Fort Bragg, CA

We (I'm back with Joe and Michael) survived the lost coast!!!!!
The hills were so ridiculous steep that Joe and Michael actually fell off their bikes with laughter when they saw one of the climbs. I was a head of them, and all I could hear were these shrieks - they sounded like they were being tortured.

Joe: I don't think we're cut out for this.
Michael: No, we're not.

Seriously, the steepest I've ever climbed I think - never have I been in so much pain on my bike after a deadly false summit. I thought we were done the climb, put back on all my layers, took a break, only to discover that we were barely half way. Brutal. But at the same time we got magnificent views, and some utterly insane descents where I thought Joe was going to come a cropper for sure ('i don't want to wear down my brakes by using them.')

Then we cycled down the Avenue of the Giants. More gigantic redwoods. Unfortunately my cell phone has either had no reception or has had a dead battery (I lost the part of the solar panel that charges the phone). Going light was the way to go. I'm never going to go back. I'm probably carrying about 15 lbs of gear and I love it!!! Even if i am down to the absolute basics in terms of clothing, and well, in terms of everything. One short sleeve cycling jersey, cycling shorts, leg warmers, arm warmers, one long sleeve jersey, rain jacket, one pair of socks. One pair of cycling shoes, one pair of crocs, one pair of normal pants, one merino wool t-shirt. Tent, thermal rest, sleeping bag, Phone and charger, cycling multitools and spare inner tube. Head lamp, sunscreen. Guide book. Journal, one pen, one pencil. One bike lock. Helmet. Glasses. Toothbrush, contacts, nail clipper, toothpaste, contacts, soap.

I think that is everything.

Also, i have been into almost every bike shop between Victoria BC and Fort Bragg, and Arcata's and Eureka's were both awesome. I'm predicting that my bike problems will lessen now that I'm carrying way less gear and not dragging Bob around after me.

We are all rather wrecked after all the climbing and need a break - at this rate, who knows when we will get to San Fran. Every hill feels like a mountain.

Also, there are a lot of weird people in Northern California.