| Fortuna's golden morning light Tuesday - Jeanette writes
"Leaving Fortuna this morning we cycled a few miles along 101 then entered a beautiful parkway named "Avenue of the Giants." This scenic drive parallels 101 for 31 miles through a redwood paradise. It couldn't have been more perfect - the road surface was smooth, traffic very light, weather sunny and the forest INCREDIBLE. Some of these trees date back as far as 2,000 years. The tallest is 370 feet (although we only see the bottom 50-60 feet of any given tree.) The trunks are beyond belief. The Dyerville Giant is 52 feet around the base and weighs 1,000,000 pounds.
Those are the facts.
The feeling as we rolled silently along was so peaceful. Dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy highlighting golden patches on the forest floor.
I felt a reverence for the power or energy that gave life to this natural cathedral. Our friends Michael & Anni choose the Redwoods as the place to exchange their wedding vows. It is easy to understand their choice.
After lunch in Miranda the Avenue ended and we rejoined 101 for a long climb to Garberville. Now riding in the sun the handlebar temperature climbed from a very comfortable 61 to a sizzling 86 by the time we peaked the hill and dropped into Garberville.
Tomorrow is our most ambitious agenda yet. We want to reach Willits (74 miles) and must cross Rattlesnake Summit @ 1,734' to get there. The weather forecast is identical to today and our climb will be after lunch!
We are highly motivated because we want to see our new Email friend Bunni in Santa Rosa on Friday then meet Ed Saturday at Olema. We plan to cycle with Ed into San Francisco, visit with both Ed & Sally and meet Sean & Tony too. A BIG agenda but one that we've been looking forward to since the idea of this trip hatched.
We may be ready for a lay over day on our way south through Half Moon Bay. There is also a chance that Mary and Mildred will come over for a visit as we head south from the bay area.
All this writing has left me kind of tired... I'll sign off for tonight. -- Jeanette
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