restaurant, Lucia Lodge, with terrific views, a lodge, and a general store.  Stores and restaurants in the remote areas of Big Sur are relatively expensive, no cell signal exists, and in some areas satellite WiFi is available for a fee. 

I arrived at the Kirk Creek Campground in the late afternoon is operated by the Los Padres National Forest.  It is a dry camping area with no running water or showers.  The hiker-biker site is right next to the ocean and the setting was very serene and scenic.

Distance (mi) = 36.0
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.0
Max Speed (mph) = 27.5
Time (h:m) = 4:20

Route:
Highway 201 S, Carmel, Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel Highlands, Big Sur, Big Sur State Park

Left J&D's Bed and Breakfast at 8:15 am heading to Big Sur country.  Destination for the night is Big Sur State Park, 33 miles away.  To jolt me out of my cushy stay J&D's, I started a 1.5 mile climb to Highway 101 S.  All sweated up, now ready to face my ride for the day.

Big Sur refers to a 90-mile stretch of rugged and beautiful coastline between Carmel and San Simeon.  Highway 1 winds along its length and is flanked on one side by the majestic Santa Lucia  Mountains and the other by the wild, pristine, and rocky Pacific coast.  The current highway was completed in 1937 after 18 years of convicts laboring on the project.  Electricity did not arrive until the 1950s and is still absent in some areas along the coast.  Clearly, only the hardiest of pioneers made their trek here.  Driving and bike touring can be a challenge due to narrow, twisting roads, rock slides and heavy fog in the summer.  Nevertheless, Big Sur has achieved a worldwide reputation for its wilderness beauty where land meets the sea.

The road in the Big Sur area has mostly small shoulders and sometimes no shoulder, especially around curves in the road.  I encountered heavy fog 11 miles South of Monterey and it stayed with me for another 10, varying from heavy to light.  I activated all three flashers on my bike.

There is Rocky Point Restaurant perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean 15 miles South of Monterey. 

The most dramatic bridge in Big Sur is the historic Bixby Bridge.  Today it was fogged in and I crossed it light traffic following the white line on the road's edge.  The 400 foot chasm below was veiled by the fog ... perhaps in this case ignorance is bliss.

About 20 miles South of Monterey, the Big Sur River Inn is a welcoming stop.  It has a restaurant in a nice serene setting, a grocery store/deli, espresso and WiFi.  Next to the inn is a private campground accommodating RVs and tents.

The small village of Ripplewood has cabins, a cafe, grocery store, and even a library.     A little further South is the Fernwood Motel advertised to have hot tubs.  The Fernwood Campground is next door.

At the 30 mile mark I entered the Big Sur State Park.   Before entering the camping area, I rode a further three miles to have lunch at Nepenthe.   This is a popular restaurant and drinking establishment famous for its dramatic ocean views, the Nepenthe Ambrosia Burger, and its French fries.  It is somewhat pricey but worth a visit due its uniqueness.  I ordered a shrimp bisque soup with a three bean salad.  Lynne, the woman sitting next me was returning from a workshop at Esalen and offered to let me sample her fries (served in monster portions).  To reach Nepenthe from the park, I had to endure a three mile climb ... but the return downhill run was was fun.

I set up camp at 4:30 pm at Big Sur State Park.  Mason and Georgie, young couple from London, was already there.  They started their tour San Francisco and will cover 7,000 miles on the way to Argentina over the next nine months.

For dinner I had a cashew, almond, and chocolate trek mix and coffee.  In the morning, I will have to re-do that three mile long climb.

I watched the Notre Dame game with Michigan State on the big screen at Jim and Debbie's house.

It was a game which lacked energy from both teams.   The ND quarterback was offvhis game.  ND managed a comeback and finally won the game on their home turf ... aided by six pass interference calls against Michigan State.

The next game with #14 Oklahoma will be a test for the team.   Coach Kelly better have a good talk with the team if the expect to win this game on the road.

Distance (mi) = 50.3
Ave Speed (mph) = 9.6
Max Speed (mph) = 24.1
Time (h:m) = 5:11

Route:
Soquel Ave., Capitola, Soquel, Aptos,San Andreas Road, Moss Landing, Highway 1 S, Del Monte Blvd., Marina, Seaside Bike Path, Monterey

I left Santa Cruz by 8:15 am in nice weather, ideal temperature, sunny skies, and with new energy on my way to Monterey, about 50 miles on my route.  To avoid Highway 1, use Soquel Ave which takes you through scenic villages of Soquel and Aptos.  There are many interesting eateries along this route.  In Aptos, the Cafe Sparrow offers tasty dishes for lunch and dinner in a quite setting.  The building was formerly occupied by a post office and grocery store. There is a Starbucks nearby for coffee and WiFi.

