It is Monday Aug 27, one day short of our second full week on the road. Thus far, we have enjoyed a stay in Morro Bay, Salinas (which gave us quick access to Monterrey, Santa Cruz and all of that nice wine country) and Bogeda Bay. From Bogeda Bay we stopped in Ukiah from where we visited Clear Lake and Lake Mendocino and explored that area. We took the Skunk Train in Willets through the forest to a turn around point half way between Willets and Fort Bragg. We had lunch at the turn around point before chug a lugging back from whence we came. Ken had thought that the train would go into Ft Bragg but it did not. Thus, when we got back into Willets we drove to Fort Bragg to see that coastal town. No stone may be left unturned, no town unseen!
We are now in Richardson Grove, amid the beauty and splendor of the awesome Coastal Redwoods. Trees seem to be one of our things this trip. If our day does not include a tree, boat or train -- it is incomplete.
We drove through the Avenue of the Giants yesterday (Sunday) for what Ken deemed as his Church service of record. Unquestionably, there is a spirit that permeates the air and chills the consciousness as you stand beneath those beautiful, tall pinnacles of Nature. The silence of the forest is riveting and all inclusive in a mystical way. The beauty and spirit of the beautiful stately redwood is a special gift to an otherwise "quirky" California lifestyle. What else can I say? We concluded our day out and about with dinner at a local restaurant in Garberville which I believe was called the Wagon Wheel. For a restaurant that I would refer to as in "the middle of nowhere", it was amazingly good. I could not help but wonder whether the town could support a quality restaurant with its pricey menu during the "off season". Perhaps I am being a "city snob" and not giving the "country folk" credit?
Today, Monday, we trudged over unbelievable mountain roads (paved but hilly and curvy) to a forlorn quiet little place called Shelter Cove. It took us one hour to travel the 20 miles over the mountain through tall trees over and down hills that tested the breaks and around hairpin curves that suggested the roads engineers may have Thought two curves would make a straight. Mind you, we do these little treks in the car and not in the RV though there was a RV Park there. For sure, that is not a trip that I desire to do in the RV. Someone had recommended Shelter Cove to Ken as a good fishing destination and He was anxious to check it out. It was quaint, many newer cute homes, beautiful view and a rugged coast with beautiful black sand beaches. Certainly, if one seeks seclusion and quiet, it would be a positive consideration. It was an interesting day, beautiful spot to visit ONCE but as our friend Bruce might say, "I didn't leave anything there". Once will do me.
There you have it. Tomorrow we will meander into Eureka for a combination of more big trees, water and spots of Interest that appeal to my comrade in travel and that I will happily share.
