Day 9 Rivers and redwoods rule the land.

We lost track of the number of bridges that crossed chasms, creeks and rivers today. The US can be proud of the engineering feats on the 101. There are steep inclines and swooping curves that attempt to tame this rugged land. In addition, the ancient redwoods on this Redwood Highway are a force to reckon with. They staked their claim so we puny mortals just have to go around them! 

At 11 am, I caught up with Bryan, fed him and then left him to continue on the 101 while I took the scenic Avenue of the Giants....redwoods, that is. The alternating sun and shadows made it hard to see the road at times with the curves, but it was worth the effort. I ended up an hour ahead of him in Garberville with time to check out two thrift stores and a bistro for a late lunch. When he arrived, he ate again, had a short walk about and we talked with the information consultant.

As a result of that conversation, we didn't head to the coastal Highway 1 at Leggett but stayed on the 101. Apparently the coast has few accommodations in the off season and the very small towns are  widely spaced. I expect that we will find the population density increasing as we get closer to San Francisco but right now, the towns are small. 

I headed to Leggett at 3:15, visiting the drive through tree outside that town. This private park has been in operation for over 90 years, with the 315' Chandelier Tree as its major feature. I drove our Escape through the hole at the base that had been carved out of the 21' diameter in 1920. A tight fit! I have a picture of my Mom and Dad at a similar tree with Ted and Phyllis Jacobsen when they were young.

This poem sums up the respect that these trees demand and gives perspective as well. We really aren't as important as we sometimes think. It also reminds me to give thanks for the beauty in all the places we travel and live, for the people we encounter in our lives, and for safety each day. 

After dodging roadkill (mostly skunks, possoms and raccoons) along the way, Bryan logged 152 km today. He felt good about the day but was hungry yet again. When we arrived at out motel in Laytonville, he had a microwaved pasta dish and a banana so that we could go for a walk in the sunshine before supper. The 24 degree temperature quickly dropped as we had an interesting conversation with a fellow who pointed out the oak trees in the pasture nearby. He also wondered if a homeless person would do well in Canada. When we told him that it was much warmer and drier in California, he gave mean temperatures and rainfall stats of the area. He didn't ask for much, just a listening ear, a few moments of our time and a bit of cash for fruit.

If tomorrow goes as well as today, we should stop not far from San Francisco tomorrow. I am trying to psych myself up to drive through that city. After all, I have a navigation system, there are maps and info centres, and I can pull over to breathe at almost any time. Prayer will certainly be part of my preparation!

But Bryan reminded me that I don't have to worry about that now. He's right again. One day at a time.