Elk and Jon - Day 31 – 46 miles

I woke around 4am and had difficulty sleeping because of the cold. It was not far above freezing in the Redwoods. I wasn't really used to camping in the cold so had gone to bed without enough clothes on. When the sun eventually rose around 3 hours later I emerged from my tent to find a thick fog over the campground. I hurriedly made breakfast, everything is done hurriedly in cold like this.

Once on the road it took a while to warm up. The giant Redwoods block out most of the sunshine. Riding downhill through the shade is a pretty nippy experience. I had to keep wiggling my fingers to keep them from getting losing all feeling. Passing through the first nearby town of Orick I saw at least 6 bikes parked outside the cafe. The previous night at the campground there had been 20 or more cyclists camping. I think I preferred it when there wasn't so much 2-wheeled company.

I noticed a herd of Elk on the other side of the road. I slammed on the brakes and crossed the road to take a look. There were about 50 Elk, the biggest were as large as big horses. There seemed to be a main guy in charge of the herd. He was the only one with antlers. Enormous antlers. I could now see why there were signs everywhere warning about the dangers of approaching Elk.

I was riding well today. All the hills seemed easy in comparison with those I'd encountered yesterday. The scenery was good. Large freshwater lagoons lined the coast.

I stopped for lunch in a town confusingly called Trinidad. I bought some things in the supermarket and had a car park picnic. I guy pulled his car up in front of me. He said he was a cyclist too and wanted to recommend a route to me. He told me about a back road that would take me off my planned route on the freeway. I was very glad I followed his advice. It was the best road I've ridden on the entire trip. I can see why the road didn't appear on my map. It was literally falling into the ocean. The road was partly dirt track but the views were stunning. The Pacific was much clearer and greener than I had seen further north. There were small forested islands with sea-lion colonies living on them.

I was having stomach cramps again after rushing off after lunch so I stopped at a beach to read my book for a while. I got talking to a surfer. He said the surf was great today. As I rode off he shouted, 'Have a good ride bro.' I liked being called 'bro' by a surfer, it made me feel pretty cool for a minute.

The day ended with 10 miles of freeway riding. Not much fun and a bit scary at times. I reached the campsite. For a change it was not a state park but a commercial campground. I was given a spot right next to the noisy freeway in a forgotten about part of the campsite. Nobody else I knew was there yet and I was starting to worry I'd be staying there alone for the night. Before too long Brian, Beth and Kate arrived. They were all in good spirits having just met up with Elon in Arcata. He'd told them that his bike would be too costly to repair and finish the trip. It was a shame to hear Elon wouldn't be rejoining us.

Brian and Beth made dinner for everyone and Kate had bought everyone a mini bottle of wine. We had a great feast of burritos and wine in the campsite's game room. It was too cold to eat outside.

It was supposed to be 6 degrees Celsius tonight so I put on all my clothes and went to bed.