Nomad Life - Day 104

Today was the day when I hoped I'd be able to make up some of the time I lost due to my trip to the East Coast.  By this point in my rough Nomad Life plan, I'd hoped to be in Oregon...  Without an alarm, I was awake by 0600 and had time for packing, reservations for the coming night, reading, puzzles and Duolingo before my scheduled call with Heidi V. (0700).  We had a nice time talking and, when we finished, I completed my morning routines.  Next, I went walking near the hotel (0955).  The estuary behind the buildings was definitely affected by the tides - this is why I'd thought it was flooding, I guess...  Morning temps were in the 40s and it was overcast again.  As I was departing (1000), I began to show signs of still being in the "wrong" time zone: I forgot to turn left for gas at Arco.  Realizing my mistake just before I got on US-101, I returned to the station and, when I got to a pump, started to have trouble with the special nozzles.  End result: I ended up overfilling my tank.  I didn't realize this, though, until I heard a girl almost screaming at me (1005).  Chastened (but with a full gas tank), I got on US-101 and drove north to Santa Rosa (listened to audiobooks on the way).  The Redwood Highway took me from Marin County into Sonoma County and I stopped at Russian River Brewing Company, a place my New Hampshire friend (Ed) had been talking about for years.  I parked right in front of the restaurant/bar at 1050 and found local fans lined up to get inside.  They provided info and grief (about my New Hampshire license plate).  Once inside (1100), I sat at the bar, where I met John and Steve, brothers who were a wealth of knowledge about the area.  Along the way, I got to try all of the 12 California Style beers (taster size pours) - it was a LOT of beer!  To chase it all down, I ordered some "Drew Bites", which were basically pieces of a pepperoni pizza.  In addition to talking with my new friends, we watched football.  Before I was done with my visit, I got recommendations to visit Geyserville (actual "old faithful") but was advised not to go to Mendocino ("it's too far").  I departed the pub at about 1300 and resumed my drive north on US-101.  Almost immediately, I noticed signs for the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport.  A bit later, I reached Geyserville - sadly, I never saw any signs for the geysers that I'd been told about.  Not wanting to get distracted and/or lost, I didn't stop in that area.  Instead, I took US-101 until I reached CA-128 - from there, I drove west towards Mendocino.  Fortunately, there was hardly any traffic going westbound and I was able to take in the many views of local vineyards and other scenery in the rolling hills without someone on my bumper.  Meanwhile, the temps rose to the 60s!  Perhaps the most amazing and welcome scenery was when I passed through long stretch of road inside the Navarro River Redwoods State Park (1450).  The long rows of stunning trees almost took my breath away!   A bit later, I arrived at the coast near the outflow of the Navarro River.  There were many rocky islands and I really wanted to stop.  With the sunlight being limited, though, I kept driving - this time, I was headed north on PCH (CA-1).  When I arrived in Mendocino (1520), I parked in town and then went walking on the trail system in the Mendocino Headlands State Park.  I got amazing views of the coastline, witnessed the awesome power of the Ocean waves, saw surfers and seabirds and enjoyed watching the sun as it dipped closer to the horizon.  After my hike, I explored the little town - in several places, I saw strange "water towers" (not sure what they were).  All told, I walked for about 1.5 miles before departing (1600).  At around this time, I learned that Notre Dame had not been selected for the CFP - this was a bit of a disappointing surprise...  Trying to forget about the news, I drove north on the PCH, a winding road with big cliffs.  There were many places for good views of the ocean but, also, a LOT of construction.  After Rockport, the road headed into the mountains and became the epitome of "curves".  Through the trees, I could see the ocean at times, along with some mist shrouded valleys between the hills below.  I took my time, watching my brakes, but was surprised to be passed several times by Oregon folks in a big burry...  As it got dark, the redwoods all around me made for an eerie scene.  When I finally reached the bottom of this amazing route, at the town of Leggett, I found a "drive through tree" roadside attraction (didn't stop).  I got back on US-101, which then was only two lanes, and made my way north (on more very curvy roads).  The speeds started to pick up soon after that and, with lots of fog (low visibility) and complete darkness, I was VERY careful.  Surprisingly, the temps were still in 50s.  I passed by (or even through) the Richardson Grove, Humboldt Redwoods and the Avenue of the Giants.  Altogether, I think the Redwood Highway is a well earned moniker.  The road eventually got wider and, consequently, the speeds began increasing.  Upon arriving in Eureka (1850), I first stopped at my hotel, the Travelodge on 4th Street, and checked into my room.  Almost immediately, I departed for the restaurant where I was supposed to meet Allison (M) and Johann W.  They were waiting for me at Shamus T. Bones BBQ, which had a menu of very fancy food.  Allison used to work for me (back in DC) and I'd last seen her (and Johann) at her dad's memorial service in New Hampshire (2023).  Not feeling like a burger or steak, I ordered Texas brisket.  I was a bit disappointed that it ended up being almost solid meat...  The macaroni & cheese and veggies lifted my spirits a bit, though.  Our conversation was good and we stayed until the restaurant was just about to close (2050).  After saying goodbye, backtracked to my hotel and (in my room) set up for next day of telework.  Realizing I was still short of my 10K step goal (2130), I took a walk on the streets near the hotel.  At first, I stayed close to the building and my car - I found a lot of cannabis dispensaries!  When I also encountered several hookers and homeless people, I followed signs that led me down to the Eureka Waterfront (Madaket Square).  In the end, I spent more than an hour walking roughly 2.5 miles.  When I was finished (2230, I returned to my room and spent the rest of the evening watching movies, reading, etc. As a result, I didn't go to bed until after 2300.  Another amazing day of California Coast Highlights!