Today was a very nice ride through forested hills and mountainous terrain. We traveled about a third of it on the famed Avenue of the Giants, where the old highway 101 winds it's way through 30 miles of giant redwood forest. The road is shaded most of the way due to the narrow road and the height of the trees, and it was overcast as well. Absolutely perfect riding weather, at 55 degrees or so. There was also almost no traffic as the tourist season is not here yet. The trees are really inspiring, huge 12 ft and bigger in diameter lining the highway on either side, most over 200 feet high. We found one at a tourist trap with a road through it where we all 3 could ride abreast. We ate lunch at Myers Flat, where we camped on the first California trip. At 2:30, we had 84 miles and started looking for a motel. There were several small towns south of us but we soon found out the nearest motel was still 55 miles away. We were at a campground with primitive cabins to rent (plastic covered mattresses) but the beds have no bedding! We convinced the camp director to lend us 3 sets of her personal sheets, and 3 pillows. Voila! We had a place to stay. We had to use our pillowcases for towels to shower, and we had to get liquid soap from the sink dispensers for shower soap by cupping our hands. We were very lucky this place was here.
Today was the first day we rode without our rain shells! Prior to now we have always needed them for warmth, even when it was not raining. My sunglasses even made their debut for a few hours. Kristi continues to be daunted by any talk of miles to go or any perceived pushing by Matt to make time. So...the rule is no talking of where we expect to be during the ride. We all just ride. To stave off boredom on hills, Matt will often ride up them with only one foot clipped in. He also will ride with a hand on Kristi's back to push her. Sometimes she let's him help her, other times not.
Later, Richard
PS-In Eureka at a pizza place we saw a guy with a BYU shirt on. Maybe Cassandra knows him-Paul Edmunds.
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