#28 Mar 2014 Shake Up and Stabilize

Sunday, March 9 we were in bed by about 10 PM. A short while later we both woke up thinking the other one was rolling around in bed. We each said, “Lie still” and went back to sleep. It felt as if someone was heavily walking around in the front room.

The next morning as we were leaving the park, staff asked if we had felt the earthquake last night. OK! Now we knew what woke us. We were about 80 miles south of Eureka CA and the 6.9 earthquake was about 50 miles from there out into the ocean and 3.5 miles below the seabed. In 1978 in Papua New Guinea we felt many small quakes bit not much since then.

We continued up the California coast to Crescent City. This would be the end of the coastal highway.

Now came more corners and hills. Ralph said a few times that he felt like he was fighting the steering wheel all the time. This drive was another example of the roads we need to prepare for in the future and Ralph needs to be comfortable and relaxed. Again, on the map this highway does not seem to show the 20 mph turns and twists.

Tuesday we had an appointment with Henderson Lineup in Grants Pass OR to assess the suspension of the RV. Henderson is recognized across North America as experts in suspension, steering and vehicle handling. They started with a comprehensive road test assessment, followed by a complete suspension and steering inspection. They identified many upgrades that would give us a more stable, safe ride. Wow, more dollars than we expected. What would give us the best bang for our poor Canadian dollar? Front and rear sway bars were upgraded and a track bar added. When Ralph came back from the final test drive he was a happy camper! We plan to travel for thousands of miles and want to feel comfortable and safe.

Ralph commented that with the improved stabilization of the RV we might not feel the next eqrthquake. I guess we’ll wait and see/feel.

While the shop was working on the RV we went to Jacksonville. The town has over 100 heritage buildings which have been well preserved and utilized for today's businesses.

This is also prime wine country and so we sampled. We had to watch our quantity before crossing the border into Canada but were able to purchase and enjoy some local wine.

We are now well labeled and identified.

#27 Mar 2014 The Redwoods - bigger than our imagination can grasp!

March 8th we continued our homeward trek heading for the giant redwoods in northern California. We started out with good intentions. We discovered an ARCO gas station with fuel at $3.39 per gallon. It was 20 to 30 cents cheaper than other stations so it was busy. After nearly half an hour we had only $100 worth of gas as the station limited each transaction. Well, let’s get on our way.

We had phoned Richardson Grove RV Park in Garberville CA and the manager said she would wait for us to arrive that evening as she lives on site. Sounds good.

Once again the GPS was worth its weight in gold as we worked our way through Oakland CA from one freeway to another. Ralph says if he had looked closely at the map before we headed out he would have gone through Nevada to avoid the congestion.

We survived the congestion and only faced the construction but were much later than anticipated. We were on #101 which is a major highway and very scenic. Scenic seems to have come before major in the road design. The last 30 mile stretch was a narrow, winding road - in the rain - with giant redwoods right beside the highway. Those of you familiar with Vancouver 1st or 12th Avenue will recognize how the trees crowd the road. This daytime photo shows the road near the RV Park.

This was an unfamiliar road in the dark. Ralph was concentrating and I was vey quiet. We finally arrived at the address in the GPS – Richardson Grove State Park. We crept into the park and looked around for anyone. Nope! No sign of people. Ralph walked around and I searched the GPS and Passport America directions. Ooops – We were looking for Richardson Grove - RV Park, not State Park. Remember, we cannot back up with the Suzuki in tow. Fortunately we were able to make a circle and backtrack to the RV Park where the manager directed us to a pull through site.

A very light supper and early to bed. We both apologized and said we would be more careful in the future. Some learning experiences are positive – some not – but still learning experiences.

In the morning Ralph went to un-hitch the Suzuki and the battery was dead. Another ooops – the key had been left in the “on” position instead of the “accessory”. Dead battery and more learning. The nearby service station manager gave the Suzuki a boost and we were set to go – in the rain again but we are “wet coasters”.

Across the highway from the RV Park, this “Grandfather Tree” was our introduction to the immense redwoods. It’s hard to grasp the size and age of these trees.

Nearby “Avenue of the Giants” is a well signed 32 mile drive among groves of coast redwoods. These redwoods are taller than any other living thing and can live over 2,000 years. Many of these groves are old growth and have never been logged. This photo shows how small the Suzuki looks in front of the trees.

The burls on the trees seem to look like fantastical creatures.

