We were on our bikes and onto 101 by 7:35. We were hoping to beat the heavy rains which were predicted for mid afternoon. It was raining a little bit and was only 7 degrees as we left Crescent City, a town that has suffered from the decline of the forestry and the fishing industry. It is trying to re-invent itself as a tourist town. Good luck with that!
We knew today was going to be all about 'sweating' up the climbs and 'freezing' going down. And it lived up to just that. The terrain did not allow much of a warm up for our legs. The road began to go up...way up...as the Friendly Giant used to say...the problem...the chair for two people to curl up in was not available...just a damn post...I digress.
The first climb was relentless. It was 6 kilometers at a steady 6 to 7 degrees. Usually hills have some flatter areas on them but not this one. It was relentless. We were climbing for the first time into the 'Sequoia' (Redwoods for slang) forest. These trees are amazing. They will grow for up to 2000 years and to well over 300 feet in height. This area is known for having some of the tallest trees in the world. As you ride through them you cannot believe their size. Our camera cannot even come close to showing their true splendour. After 1250 feet of climbing we flew down the other side to be treated to some of California's rocky coastline (it looks an awful lot like Oregon here).
Climb #2 found us entering Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. For 800 feet we again climbed up into the redwoods. This time there was very little traffic as we had turned onto Newton B Drury Parkway where commercial vehicles are not allowed. The ride down to the campground was when we really gained an appreciation of just how big these trees really are.
We are camping in Elk Prairie Campground in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park. We were fortunate for a couple of reasons. We were able to see some Elk grazing in the edge of the campground, set up our tent, have lunch, and shower before the heavy rain started.
I am not going to complain about the shower...well maybe I will. In California Parks you have to pay for the showers. The drain in this one did not work very well. By the time the shower was over there was an inch of water on the floor and it was running out under the door. This presented a bit of a challenge when trying to put ones pants back on. Maybe they should spend some of those 'quarters' and fix the plumbing...I am not ranting!!!
Trip Distance = 55.42 km. Time on the Bikes = 4 hours 10 minutes. Average Speed = 13.28 km (I guess that is what happens when you climb over 2000 feet). Maximum Speed = 47.53 km. Wildlife Sightings = Chimney Swifts (a whole flock), Brown Pelicans, Elk, Massive Sequoias.
Sue Dwarfed While Riding Through The Redwoods
Redwoods
And Who Should We Find Among The Redwoods?
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