Day 8- Surprise at the California Border (Christi)

 

September 16th, 2020

    Morning view leaving the campground (above) was the last time we were going to see the ocean for a few days; we were heading into the Redwoods! It was too late to find the beach when we got to camp, and in the morning we were ready to get our day started so no sand between our toes this morning! Harris Beach State Park was very close to the California border, but first we HAD to get a hot breakfast. We hadn’t done this since Waldport, OR and it sure hit the spot!

    Like typical West Coast fashion, there was a weed store feet from the Oregon-California border. This gave us a chuckle. We spent some time at the California sign trying to get a picture that both of us were looking at the camera; yes I was the problem child who couldn’t figure it out. But after a few tries we got the take we wanted and looking at the bottom post of the sign I found a surprise! I love painted rocks and someone special had left this cool rock for another person to find and keep or re-hide. Of course, due to the adventure we were on, I felt I needed to keep it. So it’ll be making the rest of the journey with us to San Francisco.

    As Brandon discussed in his post, majority of the miles into Crescent City were through farmland. I was surprised that the air was not filled with cow manure stench. It was odd, but we were grateful since we were going to be on the back roads for a while. Another thing I noticed, now that we were in California, was that the bike route signs had changed designs from the one’s that are located in Oregon. 

We somehow managed to dodge rain, despite those clouds

    After enjoying SeaQuake brewery, they had some great fish and chips, we were on the road again! On the south end of Crescent City Brandon spotted another lighthouse sign, so of course I had to go see it!

Battery Point Lighthouse

    Brandon eloquently described the atrocious hill we had to pedal up, after seeing the elk, so I won’t torture myself with remember that hill. Just know I was very happy to make it to the top, drink an adult beverage and eat a Snickers bar 😂.    

My bike gazing at the downhill with starry eyes

    After hot showers and drinking the last of the hot cocoa, it was time for a movie in the tent. We drifted off to sleep to the sound of rain drops on the tent. Off to explore the Redwoods in the morning!

Road stats: 40.93 miles and 1,531 feet elevation gain

Road kill: 3 unidentifiable animals, 1 raccoon, 2 possums, 1 skunk, and 1 coyote

Weird things in the shoulder: hypodermic needle, couch, 22 CO2 canisters, 1 sock