Going-Going, Back-Back, to Cali

Day 20: Brookings, OR to Crescent City, CA
Today's Distance: 26 miles
Total Distance: 908
Today is the day I go back home!  Well, not really, but at least I'll be in the right State!  While it's a major milestone in my journey, it's hard not to think about the fact that California is bigger than everything I've done combined.  Like usual, it was a gloomy morning in Oregon.  From Brookings it's only about 6 miles to the California border, so I was crossing into my home state before I knew it.  Once I hit the "Welcome To California" sign I reflected on all I've accomplished up to this point. Even though I have a long road ahead of me, I'm still proud to have completed a tour around British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon.  I took a picture at the sign and then told myself, "One more State."

I think I sort of expected the sun to come out immediately as I crossed into Cali.  But nope, still gloomy.  Maybe the North Coast doesn't realize it's actually part of California and we demand sunshine.  Literally my first thought once past the Agricultural Inspection was: "Where is the nearest In-N-Out?"  I did a quick search and realized I got a LONG way before being near one.  Oh I can't wait! 

As for the ride, I was able to get off the 101 for most of the day and rode through a few little towns before hitting Crescent City.  I rode by the infamous Pelican Bay state prison. I was kind of shocked to see a group of inmates doing community service on the side of the road. I tried not to make eye contact, just in case.  Just past Crescent City is a couple huge climbs through the redwoods but I just didn't have the juice today so I decided to settle in Crescent City for the night.  I'm really looking forward to riding through the Redwood Forest and today it just would've been a cold, foggy struggle.  Until tomorrow!

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