Day 8 – Small Flaw in the Plan – GASSED

Day 8 – Small Flaw in the Plan – GASSED

While I got a fair bit of rest last night, today was a bit more challenging that I would have liked it to be.  It started in the flat foggy plains of Eureka and ended in the hot hills of Weott and the Redwood Forest.  I have to say that campsite is marvelous, situated right on the Avenue of Giants.  Redwoods abound and they offer shade in this dry and hot area of Northern California.  Oh, and about 60 miles.  58 on the GPS but once again I forgot to turn it on after a break. 

Here is a link to today’s ride:  http://www.movescount.com/moves/move35457119

The Party’s Over

The party of friends and family that began the moment I started the trip in Oregon has devolved into after hours dive bar bash upon crossing the Californian border.  The bicyclist/late-shift casino worker, Tu; the friendly Irishman, Jimmy; the forever good friend, Steffen; the inspiration, Etta; and even the mildly annoying but funny, Dieter, have all left the party.  Out of my life and back into their own.  Those who are left are the party crashers, the interlopers.  The homeless moving from biker/hiker camp to another, the locals who act like they own the place and do, and the big box drivers of every size shape, speed and driving ability.  I’m just a little bit sad and missing my old friends, immediately tired of what has replaced them. 

The Party’s Started

Party in the Redwoods at Burlington Campground! Bikers and new potential friends Everywhere.  A total of six other bikers in camp (and six more just cruised in as I was typing for a total of 12.  Hot time in the Redwoods, tonight!!).  All seem like great company, with the exception of Nick.  While I’m sure he has a good heart, it is hard for me to trust a biker who walks with a beer, has his shirt off, and talks to strangers.  Of course, I’m selling him short having just met him.  I’m looking forward to developing the relationship like a farmer raises veal, ensuring that he is kept in close quarters and the end (the morning) comes quickly and mercifully.   

Photos

A lot of Victorian homes in in Eureka

A craftsman or two thrown in

This one might be able to be had for the right price

And other styles.  This one is very much like the home Lori and I had on the lake in Cleveland

Humboldt/Portland, not much difference

They are not kidding

Very pastoral until you hit the hills

Did I say hot and dry?

Here come the Redwoods