The Big Country!

Our final night in Crescent City was interrupted when someone tried to enter our (locked) motel room. It was an elderly couple who had been wrongly checked-into our room....we weren't for exiting stage right and they certainly didn't want to press their case with us....they were understandably unhappy and as they made their way back to the desk could be heard referring to the Night Manager as a "Jackass"!! This morning was sunny as we left for Willits, taking the '101' south. We took the scenic byway out of Crescent City and were confronted by the famous statue of John Bunyon....the legendary lumberjack...often seen in guide books.

We also saw herds of elks grazing among the forest glades. On route, we took time out to visit Ferndale, a charming small town that we last visited with the fair Jenny (and Dave), six years ago. Little has changed except that its classic soda fountain has gone....lost to a fire!

But we discovered that we were in the coffee bar that its owner had since established. Here we fell into easy conservation with a couple of guys from the local newspaper, one of whom was born in the UK! After coffee, Pat went native and bought a hat!!

We set off again, heading for "The Avenue of Giants", famous for its massive redwoods. (Some of which can be driven through.)

The side trip was well worth the effort and we made several stops to marvel at the trees, some of which are over one thousand years old.

We were in "Big Foot" territory and whilst we didn't get a sighting, the tree-folk were clearly in evidence again!

We arrived in Willits late afternoon and checked into the (very nice) Best Western. A quick stroll about and then dinner at "Lumberjacks" (where the big boys eat!)

And today's California-style road-trip music.......