big tree.
Today's picture is of the redwoods in Humboldt County. Photo © pashnit.com

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what the hell are you doing up?
That's a good question. The night before I left for Calistoga, I went to bed super early, and couldn't sleep at all. I just tossed and turned. Tonight, I guess I'm overcompensating in the other direction; it's midnight, and I'm still pretty awake. I don't have to leave at any particular time in the morning, so I figured I'd set the alarm for 7:30, hit snooze, pack the last remaining things into my saddlebags, and head to Hobies for the pre-ride caffeine. And then I'm off for four days and about a thousand miles.

I went to bed last night totally stressed out over the fact that it's supposed to be over 100 degrees all throughout the Central Valley tomorrow (See that pink stuff? That's not "frolic merrily in the breeze." That's "hotter than the sun."). Things not high on my list: riding for 350 miles in black leathers in 100 degree sunshine. I fretted heavily.

This morning I woke up, and the solution was obvious. Rather than going up through the Central Valley, I'm going to take two days to get to Redding, and go up the coast instead. It'll be ten to forty degrees cooler in areas, and much more scenic. I'd rather see ocean and redwoods than endless vineyards and desert, frankly. And I'll get to go through some cool places that I've wanted to visit, like Fort Bragg and Mendocino County in general (I've been to Mendocino, but have never ridden there). I'll also be passing through Humboldt County, which I've heard has an amazing Redwoods park. How cool is that? Besides, it's only supposed to get to 80 degrees in Humboldt County tomorrow -- much better than the Central Valley's 100+.

So, yeah. It'll be a fun ride. I'm trying to remember that it's my vacation, that I'm in no rush to get anywhere "on time," and to just relax and enjoy the ride. I'm a little bummed that no one could ride up with me, and the people I was supposed to meet at the conference all had to cancel, too...but I'll still have fun and will meet tons of new people. :)

Have a great Fourth of July, y'all. Be back this weekend. :)