so much keeps on happening that I almost wish that I had decided to bring a laptop to update. I say almost because ohmygod! i'm still lugging too much stuff behind me.

Right now: I am updating from a KOA just south of Arcata, north of Eureka. I am waiting to see if two other cyclists who I am expecting will show up so we can split camping costs.

Yesteday: Amazing cycle through the California redwoods. I can't imagine a better way to see the trees then by bike. I felt sorry for all the motorists zooming by. The scenic routes!! I almost biked myself off the road twice with all the rubber-necking at the trees. Two significant climbs yesterday - over 1000 feet each i think, but was ok, because the gradient wasn't bad and the weather was nice and cool with a strong tail wind (for once!)

Also yesterday: Joe, Michael and I split up to continue our own trips. In case they read this: THANK YOU GUYS FOR AN AWESOME TRIP DOWN THE OREGON COAST. Alfred, thank you too for delicious steak, guitar playing, and for showing us how to bike tour with some european style. It was sad to see such a good thing come to an end, but I barely had a chance to shed a tear as I left them in the campground when some dude also touring appeared on my wheel wanting to chat. For the love of god! what does one have to do to cycle in some peace? I dropped him in like two block and never saw him again. It was never going to work.

Also today: visited my FIFTH bike shop of the trip. So far I've had repairs, tune ups, cleats replaced on my shoes, my rear casette replaced and today the guy fixed the wobbling in my rear wheel that had appeared yesterday (was driving me crazy), and informed me whoever built my wheel did it a cm wrong. All is apparently all fixed and I should have no more problems. We will see.

Also today: Got more information about the Lost Coast Century i want to do. Apparently it is full of epic climbs and can be done in two days with gear or one without - as there is no way I am dragging Bob up 20-25% gradient climbs I'm going to leave Bob behind and do it in a day. Based on weather reports I'm going to go on Saturday, taking friday as a rest day. The bike store guy (the last one) was very enthusiastic about my plan which makes me feel better about it.

Also today: STEEP climb up to Lady Bird Johnson Grove. I don't know why I'm mentioning it here cause I know I am never going to forget it. To all future cyclists, it was most definitly not worth it, AND because I had misread my guide book I only had my cycling shoes and so chewed up my new pair of cleats (bike store four) on the gravel of the 1 mile hike. But after all the suffering I was going to get every peice of information and vista out of that stop that I could.

Tomorrow continuing down the 101 to Marine Garden Club Grove in Hunboldt Redwoods State Park where I'm going to camp the night, and spend the next day before starting my tour.