Connecticut to California – Day 11 – August 22, 2000

I’m in California and I am cold – and I have been cold all day.

Who stole sunny California?

I guess us folks from the “right” coast think California is sunny and warm all the time.  Well, I don’t know about all the time – but today, at least, it was downright cold.  The thermometer struggled to get out of the low 50’s all day.  The low temperature combined with a deep mist and cold wind off of the ocean reminded me of a 35 degree day in Connecticut.

Today was clearly the most uncomfortable riding day of the trip – so far.  First Gear riding suit over top of my leather jacket – together with winter riding gloves were the uniform of the day.  Thanks again, Cruiserworks – my feet were fine all day.

Most of the Oregon and California coast that I drove today still remains a mystery.  It was, for the most part, shrouded in a deep cold mist – so wet that it actually looked like drizzle on my windshield.

The few places I could see the water – the views were extraordinary – I hope the pictures show how truly remarkable this drive is.

Oregon presents some very interesting contrasts; huge logging trucks get up the hills better than most RV’s; to my right, breakers are crashing against a rocky shore - while Herefords graze contently in their pastures; elk crossing signs all along the road – somehow I just never imagined elk as beach creatures.

Among the resort towns along the coast – Coos Bay stands out in my mind as a working town.  I ignored the “Beaches this Way” signs and drove straight through town on 101.  Clearly timber is the “biggest bear” in these woods – and it appears that a significant amount of that timber actually moves through the Port of Coos Bay.

As Route 101 continues south the Oregon Coast Highway gives way to the Redwood Highway at the California border.  The huge oaks and maples in my yard at home are mere bushes when compared to the redwoods.

Notwithstanding I am from the east, I can still recognize a tree that is profitable to harvest – I just can’t imagine how many board feet of lumber could be sawn out of just one of these stately trees.  I silently offer my gratitude to those who have worked so hard to preserve these trees – so that I may experience their majesty today – and hopefully again tomorrow.

Am I cold?

Yes!

Am I tired?

Yes!

Am I disappointed that I didn’t get to see all of the coast?

Absolutely!

So – maybe I did miss the one day of summer in Northern California.

But I’m from Connecticut – and I rode my Valkyrie all the way across America – and now I’m riding along side the Pacific Ocean.  Cold and fog notwithstanding – this is still the experience of a lifetime.

The bike trip meter says 301.7 the Garmin III+ trip meter says 310.0 and I say Goodnight from underneath my blanket in Arcata, California.

Connecticut Yankee in Yosemite Valley- the Trek
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