Pesky Raccoons

Raccoons have been persistent pests at the campgrounds.  Last night they dug into my rolled down water proof panniers.  I imagine them deftly opening up each thing and discussing among themselves what they want and what they reject.  Maybe I've been on the road too long.
Today we rode 62 miles too our campground at New Brighton State Beach.  We noticed lots of organic farms raising artichokes and brussel sprouts.  Many fields go right up to the ocean.  We saw lots of bicyclists and surfers today.

                                                      Crops grow right up to the sea.

Sunset at our campground beach.

Golden Gate Bridge

Friday, August 7.
We started the day with the much anticipated ride over the Golden Gate Bridge.  It was a thrill I will always remember.

40 miles to camp at Half Moon State Park.

Are You Going to San Francisco?

Wednesday, August 6.  30 surprisingly serene miles into Sausalito, much of it on a bike path.  Everything is much more cosmopolitan with great food at every turn.

We are the luckiest tourists ever to be hosted for two nights  by Laura and Grant Willard at their beautiful home in Sausalito with a breath taking view of the bay.

Had the rest day of our dreams  starting with a massage, spending a perfect day with young son Doug and Jess, and anticipating the ride over the Golden Gate Bridge in the morning.  Kind of surreal.

                                                      Thank you Laura and Grant!

Wonderful evening!

Pelicans, Seals, Golden Eagles, oh My!

Tuesday, August 4.  Had a big cycling day of 65 miles to our campground in Olema. We're discovering the California coast is very hilly:)
Ate lunch overlooking a bay full of seals and birds.

                        Lunch spot at Jenner, CA where the Russian River enters the sea.

Off The Grid

I had thought California was the height of civilization.  We've barely had phone service the past three days.  This was a surprise to us.

Tuesday, August 4 - Got a late start after an indulgent morning in our hotel so cycled a shorter day. 34 miles to Salt Point State Park.  Our record has been broken- no shower!  We were sad about that but consoled ourselves with a lovely hike to the beach.

We Don't Just Rough It

We love to camp and typically camp three nights in a row.  Then we're ready for a night in a real bed.  Usually a bare bones motel, just so we get a real bed.  Unless the universe conspires to put you up in a lovely ocean view hotel (very reasonably I might add). Long story but everything else was full and we landed in a clover field called Wharf Master's Inn in Port Arena.
The California coast is very rugged and dramatic.  Can't quite believe we're here.
     Mendocino was a very cool town.  We noticed the quality of food and grocery stores has exponentially improved.  So much real, homemade food. Yum!               Went through Elk, California and was reminded of my childhood home.

                                                      Our fancy pants pad for the night.

                                                              Sunset at the wharf.

                                                          Fancy pants dinner too:)

                                                             Out the door of our hotel.

Elk, California 

Back to the Sea

64 hilly miles to Cleone and are camping at Mackericher State Park. This was our most rigorous cycling day. Saw a hummingbird right by my tent tonight, always good luck in my book.

                                                            Started the day in the Redwoods.

                                                  Finished the day back by the ocean.