Jimmy and Leslie’s Mini-Adventure

Today’s Date: September 24, 2025

Today’s Start Point: Klamath, California

Today’s End Point: Eureka, California 

Today’s Miles: 66.69 Miles

Cumulative Miles: 723.63 Miles

As you might have figured out, the internet kept dropping out in our Victorian lodging last night so I uploaded yesterday’s post today while at the beach during my ride. Our destination today is Eureka, California at a “historic” Victorian home called the Pinc Lady Mansion. Les checked in online this morning during brief windows of 21st century internet coverage. After our experience at the “Historic” Inn, we were both apprehensive about another bout with history.

Our apprehension seemed to be prescient. After checking in online, we received an e-mail from the establishment praising the historic nature of the venue. In addition, however, was a long list of “don’ts”, including there is no private bathroom (I am too old not to have a bathroom within five feet of my bed), you must wear provided slippers inside, only on-street parking, and you can not keep a bike indoors but they recommend not leaving anything valuable in your car (I guess our only option would be to get my bike a room at a nearby hotel).

Obviously we would be staying in a museum, which might be nice for a traditional vacation, but not one where half of the occupants of the room is a hot sweaty mess. We decided to cancel and booked a room at a Best Western. Might not be as romantic and interesting, but it’s pretty pretty pretty good for what we need.

With logistics solved, I headed south into a foggy morning. It was about 50 degrees but I had a nice tailwind. The day started with some small climbs up Highway 101, the road surrounded by trees.

My route eventually took me off the highway onto a side road into the Redwood National and State Park. The road rose up, not gently, but steep for three miles. I was climbing through giant Redwoods. I did not get to fully appreciate the view on the way up due to my effort, but would have plenty of time on the descent.

Oh what a descent! Five miles straight down with gentle curves; I never needed to hit my brakes. As I was speeding down the road, I was surrounded by these giant trees, the route completely covered in shadow. No cars, just me and the trees.

Eventually, I dropped back down to Highway 101, continuing my southward journey. I was starting to get sleepy, owing to the fact that I forgot to drink my two 5-Hour Energy Drinks this morning. Just then, I saw Les pull up ahead taking pictures of my approach. I know my first thought should have been how nice it was to see her, but I must admit I was thinking of the energy drinks in the car.

With some brief pleasantries and a boost of caffeine, I continued down Highway 101. As I approached the town of Trinidad, my route once more took me off the Highway and onto a side road that led me up cliff hugging roads that ran along the coastline.

I could hear seals on the rocks below as the road twisted and wound around the various inlets and bays. Although the views were great, the road surface was not. At times the road had deteriorated completely to gravel, making me once again thinking that I should have brought last year’s heavier bike. Pedaling gently so as not to blow a tire, I eventually came back to Highway 101.

Both detours off of Highway 101 were well worth taking, each providing very different scenic opportunities. The first leading me through an ancient forest completely covered in shadow and the second climbing high and showing me a birds eye view of the rocky beaches below.

Once back on the Highway, I took advantage of the tailwind and sped south towards Eureka. Between the town of Arcata and Eureka, there is a wonderful paved bike path. Arcata is a college town and seems to exude that crunchy vibe that California is known for, a natural food and cannabis store haven (cannabis is natural I guess). The bike path hugged the bay, finally leading me through the “historic” downtown area. I swear every town in the US is historic, which I guess is true in the strictest sense of the word.

The town actually does look interesting. Les got here early and bought me chocolates from a local chocolatier. Historic or not, I like Eureka.

I finished a little after 1:00 pm, earlier than other days on this trip. After the last few days of hectic running around, we decided to take it easy. It’s funny how a 65 mile day with 3,500 feet of climbing now constitutes a rest day.

We went to a fabulous bistro in town, with transportation provided by the Best Western’s stretch limo (I am only adding the last fact to provoke Leslie’s cousin Kristin-she thinks I am going soft). While at the restaurant, the New York teachers I had met a few days before came in. Incredibly small world, they are staying at the same hotel.

The next two days will be tough so it was nice for both of us to have some down time.