KOA? A-OK!

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Yesterday was the longest day of riding since we gained our third member in Centralia, Washington. The day took us up and down the Californian coast. The climbs were never long but some were very steep. We gave our granny gears a good workout along with our legs. We passed bay after beautiful bay. The water was turquoise in places and the large sandy beaches mostly deserted. We saw a whale offshore at a break in a park. Later we stopped in the town of Elk to visit their general store. Mike and I enjoyed ice creams, Mike Sr raised the stakes by getting a Monster energy drink. It's like coffee on steroids. He liked it.

After 60 miles we reached our destination: Manchester beach. There is a chain of campgrounds called KOA ("Kampgrounds of America"). They are typically overpriced and a little gimmicky, we have thus far avoided staying at one. However, the nearby state campground was closed and the KOA had special rates for cyclists so we swung in. And we were glad we did. For the same price as the state campground ($10 per person per night) we got a pool, hot tub, wifi, and blisteringly hot showers. Incredible. We may have to change our tune on KOAs.

Today was a rest day so we have done very little. We ate a great deal, poked at the internet a lot, tested the hot tub, Mike and I walked to the beach, and we had a campfire plus s'mores. For the Brits, s'mores are graham crackers (think digestive biscuits) with toasted marshmallows and a piece of chocolate smooshed between them. They were very delicious and I ate three.

Coastal cows

Ice plant

Headed toward Fort Bragg

We saw a whale here

Great weather today

Lumpy coast

Hazy deer

Mike getting caught by a wave

Regained his composure

Deer near Manchester beach state park

Comments

  1. Debbi StevensonOctober 17, 2018 at 12:19 AM

    Inept as usual in posting comments! Why not write a comment, post it and then just delete it!😥 Great cycling, well done. So where is the finish line? We loved driving that coast line, i'm sure it will be even better in slow (er) motion. Talk soon love Deb

    ReplyDelete
  2. Peter StevensonOctober 17, 2018 at 12:48 AM

    Great photos, I took the trouble to look at them full screen size. I'm just waiting for the The Old Guy to put in his two-pennyworth with a post, we haven't heard his wry humour for a bit. Like Debbi, I'm also wondering where the finishing line is. Call in Powey for a cup of tea then finish the job by going to the Mexican border?

    Stay safe (and sane). The Other Old Guy

    ReplyDelete
  3. CheriOctober 17, 2018 at 8:39 PM

    I thought the finish line would be your boat in Marina del Rey and I would happily pick up Mike for the next leg south but if Poway is the finish, that is great too!
    Ride safely.
    Cheri

    ReplyDelete
  4. the Old GuyOctober 18, 2018 at 8:47 PM

    Amazing! I have one fan! Thanks Peter. I have abstained from doing so because it's their blog and their adventure. I'm just a Jonny come lately who they have so far managed to tolerate.

    ReplyDelete

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