Day 2 – Avenue of the Giants, Limousines and the Blues

Koshi and Jaz brought a sticky bun and rye bread to share at breakfast and we all tucked in: a couple from Barcelona and others from San Diego. Koshi was Hawaiian and lived with Jaz in San Francisco and conversation turned to travel and a discussion about our favourite places to visit. Koshi’s enthusiasm for life was infectious and was typical of the Americans we have met in our travels over the years. Early morning in Mendocino was a glorious blue; the town had been transformed by bright sunshine, which had been sadly lacking the previous day. We decided to wander up and down the high street, in and out of an eclectic mix of art galleries and boutiques.

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The conversation at breakfast had caused us to change our plans and, instead of staying on the coast, we would head inland to the Avenue of the Giants on Route 101.

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As we travelled inland the temperature began to soar; within an hour the temperature had reached 99 degrees – 40 degrees higher than on the coast. Luckily,we discovered that our car seats were actually refrigerated! It was a welcome relief from the heat but we felt like we had wet ourselves (is this too much information?). We kept checking – just to make sure.

The Avenue of the Giants is a long and winding road through dense redwood forest and we were a little awe-struck by the sheer magnificence of the towering trees; with the roof down on the car we could enjoy the full beauty of the canopy far above.

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There were many signs advertising trees that you could drive your car through (for a fee, of course), such was the size of their trunks and we stopped for a rest at a place boasting a 1800 year old tree. It’s trunk was enormous and its scale humbling.

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But the experience was marred, in my opinion, by the commercial enterprise that had been built around it – shops selling all manner of gifts, ice cream and toys – it resembled a theme park. I didn’t like it but, as you can see, Rachel managed to get into the spirit of it all (Rachel is the one without the tie)!

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At the northern tip of the forest we were approaching our intended destination of Eureka, back on the coast where the temperature had again plummeted to about 59 degrees. After finding our hotel there was just enough time to freshen up before being driven, by our own personal chauffeur – Salina – in a limousine to the historic district and, reputedly, the best fish restaurant in town – The Sea Grill.

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As you might expect there was a bit of a wait for a table so we ordered drinks at the bar, where we met a lovely local couple called Ralph and Nancy. Nancy told us of their lives in Eureka and their numerous children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and confirmed the restaurant’s high status in the town as did the prices on the menu! Ralph preferred to tell us about the 1960’s Jaguar in his garage, which Nancy would not ride in. A 1960’s Jaguar on California’s Route 1 – how perfect, I thought.

After dinner we visited another venue recommended by Salina – the Speakeasy cocktail bar, which made us feel like we were back in New Orleans. It’s a rather understated place with a very full bar and comprehensive cocktail menu. Be careful, they don’t skimp on the size of the shots! When we arrived it was almost empty but within minutes it was full to capacity with Blues lovers and we enjoyed a great evening listening to Buddy Reed and his excellent band – Th’Rip It Ups. Don’t miss this place if you visit Eureka. Tomorrow we cross into Oregon and Gold Beach.

One Comment

  1. Abi
    August 21, 2016
    Reply

    A chauffuered limo! Check you guys out! All sounds amazing xxxxx

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