ast.
Foggy morning on the Pacific
The Avenue of the Giants is located at Humboldt State Park. We have to take 101 about 90 miles south to get there. At Humboldt we will get off on the 'old 101' for a 40 mile tour on the 'Avenue'.
As soon as we get away from the ocean the fog disappears and the temperatures begin to climb. The drive down is going good, road is nice and twisty.
One thing that you notice out here is that this region seems to be a gathering place for the remaining VW Microbusses that still run. We see these things all over the place. Some are what you would expect, some old hippie type dude still cruising around in the 60's, but others are occupied by a much generation generation. I was surprised at the 20 somethings cruising around like this. It's somewhat like stepping back in time. I don't think you can see this anywhere else in the country.
We reach Avenue and get off on the Old 101. The road is narrow, twisty, and completely enjoyable. Reminds me of a quote I read - "I'd rather be riding my motorcycle thinking about God than sitting in church thinking about my motorcycle'.
A little info on the trees.....
Quick break before we begin
Jamie utilizing her gymnastics talent
Pics cannot capture the beauty of this place
Jamie cruising through the 'tree'.
After a magnificent ride and some short hikes, it's time for lunch. We find yet another quaint diner at the end of the Avenue and stop in. Once again, we manage to hit a good spot and chill out for a bit. Oh yeah, those climbing temp and now reached over 100 but as long as we keep moving it doesn't seem that bad.
Sign says it all.
It's time to leave the Redwoods now and head for Redding. We're taking Route 36 to Red Bluff which cuts right through the mountains. This road is very twisty, steep, and slow going. Great riding.
Jamie has taken the lead as we head off. She sure knows how to handle her Sportster and I'm having a hard time keeping up with her through the twisties on a fully loaded Ultra Glide.
View from 36
Didn't expect this, but it was fun!
One thing really surprised me about this section of Northern California...I didn't realize how remote it is. You are miles and miles from any services. Some of the little side roads that head off deep into the canyons are a little bit spooky, as were some of the people we saw in pickup trucks occasionally. Just a little reminiscent of a trip I took rafting in W. Va one time. Once you get off the beaten path you never know what you'll find.
We make Redding right at dusk, do the usual hotel/dinner thing then crash once again.
We make Redding right at dusk, do the usual hotel/dinner thing then crash once again.
Day 11 = 360 miles
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