The rain forest also creates mossy trees that seem to glow when the sun peaks through the clouds.

Along the open highway young redwoods show the red bark clearly. As the trees age the gray, grooved bark grows up from the bottom.

#26 Mar 2014 OMGod what a Beautiful World you have Created!

Bug Sur coastline defies description. Every picture you have ever seen of the rugged, awe-inspiring California coast must come from Big Sur!

We checked the weather forecast carefully hoping for a sunny, blue-sky day for our drive south from Monterey and Carmel. It was indeed a sunny day but the ocean pounds against the sand and cliffs and the spray creates a haze in many places.

For miles we stopped at every viewpoint and were awed by the power and majesty of the ocean and the coast.

Since 1889 this lighthouse has stood sentinel to warn ships of the treacherous water ahead.

As we were talking to a park interpreter we learned that the road to Pfeiffer Beach had just re-opened that day after a forest fire.

The one-lane road winds beside a stream with a few homes occupied and unoccupied along the way.

The water is unpredictable and savage. Even when it appears calm a riptide can come in and cause destruction.

The sand, however, is intriguing and truly as purple as these pictures.

The day we visited Carmel By The Sea was gray and foggy so we HAD TO browse through the shops. An enjoyable day but not photogenic.

On our way back from Big Sur we went to the beach in Carmel and watched the sunset.

Once again a day to remember!

#25 Mar 2014 Monterey Bay Area

Monterey Bay area has inspired countless artists from painters to poets to writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson and John Steinbeck.

Steinbeck was born and raised in the Monterey/Salinas area and drew much of his inspiration for his novels from the land and people of his home and countryside.

In 1960 Steinbeck drove this truck and camper around the US to reconnect with the people who were the strength and character of his country. “Travels with Charley In Search of America” was the result of his trip.

This trip is our exploration of the world around us and this blog helps us share our experiences with family and friends.

The influence of the ocean is visible around every corner. Pier 1 on Old Fisherman’s Wharf has the shops and restaurants and whale watching tours.

Ralph tried to help this fisherman but was too late.

Pier 2 has the fishermen with commercial and public sales. Some of the fishers (sea lions) were well fed and resting under the pier. PS: Ralph was holding the back of my jeans when I took these photos!

Cannery Row was the heart of the fishing industry until over-fishing led to the end of the sardine bounty. In the 1950’s Monterey turned to tourism which has flourished.

Nearby Castroville is the “Artichoke Center of the World”. We learned that they grow on bushes, are harvested a few times a year and the plants produce for 2 to 3 years. Another piece of trivia we will try to retain.

In Moss Landing the sea lions seemed to be calling someone on the boats but no one answered.

This otter was enjoying lunch.

#24 Mar 2014 Whales, Dolphins and SEA LIONS!

We stayed at the Salinas/Monterey KOA Resort for a week. This park has the best internet and cable TV of our trip. We spent hours on Skype and usually had good service. It was a great opportunity to catch up with family and friends.

We have often looked longingly at whale watching tours around Vancouver; however, we know the chance of seeing a whale is less than 100%. In the Monterey area there are so many migrating whales the tours almost always see whales. Our biggest decision was which tour company to choose, small or large boat, top deck viewing (which costs more), 3, 4 or 5 hour tour. We chose the big 100’ boat with top deck viewing and a 3 hour cruise (not to Gilligan’s Island which is in Hawaii).

Gray whales are migrating north past Monterey Bay at this time of year. From about 100 yards away we watched 4 gray whales for half an hour as they came up to blow.

Then they would dive and disappear for 2 or 3 minutes. As they age the gray whales bodies become white with scars from fighting and mottled with barnacles. Gray whales rarely breach the water completely so we only saw their backs and occasionally their tails.

The top deck view was worth it as we had a much better view of the whales and dolphins. When they swim just under the surface of the water their bodies create a green glow from the reflected sunlight.

We saw a group of 8 Rossi dolphins who were on a route different from ours so we enjoyed them for a few minutes but again they did not breach the water.

It was a sunny day in Monterey but foggy out to sea; however, the Skipper found his way home without mishap.

Around Fisherman’s Wharf the sound of the sea lions is deafening sometimes. This breakwater is covered with sea lions, cormorants and the occasional habour seal.

They are everywhere around the water and on every flat surface they can access.

We could not see the bottom layer of sea lions so can only guess there were at least 30 on this float.

All together an amazing day!