Redwoods & a RED LIGHT

Tuesday, Dec 27…

I don’t think we’d been on the road 5 minutes when we crossed into CA. Drizzly as we began a long drive (2 days, off & on) through the redwoods. For almost all of 199 we followed the Smith River, crossing it more times than I could keep track of.  Once we reached Crescent City we picked up Hwy 101. More redwoods, more twists and turns, and more uphill climbs (now at considerably less than freeway speed). Frequent slowdowns for construction, with slow start-ups afterward, also put more stress on the engine. For 20 miles or so we’re good, then CHECK ENGINE rears its cautionary head.  We pull over as soon as possible (it’s a narrow road, and we’re not an Alfa), rest for a few minutes, and head back out.  Good for a while, then stop and rest. Good for a while… stop. (Repeat as needed.)

Not unexpectedly, Greg already knows where the nearest Cummins repair shop is – and fortunately it’s not far. We bag our plans to camp at Humboldt State Park, drive into Arcata, explain our past issues to mild-mannered-but-highly-competent Gary, unhitch the M3 and head into town (home to Humboldt State U, so it’s kinda funky) and enjoy a great meal at Humboldt Brews. (Manchester by the Sea is playing just around the corner, but I can’t talk Greg into a late night.) We sleep peacefully at Cummins.  

first glimpse of Pacific,
at Crescent City

Smith River

CA highway taxes at work

Monday, Dec 26…

Walmart is very quiet and very empty when I wander in at 7:30 for yogurt and a few other forgotten essentials. Breakfast is simple, and we are soon headed south through miles and miles of frosted green fields intermittently bathed in gauzy fog. (Where the fog was heavier, we finally determined that what appeared to be shadows of fuzzy basketballs were actually grazing sheep.) It’s only 27°, but the sun is brilliant, and we pass numerous sparkling streams tumbling through the fields. Trees are also impressive – lichen-covered but appearing as stately paper-cut silhouettes separating farm from freeway. (As you’ll discover later, I have a thing for trees.) Occasionally we’d see remnants of the once thriving logging industry.

Shortly before Grant’s Pass, the sun disappears and the horizon resembles tiramisu: hills topped by fog, topped by mountain peaks topped by blue sky topped by clouds. Cool! (and too bad we don’t have any pictures of all this fabulous scenery)

At Grant’s Pass we pull into Freddy’s for gas. The line looks like Costco, and I’m sure the folks behind us are not pleased as we pump 80+ gallons. (Our capacity is 90 – most pumps have a $75 or $100 limit, so we have to fill twice.) Then we head down the street and fill ourselves at Si Casa Flores (bueno!). Bellies full, we follow U.S.199 southwest to Lone Mt. Campground in O’Brien (a town maybe as big as the period at the end of this sentence. Two days on the road, and no engine issues. So far, so good.

BlogThoughts... Lacking any actual photos, I'll share this pic of the front interior of the MH. Carpet was the first thing to go - replaced by cheap and easy-to-maintain laminate. The illuminated metal animals - a whimsical Christmas gift from Chris - are stand-ins for Lady and Vash.