A worthwhile deviation on the route is a quick visit to Capitola-by-the-Sea which both picturesque, has a nice beach and has a variety of shops and restaurants.  Nearby the village, be sure to stop at Gayle's Bakery and Roticceria, a Capitola fixture of tasty deli and pastry items ... great for breakfast and lunch.  In the village, visit Mr. Toots Coffeehouse get a terrific view of the bay from the large sliding door glass windows and to get the feeling that you are in a small European seaside village.

After Soquel Ave., cross the highway to continue the route on San Andreas Road.  The scenery changes from villages to the wide open farmlands surrounding Watsonville.  This is a major vegetable and strawberry growing area.  The roads winds around and eventually gets back to Highway 1 S to Moss Landing.  The best stop in Moss Landing is The Whole Enchilada on the Southern edge of town.  Here you will find a deli, gourmet grocery items, farm produce and fruit stands, and the Surf City espresso coffeehouse with good WiFi.  There are a few restaurants in the village of 800 and a small fishing and yacht harbor.

From Marina, a good bike path which which parallels Highway 1 S all the way Seaside and Monterey.  If one needs to replace camping or bike gear there is an REI store about two miles south of Marina on Imjim Parkway.  It can be reached from the bike trail.  When the bike trail reaches the top of a hill, look to the left and you will see a big shopping center. There is an exit opening on the bike path, take it to the left and the REI will be the first among many big stores.

My lodging in Monterey for two nights was at the historic J&D Bread and Breakfast, thanks to Jim and Debra for hosting me. After my arrival at 6:30 pm, I enjoyed my first martini since the start of the trip and it is likely to be the last while finishing my journey.  We had a nice chicken salad dinner with great seed bread and wine and all was well ... the inn has very comfortable beds (lots of pillows), big screen TV for watching Notre Dame games, a Jacuzzi tub and excellent WiFi.

Today I visited my perennial favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz, O’mei, while taking a few days rest from the Pacific bike tour.  As an occasional Santa Cruz visitor from the Pacific Northwest, I have been here before – a  Chinese restaurant introduced to me by my long-time Santa Cruz friends, Chad and Patricia.

O’mei, which is the name of one of five holy Buddhist mountains in the Sichuan province of China, has been around Santa Cruz for 34 years.  At its start, it was a Chinese eatery near the University of California Santa Cruz campus in 1979, then three years later, the restaurant was moved to its present site in a small strip mall on Mission Street.

Roger Grigsby, owner and founding chef, studied Chinese at UC Santa Cruz and has lived and traveled extensively in Taiwan (including several long trips by bicycle).  Before opening O'mei, he trained under local chef Francis Tong who introduced Sichuan food to Santa Cruz and cooked for the Swan Heavenly Goose downtown (now defunct).   Grigsby notes that the restaurant makes its own tofu using a special fermented bean paste and high quality Sichuan peppercorns.  Many of the dishes and spice blends originated from the knowledge he gained during his Far East travels.

O’mei seemed to have had its ups and downs over the years with changes in pricing philosophy, management and remodeling.  For example, a 10-15 percent service charge was once automatically applied to the bill several years ago. It was based on a European style of automatic tipping.  The idea was to even out kitchen staff earnings but was met with tipping confusion and resistance by many of its patrons.  The practice was dropped but its image was bruised temporarily.  Over the years, some have rated the restaurant with low marks for inconsistent service, long waits, or food preparation.  Personally, I have eaten at the restaurant at least a dozen times in the past years and have never experienced the issues.

Viewing the restaurant from the outside, one would tend to drive on by … if even notice it at all.  Tucked away on Mission Street near Swift Street, this place can be easily missed since it does not have front fascia decor like other restaurants. Instead, there is a big sign near the roof almost like a mural on a brick wall and the entrance is through a door at the corner of the building.  The interior ambiance is the opposite of the drab exterior.  The entry way leads to the bar, lounge and waiting area. The diner is surprised by the transformation: subdued lighting with tasteful furniture and decorations – no golden Buddhas, dragons, or tacky nick-knacks.  The dining room decor has a similar theme of upscale flair with an understated elegance.  Simple sophistication enhanced by intimate lighting and Chinese art and artifacts.

Shortly after sitting down, the waiter offers a platter of about eight tasty little appetizers called "small dishes" ($4 each).   I have sampled their glazed sesame cashews, among others,  and they are delicious.  It is a nice touch to be able to nosh while looking over the menu.

It is difficult to recommend any one dish at O'mei – the choices are varied and creative.  Order a selection of items and share.  The entrée dishes are typically $10 to $17 per selection (about two bucks cheaper for take-out}. For appetizers, be sure to try the dumplings in red oil sauce -- filled with minced pork and veggies, dressed with spiced soy and chili.

