This was my favorite day of the tour so far. Shortly after I left my little cabin, I rode up a long, but civilized, hill on US 101. There wasn’t a lot of traffic early in the morning, and the shoulder was usually adequate, but it wasn’t very interesting. Just after reaching the top of that hill, however, the route left US 101 and entered Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
There were almost no vehicles, but, oh, there were trees. I am not a “plant person,” but I guess I am a “tree person.” It was magical. It was like riding through a cathedral. I am so glad I did it early.
I stopped at the Big Tree parking lot, and met a trio of friendly ladies: Jan, Sally, who is from San Diego, and whose husband has done this route, and Nancy, a former Marine who was at MCRD during the Vietnam War, and we had a nice conversation before parting ways.
The next really interesting part of the route was Patrick’s Point Drive, which used to be US 101. Now it is a narrow road with lots of potholes, gravel sections, a few one-lane sections (due to road collapse). I regret not getting some pictures of some of the old, defunct, US 101 businesses scattered on it. To the west of this road are some beautiful, nearly empty, beaches. I saw a few people enjoying the sun on the sand, heard a bunch of sea lions, and saw my first pelican. I also saw a little dog running frantically back and forth along the water line, barking and dodging waves, while his mom cackled hilariously.
I stopped to talk to two young women, Jessica and Hayle, because I wanted to know if this road had been US 101. We talked about the area and the Pacific Crest Trail (they are hikers!). Hayle told me she lives in Huntington Beach, and sells jewelry on the beach. I just checked, and I am going to be RIGHT THERE, so I am going to look for her when I get there!
After a short stretch on US 101, which was now designated a FREEWAY, with entrance and exit ramps, I ended up on a paved multi-use trail: The Hammond Trail. This took me to some nice flat farmlands and quiet farm roads. On the trail, I ran into another bike tourist, Peggy, who rode from Portland to Eureka on her recumbent. She said she’s done this a few times before, but this was her first time alone, and it is her favorite. It was so nice to talk to her!
I’ve decided northern California has an unfairly large share of natural beauty.
