Road trip day 15

I'm trying to think of different ways to greet my followers. Starting the third week officially on the road (as in after completing the Courage Classic), I thought I'd try to start with something special. At least, more specific, something special to me:
I rode my bike over the Golden Gate Bridge today. On my third trip to San Francisco, I finally saw the thing with my own eyes. I wanted to ride over it, and I did. I also rode down the north end of the bridge, as suggested by the night manager at my last overnight stop. I don't think he intended on a bicycle, but I did that and in a car, too. On the bike ride I spotted a taco shop to patronize. It was good, but I should have ordered two Sausalito tacos to go rather than just one.
That explains the first two pics.
I had a goal to drive as much as possible along the Pacific coast. I should be able to cover the rest from here along the 101 (tonite I'm in a tent in Eureka, CA typing this, more on that later), but to this point to drive CA route 1 all the way from San Diego has been a challenge.
Today I headed westerly shortly after the Golden Gate, but found once againg switchbacks and hairpins for a good hour before I found the ocean once again. And then when I found it, more of the same conditions. It literally took me five hours to drive about 120 miles; it was beautiful, yes, but long. I did follow the Rand McNally scenic drive complete with scenic seal (the best scenic area of the state, and it hasn't failed me yet) and made it back to the 101 before the sun set. That left me with 210 miles to go for my destination of Eureka.
I saw grapes. Everywhere. On steep slopes. On the flat. At one point I searched on the GPS for wineries. I guess if you have over 40 in a 25 mile radius, you're in wine country.
I was climbing and descending pretty often, so I turned on the elevation function of the GPS. I went from 200 feet to 1800 then to 700 to 1300 and so fourth. And, I noticed that satellite coverage diminished significantly after twilight. Yep. I'm in redwood country, too. The 101 actually turned from freeway with two lanes in each direction to single lane and speed limit 25 a number of times to go around trees six feet around. Multiple times. I'm sure they were 100 feet tall plus, too. I was kind of disappointed to drive through in the dark, but something tells me I will get my fill Wednesday.
Which brings me to Eureka in a tent.
As you may know, I don't plan in advance most times. Not lodging, not tickets, not really even things to do during the day. I just go with what is available.
Well then. I think I jinxed myself mentioning the time that Dave Noyce on a research project trip didn't reserve a room for the three of us in Dover Delaware. This isn't particularly amusing unless you knew there was a bluegrass convention in town and the place was booked. Every hotel in town. So when Dave asked if there was 'anything', well, there was the honeymoon suite left... Yeah. Tub sized for two. The bed didn't take quarters, though. A quick run to Wal-Mart and what do you have? Two feet of bubbles above the tub rim. It was sweet.
So why did I just tell you all that? Well, it seems that Humboldt University is having student orientation. Yep. Booked solid for an hour and a half radius.
So, I had intended to break out the 'ol tent at some point, just didn't plan it at the KOA. In Eureka California. But, its quiet, its chilly, lower 50s tonite (sorry Rick) and it smells better than the Motel 6 office did with no vacancies.
So enjoy, and drive on. I will be. And I'll plan a spot to unroll the tent and let it dry. Cause drizzle in the forecast isn't sounding wonderful for dry tent management.