On this night, we ordered three dishes and shared them.  Cui Pi Orange Beef…crisp steak slices with toasted chili, Sichuan pepper and fresh orange sauce.  Mu Shu Pork…pork loin  shreds, eggs, cabbage, tree ears and vegetables (served with four homemade mandarin pancakes and sweet bean paste).  San Xian Chow Mein … shrimp, chicken and pork with Chinese greens, bean sprouts and Shanghai noodles in a mellow-rich garlic-chive saute The portions for all the dishes were adequate for three and even had leftovers.

Without a doubt, the dishes at O'mei are less greasy and have better quality ingredients than other Chinese restaurants.  The prices are moderate for their high-end Chinese menu.  This is not Panda Express by any means and your palate will not be disappointed.  Think fresh food, variety, lots of veggies, expertly made and presented, all with an Asian flair ... that's O'mei.  The taste buds will experience soft and crunchy, salty and spicy, sweet and hot sensations – hitting all cylinders of culinary pleasure.

Loyalists return again and again for the spicy Sichuan fare dished out at O’mei.  Even though it's a bit costlier than typical Chinese, it's still wallet-friendly with solid service, and still better than any other Chinese restaurant in Santa Cruz … and I will say one of the best of the Chinese restaurants I have dined at anywhere.  The bottom line is I would recommend O'mei to anyone in the mood for Chinese, especially if your personal taste favors fresh, creative and gourmet delicacies.  Lunch and dinner is served daily except on Monday, the staff's day of rest.

O'mei
2316 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA
Tel: (831) 425-8458
Web: www.omeichow.com

​UPDATE: August 20, 2017

O'mei closed its doors in August 2017 in the face of a boycott and online backlash against the owner for political donations made in 2016.

You can read all the details in the Santa Cruz Sentinel article (link below).

If the restaurant reopens, we will post it here in a follow-up.

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20170830/NEWS/170839967

Distance (mi) = 32.8
Ave Speed (mph) = 10.0
Max Speed (mph) = 28.1
Time (h:m) = 3:10

Route:
Highway 1 S, Davenport, West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

I left Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel at 9:00 am on the way to my three night respite in Santa Cruz to stay with my long time friends Chad and Patricia.  It was beautiful day and the Northwest winds were blowing giving me a boost along Highway 1 S.  If only I had a spinnaker, I would have set it ... the following winds were that perfect.

I passed the Highway 1 Brewing Co. two miles South of the hostel.  They are closed in the mornings but they offer locally brewed beer and pub fare for lunch and dinner.  A good place to know if you are staying at the hostel since it is only a short ride away.

In Davenport which is about 15 miles down the road, there are several good restaurants to stop for breakfast or lunch.  My favorite is the Whale City Bakery and Cafe offering espresso, pastries, breakfast and lunch menu, and very good WiFi.  An alternative place is the Roadhouse Restaurant a bit further down the road.  It is a bit pricier and has a gift shop.

There is a relatively new bike path starting about four miles from Santa Cruz.  Watch for the sign "Bike Route" on the right and it will take you into Santa Cruz paralleling Highway 1.  Once reaching the city limits, head to Westcliff  Dr. by the ocean and follow it into downtown ... it is an easy and scenic ride along the water.

The downtown area has many shops, restaurants and eateries for any taste or budget.  The Santa Cruz Roasting Company traditionally has the best coffee and espresso.  A new coffeehouse called the Verve Coffee Roasters has opened  several years ago with very upscale decor and is worthy to check out in the downtown area.

For seafood lovers, especially calamari, I recommend the Riva Fish House on the wharf.

Distance (mi) = 22.2
Ave Speed (mph) = 9.5
Max Speed (mph) = 24.9
Time (h:m) = 2:19

Route:
Highway 1 S,  Pescadero, Pidgeon Point Lighthouse and Hostel

In the morning, I grabbed a coffee and egg wrap sandwich at the Half Moon Bay Coffee Company and started my ride to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse.Hostel.  For a more funky espresso experience, try the McCoffee joint in the middle of town on Main Street. The downtown area has numerous eateries, a country grocery store, gift shops, galleries, and even a bicycle shop.

The road conditions on Highway 1 S leaving HMB are favorable with wide shoulders.  Traffic is moderate.  The weather today was excellent, sunny skies and speed-boosting Northwest wind.

There are at least half a dozen beaches with easy access on the ride along coast to Sants Cruz.  These beaches are not crowded and often pristine.   The biggest are Cowell Ranch Beach, San Gregorio State Beach, Pescadero State Beach, Bean Hollow State Beach, Gazos State Beach, Ano Nuevo State Reserve, and Walden Beach.  The Ano Nuevo Reserve is home to one of the world's largest colonies of elephant seals.  Permits are required for hiking in the area.

