Day 7, Ferndale to Burlington Campground, Redwoods, 33 miles

 I've had a couple easy/easier days. Not a lot of miles, most climbs manageable. There's a give and take with the 101--climbs are announced with time to downshift. Of course, the negative is the loud traffic. Today's 101 was short-lived and there was a wide bike lane. The problem with back roads is that the UPS can be surprisingly sharp. Even in my lowest gear I had to get off and push 

Last night I ate dinner in Ferndale--at an old hotel, possibly from the Gold Rush time period. There must be an architectural mandate that preserves much of the town. The bar at the hotel was wide and wooden and like a set piece from a Western. I got a pricey hamburger with a mountain of tater tots. 

I rode home just as the sun was settling in the West. All slanty and golden. I really loved camping at the fairgrounds. I had the bathroom/shower completely to myself. I've been having issues, not sure if the chain lube has much to do with it. Definitely nerves. 

Today is my 7th day of travel.

I thought it would be longer and a little easier. The road follows the Eel River, nonetheless, there were bottom gear climbs. But, surprisingly I made good time. After entering the Avenue of the Giants I slowed down to take pictures and make a tuna burrito. I'm trying to use up the food I've been carrying around the past week. Tomorrow, more Avenue of the Giants for at least half the day. I'm camped tonight at Burlington campground. Bathroom close by. I'm typing this report on a bench beneath a Redwood grove on the Gould Nature Loop, a trail featuring some of the oldest and biggest trees.

But, first . . .the redwoods, the Redwoods, the REDWOODS! There is nothing minor or small about them. They are hundreds of years old. Shaggy and hoarish, as if rimed with age and grey fur. Ferns! Also gigantic. Upon entering the parkway, it was immediate, clear--I was in the presence of something much, much greater than myself, the 101, or the tallest roller coaster at an amusement park. These were giants. 

Just like seeing the ocean with the haystack formations, I knew I was elsewhere--in time, geography, a slip in the universe. The word awesome gets used too much, but in this circumstance it applies. I was overwhelmed and felt dumb trying to catch it on my cellphone camera.