The Scotia Inn was great! It is one of the highlights of the places we have stayed.
We were on the road by 9:00. Obviously that is later than normal. We took advantage of the continental breakfast and of course it took a lot longer to get the gear and the bikes to the front of the Inn so we could begin our ride. We were in no hurry as we had planned a really short day...plans change!
We started the day on the expressway but then turned onto The Avenue of Giants. This is a 55 kilometer road through the preserved redwood forest. We assume it used to be the old highway. WOW! Do not know what else can be said. It drizzled as we rode along but we hardly noticed. Picture taking is impossible because pictures cannot do this road justice. The trees are massive and the road has been built around the trees. We enjoyed every pedal stroke. We intended on stopping at about 35 kilometers at a campground but we were enjoying the scenery and the ride so much that we decided to not stop and to ride the rest of the Avenue of Giants.
We eventually rejoined Highway 101 and were treated to the sighting of a Black Bear and her cub, the first bear sightings of the trip. It also began to rain more heavily so we have bailed into a motel again tonight. We are in Garberville, 'Hippyville USA'. I kid you not this place forgot to get out of the 1960's. People are wearing headbands and dressing in 1960's style clothing. Everyone speaks like they are 'stoned'...maybe they are. We had to wait in the lobby of The Best Western for our room to be made up. We were amazed by the people checking in. About 75 % of them were paying cash...the anti-establishment lives on! We are confused as to why the town is so busy as it only has a population of 1200. There are a heck of a lot more people in town tonight than that. Since our arrival the rain has continued to get heavier...I guess the credit card touring continues!
Trip Distance = 72.01 km. Time on the Bikes = 4 hours 43 minutes. Average Speed = 15.23 km. Maximum Speed = 47.55 km. Wildlife Sightings = Mallards, Turkey Vultures, Great Egrets, Black Tailed Deer, Black Bear and her Cub.
That was truly an experience today riding through the giant redwoods!
The Avenue of Giants
Medium Sized Redwood
Black Bear and Her Cub
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