My destination for the day was Pidgeon Point Lighthouse and Hostel.  The lighthouse beacon which is currently inactive is the second tallest lighthouse tower in the nation will be reactivated after it is refurbished.  The giant Fresnel lens has already been painstakingly restored by volunteers. Invented by the Frenchman Augustine Fresnel, the lens consists of 1,008 glass prisms enclosing a light source. The prisms concentrate the light, allowing a low-intensity light source to project a strong beam over a great distance.Initially, the lamp inside the lens was a series of concentric wicks fueled by lard oil, giving off a light measured between 60,000 and 80,000 candlepower. Later a kerosene lamp was substituted, and then a lamp which used vaporized oil, providing yet a stronger beam. Finally, in the late 1920s, Pigeon Point switched to a 1,000-watt electric light bulb, increasing the light to 680,000 candlepower (visible for more than 20 miles).  The lighthouse will be operational again in the future.

The latter half of the 19th century was an historic period in California.  Gold was discovered in 1848 and the state was admitted to the Republic in 1850. New settlers arrived, and ship traffic increased greatly since transporting cargo from the East Coast was a lucrative business.  On January 28, 1853, the clipper ship Carrier Pigeon set sail from Boston for San Francisco, carrying 1,300 tons of cargo. On June 6, 1853, she ran aground near what was then called La Punta de la Ballena (Whale Point). Although the ship was wrecked, the crew was saved. Before long, the point of land was renamed Pigeon Point in memory of the ship.

I was assigned a bunk bed in the Dolphin cottage.  Besides me, dorm room #2 was shared by two men from England who were touring by car, Gary from Maryland who is riding border to border as me, Andy from Switzerland who started his ride in Anchorage, Alaska, and Victor from Portugal who flew to New York and is touring the country looking for a place to live. The other rooms in the Dolphin were occupied by two docents, and a German couple from Berlin.

Pigeon Point is the only hostel that I know of which has a hot tub perched in a spot with a 270 degree view of the Pacific Ocean.  This is a must stop when doing the Pacific coast bike tour.

Distance (mi) = 33.0
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.2
Max Speed (mph) = 20.5
Time (h:m) = 4:01

Route:
Highway 1 S, Daily City, Pacifica, Montara, Half Moon Bay

I left San Francisco and its hilly streets to rejoin Highway 1 S towards Pacifica, a commuting suburb to many working in the city.   Pacifica in the 1980s always had a problem with the Devil's Slide area which was prone to road closures due to rock slides.  The road was rerouted around the mountain which included a tunnel.   Traversing this five mile stretch requires great caution by bikers because there are no shoulders, includes a steep ascent on a heavily trafficked road with blind turns.  The tunnel is long but has a wide shoulder.  The noise through the tunnel is deafening.   My crossing was during the early rush hour with commuters returning from the city.  The drivers were very aggressive exhibiting impatience with bicyclists.

After the tunnel, Davis Ranch offers nice hiking and beach activities. Continuing on I passed Half Moon Bay Sam's Chowder House which was packed with diners and cars in the parking lot.  I did not eat here but seems to be a popular place.

The Pillar Point Harbor area experienced fast growth in the past 20 years with a new hotel resort and restaurants.  Barbara's Fishtrap, run by a German family, is still there in its original glory dishing out great seafood dishes, with calamari as one of its main specialties.

Approaching the city of Half Moon Bay, the Naomi Partridge Trail picks up two miles before town.  Turn off to the right on Kelly Road just after the Highway 92 intersection to access Half Moon Bay Beach campground.    The location of the park is not well marked.   It is a very scenic site with spaces for RVs and tents ... with the ocean beaches nearby.

Distance (mi) = 32.3
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.3
Max Speed (mph) = 25.0
Time (h:m) = 4:01

Route:
Sir Francis Drake Blvd., bike route, Fairfax, Larkspur, Marin City, Sausalito, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Left Samuel Taylor State Park on the way to San Francisco where I will stay at the HI City Center Hostel on Ellis Street.Passed the town of Lagunitas on the way to Fairfax.  There are many road  bike riders coming in the opposite direction ... looks like race training rides.

A good bike path starts in Fairfax, a town that is very organized with an excellent bike path system.  There are many bike riders in this city ... the most I have seen in any city on the tour.

I stopped for breakfast and coffee at the Fair Fix Cafe which is on the bike route.  This is a great place to grab a bite of food, have an espresso and their WiFi is very fast.  I recommend a stop at this place. 

While on the bike I crossed paths again with Wade from Dalles, Oregon and we continued on to ride towards Sausalito.  The plan was that we would have lunch at the Trieste Restaurant in Sausalito and Wade's wife was to meet us there and they would leave from there driving to Dalles.  The only glitch was that the restaurant has been renamed to the Taste of Cafe.   I ordered a beer and a calamari sandwich.   Sausalito was jammed with people coming to watch the America's Cup sailboat races.  Afterwards, I made my way to the Golden Gate Bridge, crossed it around 3:00 pm, with the wind blowing hard on the bridge. 

