North Coast Ride

We've been trying to ride again to Oregon for years and something happens (bad weather, stuff falling off trucks and hitting us, etc.) to stop the trip. Our friends headed up on the same day I was co-hosting a Wedding Shower so we couldn't go with them. We figured out we could meet them on their way back home.
Someone thought it would be wise to get an early start out of town so off we rode at 6 am, UGH, and people are actually out and about at this time on the Thursday after the holiday on the 4th...who knew? The concern was that it would be too hot for me until we got to the Coast.  Not to worry, it was overcast until we reached the Coast....then it was foggy.  We were not going to see the sun for a few days, until the day we returned.

Samoa Cookhouse, the BEST breakfast place....if you're near Eureka you must eat here...they serve three meals a day.  It started years ago to feed the loggers.  They have long tables and you sit next to strangers...well they're strangers until you all become fast friends while dining.  They have a fixed menu and serve family style.  You can eat as much as you like.  We had scrambled eggs, potatoes, biscuits and gravy, Texas toast, and the best sausage links (NO gristle...at all).

When you're in this area, The Avenue of the Giants is a must.

Back out on the Coast, we stopped to look out over the Pacific Ocean.  I NEVER get tired of this....it's so beautiful and different every time.

Our second (and last night) on the road, we stayed at the Stanford Inn by the Sea.

This is the view from our room.  We had a balcony all to ourselves.

After we checked in, we had enough time to walk around the place before my massage.  Oh yeah, it isn't just about riding.

There were plenty of lovely flowers and a veggie garden too.

This is the river that's just down the road from the Inn.

Our friend Margaret is really in to the property where we sleep.  This makes it quite an adventure for us.  There's generally a twist.  Mostly the B&B thing that we are NOT in to....at all....but I won't go in to that now.  We didn't check out the place before booking, we just followed her lead.  So we get a sense that this is a different place....VERY dog friendly, which we don't hate but we're not pleased because you just never know if that animal has been all over the furniture, etc.  and if the owners tidy up after their animal. Anyway, we see the garden and we know it's a big deal now to get veggies from an on site garden.  Back at the room, when I go for my massage, Dave begins to read the literature.  That's when we find out this is an "Eco Resort" and it's totally and seriously (is there any other kind?) VEGAN.  So here I am at the #1 Vegan resort with my #1 Carnivore!

Above is a "Reuben" sandwich.  I had an heirloom tomato salad and Dave had this pizza.  We were still stuffed from our HUGE breakfast and then lunch in Ft. Bragg at the Wharf (where I skipped lunch and just had dessert :)

But all was well because they served regular wine....although we're guessing the vineyards are organic and fully sustainable.

And our ride back on Saturday was in 100+ degree temperatures with full sun.  I was not pleased with the heat, Dave was in heaven.  And when we stopped for lunch in Calistoga....we ALL ordered something with meat or fish!