It Doesn't Get Any Better

We spent the morning cycling through the Avenue of the Giants.  It was bicycle touring at its finest. There was very little traffic, the road was smooth and (reasonably flat,  and the temperature perfect  as we pedaled through the forest primeval. John Steinbeck said, "The Redwoods, once seen create a vision that stays with you always. . . they are not like any other trees we know, they are ambassadors of another time."
(38 miles, camped at KOA)

Golden Eagle!

Thursday-July 30th - 59 miles on back roads through farmlands.  Saw my first ever Golden Eagle.  It was a youngster sitting on a telephone pole.  We were told at a visitor center that there are
known to be a couple nests south of Eureka so we got really lucky.

Seems funny to see palm trees by farm houses.  Following farmland we went through Ferndale, a cool Victorian historic town and visited their museum. Ended the day on the Avenue of The Giants. We're camping at an RV park and will get to start our day on this "Avenue."

                                           Farmlands with palm trees. Must be in California.
                       

                                                               Ferndale, California.

                                   Not a good pic but the Golden Eagle was a rare treat for us.

We're Girls

Taking a rest day in Arcata. What do we do?  We wash everything!  Sleeping bags, tents, footprints, shoes, clothing . . . EVERYTHING! We're about halfway and it feels good to freshen everything up. AND a shower every day. AND a massage scheduled for the afternoon. We're girls: )

Cool historic hotel in Arcata for the rest day - a tip from the local bike shop.

Blissfully clean everything.

                               

Redwoods

Monday, July 27 - 40 miles to Prairie Creek State Park. Camped and hiked in the redwoods. Saw lots of elk and a bull with the biggest rack I've ever seen - pictures don't do it justice, but it was remarkable.

Tuesday-July 28, 44 miles to Arcata. Rode through Patrick's Point State Park where the redwoods meet the sea.
Lots of hills. Taking a rest day tomorrow.

                                    Elk Herd a short walk from our campsite.

                  

CALIFORNIA!!!

Pretty excited to hit California.  I know, I know, it's a BIG state.  Two states done and we're not quite half way.  59 (hilly again)  miles to Crescent City. We're camping at an RV park.  We plan to take our time through the redwoods.

                                          Very exhilarating to see this sign.

                                      We crossed highest bridge in Oregon

                   More exquisite beaches as we leave Oregon.

Rouge River Bridge

We love the charming historical bridges we've ridden over. The bridge over the Rogue River where it enters the ocean at Gold Beach may be our favorite so far.

33 hilly miles today with beaches, woods, busy road, quiet roads, river, osprey, and a very cool bridge to finish the day.

                                                    Bridge over Rogue River

                          Wishing our grand kids were with us!

                          Morning breakfast spot-Port Orford

Bridge to the Myrtlewood Grove

                                          

Rise and Shine

Rise as in starting the day with a 15 mile significant climb.  It was a beautiful quiet rode and we enjoyed it with fresh morning legs.  53 miles to a nice RV camp with a laundry.  I've been delighted that we have been able to score a shower every night so far.

Bluebell got a tune-up in Bandon.  Needed a new chain and cable and some bike shop TLC.

Bandon has lovely beaches and unique rock formations.

                                                                      Face Rock