I arrived at the HI City Center (San Francisco) hostel just in time to watch Notre Dame play Purdue.  The hostel was completely full that evening.  I had a sandwich for dinner which I had purchased earlier that evening.   Most of the people staying there that night were from Germany, Australia, France, Japan and China.  The hostel is more like a hotel, very conveniently located in downtown San Francisco.

9/13 Distance (mi) = 41.6
Ave Speed (mph) = 30.8
Max Speed (mph) = 8.6
Time (h:m) = 4:49

Route:
Highway 1 S, Valley Ford, Tomales, Marshall, Pt. Reyes Station, Olema, Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Samuel Taylor State Park

Left Bodega Bay Dunes State Park at 8:00 am and stopped at the Coffee Cove just outside the town.  After 10 miles of riding, purchased groceries and a  small lunch at the Valley Ford market.  Three large bays cut into the  coastline between Bodega Bay and San Francisco.

The Point Reyes National Seashore, a 64,000 acre park with more than 70 miles of coastline is on the route for those who have more time for excursions. One could explore this area  for days to weeks.  Trails are the only way to explore many of the park’s features.  The Tomales Bay State Park and the Pt. Reyes Youth Hostel are located in the area.

From the strong manure and fertilizer smells, I can tell I am in cattle grazing and farming country on the way to Tomales. Past Miller’s Cove, and in Marshall I stopped at the Hog Island Oyster Farm to sample their grilled oysters with their spicy compound butter sauce and a Lagunitas beer.  The area around Marshall is an oyster lover’s paradise with many eateries offering their version of grilled oysters … very tempting to stop at each one.  The Tomales Bay drive was very scenic with an ambiance that I liked.  There were no shoulders on the road but the traffic is very light.  The Tomales Bay area is very foggy.

At the quaint town of Pt. Reyes Station, I stopped at the Tomales Bay Foods, a gourmet store and eatery. Not only do they
have an amazing deli, but they also have a shop for local wines and Cowgirl Creamery cheese.  I purchased a locally made charcuterie plate to take out for dinner later at camp.  The place is a bit pricey but good quality foods.

Samuel Taylor State Park was one of the first areas in the United States where camping was actively promoted by  the state for recreation.  After setting up the ten, the charcuterie plate with cheese, pickles, olives, bread, and spicy smoked sausage was very good.

9/12 Distance (mi) = 26.8
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.1
Max Speed (mph) = 27.1
Time (h:m) = 3:37

Route:
Highway 1 S, Jenner, Bodega Dunes State Beach

I left the Grestle Campground early at 7:00 am after a sleepless night of
dealing with bears growling and rustling around my tent.   So without
breakfast at camp, I set out in the rain towards Jenner.

After five miles I came across a nice welcoming lodge called the Timber Cove
Inn.   The restaurant was open so  I decided to get out of the
rain and have breakfast.  The lodge is in a beautiful setting overlooking a
secluded cove.  The warm fire and complimentary coffee was very welcoming
after riding in the rain.  I ordered an omelet and set to work on updating
my trip journal.  The breakfast and coffee was very good.  The WiFi
was fast.  I was there until 11:30 am when the rain stopped.  The
lodge would make a great get romantic get-away, as well as a breakfast stop for
bikers.  Recommend this place.

I stopped at Fort Ross to take some pictures.  It has an interesting
history not only because it was used as a Russian orthodox trading post, but
also because it Represents the furthest Southern incursion by the Russians in
the US.  The post was built with such speed that by  the time the
Spanish realized what was up, it was too late to dismantle it.  In 1806,
Nikolai Resanov arrived in Alaska to take over Russian-American fur trading
company.  When he arrived, the residents of fur trading outpost were near
starvation so he sailed South to San Francisco for supplies.   The
Spaniards refused to deal with the Russian so he married the Spanish commander’s
daughter to get his foot in the door.  Later, he had Fort Ross built as a
base of Russian activities North of San Francisco.

I notice there is open range until Bodega Bay so bikers have to watch out for
cattle on the road and, later, I rode past cattle grazing by the road.

The roads to the Bodega tunes were windy, narrow, headwinds were ever present
today and shoulders were sparse.  There was one big hill to climb before
arriving at the camp.  With no shoulders and 600 foot drop-offs to within a
foot or two to my right, I had to fully focus on the task at hand.

I stopped for a cold beer at the River’s End Restaurant just outside of
Jenner.  Although I did not partake of the food, the menu looked very good,
and the plates of food coming out the kitchen looked very well presented and
appetizing.   There was a semi-open kitchen and it looked spotless and
well choreographed.   This restaurant is worthy of a closer look,
perhaps a lunch or dinner.

As I approached Bodega Bay Dunes State park the weather was improving,
getting warmer, and sun starting to peek out from the clouds.  My leg
muscles were spent and shaky from the previous climb.

Distance (mi) = 40.3
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.5
Max Speed (mph) = 27.4
Time (h:m) = 4:41

Route:
Highway 1, Point Arena, Anchor Bay, Gualala, Sea Ranch, Stewarts Point, Grestle Cove Campground

Today was destined to be my bear adventure.

