Thursday 11/16

Started my morning with a couple of bull elk by my campsite. I tried bugling them Harper, you would do a better job. The pictures don’t do my campsite justice. It is a hell of a more dreary place than super camera allows it to be. It is cold, drippy mossy site and the rain was to clear, but rained off and on all night.

Told a short walk last night down to the ocean and watched the sea lions last night. They watched me watching them. It was a nice little cove.

This morning’s plan is to follow the “Avenue of the Giants” that parallels 101. I don’t think there is such a road that is less traveled in California but this road is pretty nice. Lots of Groves of BIG redwoods.

Decided to hike Fern Canyon first, about 10 miles back on a dirt road #1 – 1.5. Narrow, single lane, up the canyon and over the top. Got to Gold Bluff campground. Right on the ocean! Deserted not a soul. About 10 sites. The canyon is another 4 miles or so. Started out of the campground and first thing had to cross a creek. Now I’ve crossed a few “creeks” usually concrete with water running over the top….not this one. Bill got er done and go another 50 yards and around a corner, a few branches down, get out clear them, no big deal. Another real stream crossing and I’m not 500 yards from the campgrounds. I see more debris in the road ahead……turn around and headed back. All in all, not what I expected.

Got on to the “Avenue” and took a couple mile walk to a grove. A nice quiet stroll. The heavy forest really quits down the walk. A little spooky in places, like a …… you had to be there.

Gosh, I’ve used up most of the day and only gone 60 miles. I put er in “let’s get goin” mode and turn off on HWY 1 at Legget. This road twists and turns for 60 miles up over a couple of mountain ranges and ends up on the coast. I like going slower. Unfortunately there is no day dreaming on these roads cause there are narrow and lots of exposure. A couple of hours of 15-20 mph on twisty roads, where if you make a mistake it won’t be good, can tire you out.

Found a campsite, paid $38.00!! California is twice what everyone else is. Either pay or don’t camp!

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