Author: Shaun

  • Pacific Coast, Day 16: Arcata, CA to Rio Dell, CA

    Until I reached the charming town of Ferndale, about 33 miles in, today’s ride was a pretty uninteresting mix of multi-use trails and noisy, but comfortable, US 101 highway.

    Ferndale bears striking similarity to Georgetown, Colorado, the town I grew up in as an adolescent. There are so many beautifully maintained Victorian buildings, and if you put Georgetown, Colorado and Ferndale, California end-to-end, it would be a challenge to pick out where each started.

    While I was looking for a place to get lunch, a worker struck up a conversation with me from across the street, and I told him Ferndale looked like the town I grew up in. He asked where that was, and I told him Georgetown, Colorado. He said, “Oh, I know Georgetown – I lived in Northern New Mexico!” I said “I AM FROM TAOS, NEW MEXICO!” So then I crossed the street and we talked for a few minutes. Sadly, I forgot to get a picture.

    Nothing else to report, but tomorrow I will start heading through the best part of the redwoods!

    This little guy was waiting for me this morning.
    This little guy was waiting for me this morning.
    Salt marsh blackberries
    Salt marsh blackberries
    An old barn
    An old barn
    This big galoot barked at me a lot, while wagging his tail, but wouldn't let me pet him.  Apparently, he lives near the trail.
    This big galoot barked at me a lot, while wagging his tail, but wouldn’t let me pet him. Apparently, he lives near the trail.
    Mushrooms and snails!
    Mushrooms and snails!
    Nice farm
    Nice farm
    Downtown Ferndale
    Downtown Ferndale
    Another nice farm
    Another nice farm
    Ripe apples and old barn
    Ripe apples and old barn