Left KOA Manchester at 9:15 am with squally conditions coming my way... more Southerly headwinds to buck.

I stopped at the Point Arena library to do some work on their PCs which are available for use.  Afterwards I stopped at the Point Arena Market otherwise known locally as the Coastal Organics Co-op grocery, deli and espresso cafe.  I bought a soup for lunch and several items for dinner at camp. Recommended stop.

By this time I was behind on my schedule for the day's run so I was eager to get going to arrive at camp before dark.  Roller coaster hills, small towns were passed on the narrow 101 road with no shoulders.  The terrain is prairie grazing grounds, rugged coastline with big kelp beds near shore and nice vistas,

There is a very good espresso coffeehouse with fast WiFi called Trinks in Gualala.  It is tucked in a small shopping area in the Seacliff lodging complex at the bottom of the hill.  As a bonus it has nice views of the bay ... a must stop, try their fabulous berry pies.  It is next to the Bones Roadhouse restaurant which looked like an interesting eatery.  There is also a good grocery store for provisions, the last good one before Bodega Bay.

I arrived at the Grestle Cove campground about 30 miles North of Bodega Bay at 7:00 pm just before darkness fell. This was more like a primitive campground in a remote area, no nearby neighbors.  I set up the tent quickly and ate my roast beef sandwich and curry chicken salad from the Coastal Organics Co-op in Point Arena.  Then settled in the tent to do some writing. 

At 1:00 am, I woke up to blow up my inflatable mattress which developed some leaks and was deflating every two hours.   I heard some rustling outside the tent before the guttural, blood curdling loud growl.  That caught my attention ... I stopped inflating.  My mind first went to a large German Shepperd  that I saw on the way to my campsite, as the sound was so unexpected.  But almost immediately I realized the growl came from a much bigger animal ... I heard tigers growl with that deep timbre at the zoo.  But there are no tigers in the forest here.  This was a black bear(s).

Within another minute another ferocious growl, but closer.  Total blackness outside, no moon, cloudy with slight drizzle.  I switched on my small LED flashlight and gathered what defensive makeshift weapons I had at hand in the tent  -- a plastic mallet and a stainless steel water bottle.   I also had Deet bug spray ... does that work on bears too?  The animal smelled me in the tent and was signaling that it is there and not to mess with it, I surmised. 

I was very  alert listening to every  sound outside the tent.  The rustling subsided for 10 minutes, then they were back ... was I in a Hitchcock movie? I thought.  Suddenly, I heard what sounded like the Trek bike falling over.  It was parked 25 feet away on its kickstand.   I chanced a peek outside my tent.   Two black bears were pawing my pannier on the fallen bike.  Were they going to chew or claw through my Ortlieb panniers?

My instinct told me not to try to shoo them away.  Usually, they shy away from humans but once in while they are in a bad mood and charge at you.  This was all hypothetical from what I knew about bears.  I closed up the tent and just listened.  I heard low murmuring growls as they were feasting on the food items which I keep in the right back pannier.   The items: one apple, one banana, two big bags of dried soup mix (sealed, not opened), small baggie of jam packets, small baggie of sugar packets, bag of ground coffee, half loaf of bread, one jar of peanut butter, and one sealed cup of oatmeal.

For the rest of the night, I was uneasy and on bear watch.  I was waiting for the first morning light so I could inspect the damage.  The pictures depict what I found.  The bears managed to claw out the food without undoing the two fastened clasps on the pannier.  Fortunately,  they did this without chewing or otherwise damaging the panniers ... how very clever they are.  What they left was a bit of bear drool which I cleaned up.  The Trek was not damaged.  Every food item was eaten on the spot or taken away except the jar of peanut butter, coffee and the oatmeal.  I am glad they were seemingly satiated with this meal and did not come back for seconds -- a banana in the tent and some protein.

In the morning after I assessed the situation, I thought maybe I should have put the all the food in the provided bear food locker.  Instead, I packed it on the bike so I could get a quick and early start in the morning.  I took one banana to the tent to eat in the morning.  What if I had put all the food in the bear locker except the banana which I kept in the tent?  Would the bears have been mad that they could not get to their meal and invaded the tent for that lone banana? 

What learned from my first ever bear encounter:  put ALL food items in the bear locker and don't pitch the tent near the locker.  Or hoist the food up a tree outside the reach of bears.

Distance (mi) = 27.6
Ave Speed (mph) = 7.0
Max Speed (mph) = 26.2
Time (h:m) = 3:37

Route:
Highway 1 S, Albion, Elk, KOA Manchester

Left Van Damme Park at 9:15 am in the village of Little River under overcast skies, and chilly weather conditions.  Had to climb two small hills right out of the park.  As I passed Albion, I noted how foggy the Pacific Ocean can become here.  The roller coaster hills continue.

