Day 6 - Elk Prairie to Eureka, CA

We awoke this morning to characteristic northern California clouds and mist covering the prairie.  Within a few miles, we spotted a giant elk munching on a tree in someone's front yard.  Elk are often spotted in the mornings and evenings at this remote site.  We hardly had time to stop for a breather on our way to Arcata, searching for cell reception so George could phone interview for a new position at Five Oaks.  Near Humbolt State University, Arcata lives up to its "reputation."  The coffee shop we visited for George's interview was complete with several free-spirited, happy, and hungry individuals.  After a quick stop at the local Life Cycle bike shop for a repair on Kristen's shoe, we headed further south on 101, to our one and only KOA site on the trip.  The PR team at the Eureka KOA deserves a gold star.  If you have an opportunity to stay at a KOA in Eureka, please simply sleep in your car near the shoulder of the highway or hole up in a McDonald's bathroom.  When you're dying to play a round of mini-putt on a weathered, warped, plywood course, you'll know where to go.  

 

Day 5 - California border to the Redwoods!

Kristen and George woke up with sore legs this morning, dreading the long 65-mile trek to Elk Prairie Campground in the Redwood National Forest.  One of the highest climbs of their ride lay in this leg of the trip--an ascent through the first of California's coastal hills, just south of Crescent City.  Highway 101 winds uphill on a ridge overlooking the ocean, carrying logging and commercial trucks and RV's down the coast.  The riders motored through the hill at a steady 5 mph pace, into a gorgeous section of forest, where misty fog hangs amongst the mammoth trees (some were three of Kristen's arm spans across!)  

The evening brought the campers to Elk Prairie Campground, a lovely, quiet setting of the Newton Drury Scenic Byway, where campers are nestled amongst some of the biggest Redwoods.  Sun bears, black bears, and elk frequent this area, so "bear boxes" (large, metal, strong) have been constructed at each site as a place to store people food.  

So far, George and Kristen consider the day's ride to be one of the highlights of their trip, with the variety of terrain and incredible views of the largest trees in the world.  The tallest trees reach 350 feet high!  The sad irony is that the lumber industry is still alive and well in these forests, and travelers can still see trucks loaded with one giant redwood.  Paul Bunyan and Babe the Ox even greet visitors at the Trees of Mystery, a tourist site on the Redwood Highway housing art that's been carved out of the wood.  

Still working on posting pictures!  Internet has been spotty and slow at best, but lots of great photos should be coming soon!

Day 4 - Port Orford to Brookings, OR

The Falcon Four launched their fourth morning (Monday) from a quiet, secluded campsite near Humbug Mountain, the tallest on Oregon's coast at 1,700 ft.  George and Kristen headed out on the road for a 48-mile trip on two wheels, while Jen and Justin headed up the peak for a steep hike and then a quieter stroll through a lovely, clear creek near the campsite.  All campers--three of whom are native Oregonians, have discovered that the Southern Oregon coast is quite spectacular. Winding beaches, jagged rock formations, seabirds, green, lush forests, and dozens of sweeping views dot every mile of meandering Highway 101.  

So far, the Oregon coast's fickle weather has been kind to the travelers.  Although George and Kristen have been wearing sunscreen, they haven't been burned yet, or rained on.  The mornings are cooler and a bit foggy, but the clouds burn off towards the afternoon. 

Rosalee's appliances are now fully functioning, thanks to Justin's patience and handiness, and all campers are feeling more comfortable in their home-away-from-home.   

Day 3 -- Sunset Bay to Humbug Mountain

On the second leg of their trip, George and Kristen stumbled on a coffee shop with internet in the cute (and very windy) town of Bandon, OR. At 70+ miles, G & K finished 10% of their total ride! Jen and Justin are reaquainting themselves with Rosalee the RV. Although she's run smoothly so far, her appliances are showing their age; J & J had to visit three R.V. shops yesterday to find a new water pump so the campers can have running water aboard.
Sunset Bay and Honeyman campsites have been lovely--white, sandy beaches, huge dunes to play on, and lots of stars in the dark night sky. George and Kristen even took hot showers last night.
Two injuries so far, neither related to cycling: Kristen was stung by a bee while zooming down Hwy 101, and George has a minor cut on his pinky finger that's healing nicely.
We are collecting many pictures to upload, and are hoping to share these with you in the next few days, when we find our next internet connection.
Love to everyone!
Kristen, George, Jen, and Justin

Pre-pre-day One

Four teachers.  Two bikers.  Two hikers.  One Winnebago.  Jen, Justin, George and Kristen launch an epic trek down the Oregon and California coastline on August 1st, 2008.  The first leg will be from Honeyman to Sunset State Park.  Eventually, the crew will retire their sore limbs in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco.  

George and Kristen are enjoying their upstate New York family vacation right now, in hopes of resting up for the big adventure. They are optimistic that infrequent, short training rides have adequately prepared them for the grueling 700 mile journey.  

 Jen and Justin have been gearing up for the trip by teaching summer school at Five Oaks and remodeling Jen's new house.  Since they've been working so hard back at home, a vacation getaway seems to be the perfect tonic for work's ailments.    

The Fab Falcon Four will continue to submit entries to as the trip nears and once they're on the road.