We left Colorado two weeks ago today. We had blue sky weather the whole time. We're now socked in with heavy rain and gusts of wind are rocking us as we sit still parked from last night. Wet weather is predicted for a week or longer all the way up the coast of Oregon. We're less than an hour from the Oregon border on the California side.
Noon on November 13, 2020
My mother recalls motels being called Tourist Cabins when she was young. This would have been in the late 30's or maybe 1940. She said the traveler's vehicle could be parked under what we think of as a carport right next to the cabin. She told of a time her family took a vacation from West Virginia to Florida where they rented a house on the beach. Along the way, they stayed in Tourist Cabins.
There was a music box left at their rental house that played Brahms Lullaby and the owner's of the house let my grandmother take it with her. A year or so later, when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, my mother recalls the joy her mother got from that box and the memories it elicited from their trip. She died almost within a year of her diagnosis.
There was a music box left at their rental house that played Brahms Lullaby and the owner's of the house let my grandmother take it with her. A year or so later, when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, my mother recalls the joy her mother got from that box and the memories it elicited from their trip. She died almost within a year of her diagnosis.
We camped for three nights at a gorgeous boondocking location high above the sea north of Fort Bragg. As we left yesterday morning, there were eagles, pelicans and cormorants on the rocks below. It was the last pull off right before the road turned away from the rugged shore and began winding through the thick forest. It was over twenty miles of hairpin turns with top speeds of 20 mph posted throughout.
After the "road of many turns" ended, PCH 1 met Highway 101. I pulled into the tiny town of Leggett at this merging point and bought a few high priced groceries at a tiny market. Leggett is the town known for the drive through tree. We were down to the last of our food and I wanted to be sure we had something in case I found a stellar place to spend the night before shopping at a proper grocery store. We also needed ice for our non working fridge. I splurged and bought a can opener too. I'd torn open a can of beans with an army knife a few days back, but didn't want that experience again.
The weather was starting to change yesterday with signs of rolling fog near the water. I walked on some of the most incredible sections of beach I've ever been on, but dogs weren't allowed. Signs prohibiting camping, fires, RV's and dogs were often posted. It was frustrating to know we have rolled back environmental standards across this country for corporations, but the control by State lands are so strict that a person can barely access Mother Nature. Some parks prohibit taking photographs without paying fees if you're a professional. I don't get that.
When we turned off highway 101 to a State Park ocean viewing area, I didn't see the No RV sign until it was too late. The road was too small to turn around on or to back up. I had to go down the short stretch of road to the beach parking area just so I could turn around. I chose to get out and breathe the salt air and take some photos (plus a short video) of the ocean since I was there. It was truly spectacular. Not one human was walking along the beach. I could have spent hours there, but for the restrictions.
I was able to drive back out the single lane road without another vehicle needing to pass. Whew. It was well worth the mistake though. That stretch of beach will long be etched in my memory.
When we turned off highway 101 to a State Park ocean viewing area, I didn't see the No RV sign until it was too late. The road was too small to turn around on or to back up. I had to go down the short stretch of road to the beach parking area just so I could turn around. I chose to get out and breathe the salt air and take some photos (plus a short video) of the ocean since I was there. It was truly spectacular. Not one human was walking along the beach. I could have spent hours there, but for the restrictions.
I was able to drive back out the single lane road without another vehicle needing to pass. Whew. It was well worth the mistake though. That stretch of beach will long be etched in my memory.
Eureka, California
I saw road signs that told of a radio station to tune into for elk information. As I was pondering what that meant, I saw elk crossing signs followed not long after by signs for elk viewing. I followed the arrows to a meadow filled with elk. What an unexpected treat.
I had an ocean view last night and could see the little town below, but this is what I see now.
After two weeks of finger combing our hair and only sink bathing because our hot water shower faucet doesn't work, we'll be staying in a cheap, small motel on the shore in this small town near Oregon for a couple of days. Tomorrow's wind is to be more fierce than today. I'll get clothes and blankets washed while we're there since self serve laundry is also available.
The view of the ocean from our motel.
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