I passed the Point Arena turnoff and arrived in Elk, a city with a population of 250.  I stopped at the Elk Store, the only one in town.  The store was founded in 1927 as a company store for lumberjacks.  It turned out to be a gourmet market with good sandwiches, pastries, and other items you don't usually find in a small town market.  I ordered a black forest ham sandwich and their home made carrot cake, both excellent.   There is a small park with picnic tables overlooking the Pacific, a scenic location to have lunch just across the road.

While I was in the store, three other touring bikers heading North came in.  Xavier rode from Mexico City and is on a one way ride to Vancouver, BC, Canada.  Hungarian Sandor hails from Santa Cruz.  Tony is originally from the UK. 

I crossed paths with Danny from Switzerland who started his southbound ride from Anchorage, Alaska. 

The steep hills and very strong contrary winds was a constant struggle today.  I was glad to reach KOA Manchester.   I was glad to see that this KOA had a Jacuzzi.  I blew up my inflatable mattress and took it to the Jacuzzi to try find the pinhole leaks which had me re-inflating the pad every two hours during the night.  There were too many seam leaks to deal with so I called the seller, Big Agnes, about sending a replacement unit to Santa Cruz.  The pad started to fail 10 days ago.  I was getting tired of finding myself sleeping on the cold and hard floor when the air leaked out.

Distance (mi) = 31.0
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.5
Max Speed (mph) = 25.1
Time (h:m) = 3:38

Route:
Highway 1, Westport, Fort Bragg, Van Damme State Park

Left Westport Union Landing Beach State Park at 7:30 am to the little town of Westport and on to Fort Bragg for breakfast.  The 101 road here is narrow twisting and hilly, some bigger than others.  A roller coaster ride.

At Fort Bragg, I found a very good coffeehouse which I recommend, the Headlands Coffeehouse.  Fast WiFi is available but limited plug-in places.

I arrived at the hiker-biker area in the late afternoon.  I was the only one at the site.  The camp was only one-fifth occupied.  It was very serene setting.  I noticed that a previous bike camper had left two crystal wine goblets from Slovakia in the bear locker.  After washing them, I went around the camp looking for a glass of wine in exchange for the glasses. 

I went by an RV where three women were chatting ... showing them the crystal goblets.  I asked, "Are you wine drinkers." "Are offering or do you want some wine?" one asked.  I explained about wine glasses.  Carol, Kathy, and Lynne drone up from Petaluma for a biking and kayaking get-away.  Kathy worked at REI and we talked about that a bit.  Carol had just made martinis and we exchanged notes on how we make them.   Lynne brought out several bottles of wine and a banana slug in a shot glass which she found.  The slug had black coloration and was extensively photographed.  Lynne also brought me a nice tri-tip steak which she made earlier.  It was finished off with chocolate brownie cake.  After chatting a while, went back to my tent as darkness fell.

Distance (mi) = 47.3
Ave Speed (mph) = 8
Max Speed (mph) = 21.1
Time (h:m) = 5.54

Route:
101 S, Piercy, Legget, Highway 1, Westport Union Landing Beach State Park

I made a mid morning start from Garberville on what was going to be a difficulty day climbing Legget hill to reach the coast.  It was the first truly hot day.  The black pavement reflects back the heat.  I was only wearing my boxer style padded underwear bike shorts -- they looked like regular bike shorts.  Additionally, I was wearing a jersey and visibility vest.  Lathered down with sun screen.

Half way to Piercy, there is a Legend of Big Foot attraction.  I stopped for a drink and looked around.

The 101 road turns into a 4-lane highway with moderate shoulders 12 miles from Legget.  Traffic is heavy in this area.  The Eel River snakes back and forth across 101 a half dozen times.  The river was somewhat dry.  The bridges have a small shoulder.

The Peg House located two miles North of Legget is a good lunch place and watering hole.  The outside picnic tables with a giant outdoor TV gives the place an interesting ambiance.  There is a store with grocery and deli items.   The only grocery store is a mile off the route so The Peg House is a good alternative.  Also, the place is almost across from the Hickey Standish State Park, a popular camp hikers-bikers.

At Legget, I left 101 to take route 1 to the coast which I will follow down the California coast.  The crossing to the coast involves an arduous climb to 2,000 feet elevation over three peaks.  The road has no shoulders but the traffic is usually very light as most cars and almost all trucks will continue on 101.

As it was getting dark, I decided to spend the night at the Westport Union Landing Beach State Park, a primitive camping area on the bluff overlooking the pacific.  This camp is two miles North of Westport.

Distance (mi) = 23.8
Ave Speed (mph) = 8.2
Max Speed (mph) = 23.4
Time (h:m) = 2:53

Route:
Avenue of the Giants, Weott, Miranda, Garberville

Left Burlington at 9:45 am in good weather on the way to Garberville.  The goal today was find a cheap hotel with a TV that carries ESPN.  It was Notre Dame game day and they were playing Michigan on their home turf.  It was hot day and I was dressed down to my shorts, jersey and visibility vest.

