13th day - 410 miles

I left early today from Half Moon Bay to beat traffic through San Francisco. The fog was so thick that at times visibility was no more than 20 yards. That made for an interesting ride through the cliffs around Point Reyes. After a great breakfast at the Parkside Café in Stinson Beach I continued up the coast.
Steep seaside cliffs with bizarre rock formation sticking out of the water were contrasting with grazing cows on gently rolling hills to the other side of the road. Add to this scene the struggle of sunlight with the fog rising off the water. Welcome to the pacific coast theater of northern California.
About 50 miles north of Fort Bragg the scenery changes completely. Highway 1 takes a turn east to climb high up into the coastal redwood forest. I got dizzy riding my bike as the never ending sharp turns whiplashed me left and right and up and down continuously for over 30 miles through the thick woods. The reward came in Leggett by riding finally through a tree instead of around it. Three bucks admission for this cheap revenge. Thank you!
The “Avenue of the Giants”, a 35 mile scenic byway, passes through Humboldt Redwoods State Park which has the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world and got me back towards the coast. From there it was a quick ride on coastal Highway 101 through Eureka to Crescent City where I will stay for the night.

Early morning close just north of Half Moon Bay.

Golden Gate Bridge - Believe it! It's there, right behind the fog.

Tidal Marsh at Point Reyes.

A rare moment of sunshine while riding through the forest.

Pelican fish hunting expedition.

Strange light in the tidal marsh.

Morning dew on a thistle. You knew that!

River meets the ocean.

This is for my friend Bob. You like it?

He thought he was camouflaged. Got you!

Pacific Theater.

Church steeple done west coast.

Sunlight breaking through the canopy.

Edward Scissorhand?

Pete, those are growing like weeds on the side of the road.

Can't think of a line. Please fill in your self.

Deteriorated shingle wall on an old barn.

On top of the hill.

Fog is rolling in again.

In the Redwood Forest.

This tree supports the town of Leggett.

Fellow bikers that lived in Alaska. Got some good advice. Thanks!

Avenue of the Giants.

One more for you Bob.

Eel River at dusk.

Jungle like scene in the Redwoods.