Today I rode from the largest trees I have ever seen to a small tree farming community in Champoeg, Oregon. I don't know if they do this well from growing Christmas trees, or if this is a retirement style of income. These houses are super cute, and all of them are landscaped perfectly.
I didn't take any pictures today because it wasn't necessary. I went from those giant trees in which I captured yesterday, to some coastline and a small harbor village, to tree lined byways, and then ended up on a boring interstate. The best part of this leg was the area I left and this amazing community that I didn't know existed until I rode through it.
On that note, my allergies are killing me. All of this plant life has reeked havoc on my sinuses. I am stuffy, runny, and sneezy all at the same time. My eyes itch and my head feels like it may explode. That does not stop me one bit from loving the camping experience. So far, the place I stayed last night, Humboldt Redwoods State Park was by far my favorite location. I would prefer a walk in location though, as there would have been less people and fires.
I get the awesomeness that is campfires as I do them occasionally at my house, but letting them smolder all night, and waking up to breathing that smell and smoke all night is not cool. Drown your fires people, especially when there is plenty of water available.
I could have kept driving up the coast, but I wanted to drive through Portland, OR and Portland, ME on the same trip. Something about two large cities, in the same nation, on the opposite coasts, with the same name, fascinates me. Also the coast road got much less interesting as the road only occasionally peaked out over the coast and then headed inland for the next 10-20 miles. Also the road conditions kept getting worse the further north I went.
Today I hit the 5000 mile mark. This puts me at about the halfway mark as far as mileage goes. After tomorrow, I have a few long days ahead of me, and then the short jaunts down the east coast. I am already about a day ahead and will likely cut another one or two out depending on how I feel. I will still get the 10,000+ miles but my time on the road will be shorter. There is no reason for cutting days other than it making sense while I am on the road.
Of the places I have visited, I would like to revisit Colorado, The Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, more redwood groves, and this little tree farming town. I have never seen rows upon rows of 2 foot Christmas trees and various other trees and vines being grown in the same area. I am curious to see this place in the winter. It must look vastly different.
I also want to visit my friends again and give each of them more Toby than they can handle at one time. Lol.
Ok, I lied. These things are called yurts. they are adorable and I want one. They had about 6 of these at the entrance of this state park. This picture gives you a small glimpse of how adorable this little community is.
I did around 450 miles today and I felt really good after. I think if the weather, traffic and road conditions were right 500 miles could easily be done in a day. I only have one 500 mile day planned and it is coming up very soon. My fingers are crossed that everything lines up to get me down the road the safest way possible.
Thanks again for the awesome emails and comments. I really enjoy the feedback and questions.