On the way to Garberville, there was a "drive through a tree" attraction.  Since it was only $3.00 for bikes, I did the ride and took a video of it.  Did you know that redwoods have relatively small roots so to keep from falling over, the tree grows counter balancing limbs where needed.

I drove by a small winery, Riverbend Cellars, but it was too early in the morning for tasting.  The output is 2,500 cases a year.

In Myers Flat, there is a good organic coffeehouse and smoothie bar, but no WiFi in this remote area.  The town of several hundred also has a saloon and a small grocery store.

The next town on the route, Miranda, was a good place to stop for lunch.  The Miranda Avenue Cafe is where I ordered a turkey club sandwich ... a good place to stop for lunch.  There is also an espresso kiosk next door.  Miranda has a satellite based WiFi service which is free for an hour.

Two miles before Garberville, there is a challenging hill to climb but the finish is downhill.  I found a reasonably priced motel in town, The Sherwood Forest.  I grabbed some beers and a ham sandwich and settled down to watch the ND-Michigan game.  A dark cloud of a Notre Dame loss settled over my head for the rest of the evening.  After four beers, I crashed in a melancholy state of mind, hoping this is not a trend for the season.  Where was the defense?

Distance (mi) = 47.2
Ave Speed (mph) = 9.8
Max Speed (mph) = 23.9
Time (h:m) = 4:48

Route:
101 S, Loleta, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Scotia, Humboldt Redwoods State Park/Burlington

I made mushroom, cheese and sausage omelets and had breakfast with Rick and Jean.  Rick took me to the UPS station to pick up a Jetboil cooker I ordered so I could boil water for coffee and do some basic cooking.  We also stopped at the local outdoor store to pick a microfiber towel and a vest.  I lost these items on the way to Eureka when I stopped on the road for a snack and I forgot to secure these items on the bike.  Rick made a small sign on yellow paper to put in my map holder so I would remember to secure items on the bike after stopping.  Finally, he gave me rain booties and a Northern California CALTRANS biking map.

I set on my next leg of the journey which would take me through a redwood forest on The Avenue of the Giants.   This road is a 24 mile scenic alternative to 101.   The wind was blowing from the expected Northwesterly direction giving me a boost a fast pace.

I stopped in Fortuna across from Safeway to partake in an all-you-can-eat boat sushi and Chinese lunch.  At $8.00, it was a great deal for a hungry biker.

Passed Rio Dell village and the river by that name. Crossed the Eel River on a long bridge with a small shoulder.

Diverted from 101 and entered The Avenue of the Giants.  A very scenic ride through miles groves of old growth redwood trees.  Took various rolling videos to captured the scenery.

Arrived in the early evening at the Burlington campground, part of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park.  There were already eight tents set up in the hiker-biker area and I was the last one to arrive.  It is the biggest group I have seen so far on the trip.

Distance (mi) = 38.6
Ave Speed (mph) = 11.4
Max Speed (mph) = 25
Time (h:m) = 3:22

Route:
101 S, Trinidad, Arcata, Manila, Eureka

Left Patrick's Point at 8:15 am.  Highway 101 becomes a divided highway with wide shoulders.  It is mostly a downhill ride to the small village of Trinidad where I spent a few hours at the Beachcomber Cafe writing.  Brian from Arcata asked me about my trip recommended I visit the marshes and the Cafe Mokka in his town.

The road from Trinidad to Arcata was mostly flat with small hills, divided highway, and wide shoulders.  The prevailing wind conditions returned and the northwesterly gave me a boost to Arcata.  Approaching Arcata, traffic becomes heavy.  Stopped at a burger joint for lunch and took a ride to the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.  Worth a visit, very serene and excellent bird watching in this protected sanctuary.  Stopped to pick blueberries. 

Finished visiting Arcata with a stop at the Cafe Mokka, an espresso cafe combined with rental private Jacuzzis and sauna.  All the units encircle a serene courtyard for relaxation.  Worthwhile stop.

Rick and his wife Jean had invited me to spend the night at their house in Eureka.  Rick grilled a pork roast for dinner on the barbie and we had a nice dinner with baked potatoes and salad ... with a nice bottle of wine.  Rick, who is retired from Caltrans, Northern region, is also a cycling enthusiast and cleaned/oiled the Trek's chain.  Jean, retired from being a forest fire information coordinator, just returned after a two week stint -- she still works on special assignments.  They have a menagerie of pets:  four cannier parrots, seven parakeets, four cats, squirrels in the backyard, and several raccoons that try to cause trouble.

Rick, who worked for the California Dept. of Transportation, District one gave me a useful bike touring guide which covers the Northcoast redwoods areas.  I found it useful so I scanned it and you can view/download it by clicking here.