I was going to title today's blog as Hotter than Hell, but seeing as it's actually hotter at home right now, while it is over 100 here that didn't feel right.
I filled the car with gas (which I should have done in Oregon- lesson learned) got plenty of water and gatorade for the day and hit the road.
It was important for me to get going before 8 as I already knew about 2 one way road situations on the 101 that would close the road by 9am, so making it before then, was essential. [If you plan to travel on the 101 this summer, please make sure to check road closures the night before and morning of]
I had minimal wait times at the 2 one lane roads on the 101 maybe a 30 minute delay in total. Upon truly entering the redwoods I stumble upon some old friends so I had to stop and take a photo.
In Klamath I did a very touristy thing and drove through a tree. It was a tight squeeze, having to close in my mirrors, but I made it without adding any additional scratches to the car. [They do a great job with arrows of lining you up "JUST RIGHT"]. As a solo traveler I did have to do selfies, so while not the ideal photos I do think it was fun.
After Klamath, I took a detour down to Eureka. As I had gotten going early in the morning, I was hoping to avoid the interior a little while longer by staying on the coast where I happily had a HOT chai latte and turned on the heat in my car. I had a mid-morning snack at Old Town Coffee the chai was good, but the croissant was AMAZING. So light and fluffy and buttery.
When you drive through Eureka on the 101 south, it looks like a bit of a dump, but get off the 101 and into old town. They have a beautiful historic row with lovely old architecture, shops and restaurants. I would have stayed in Eureka longer, but the lingering smell of dead fish was over whelming, so I started my drive inland to Redding.
Between Eureka and Redding, there were 4 more One Lane Roads. This added considerable time to the trip, which in the end is fine, because it delayed me getting to 106 degree heat. However, if you are driving on the 299 with a deadline, it's something to keep in mind. The 4 total added about 75 minutes to my drive. There was a lot of me sitting in a parked card on the highway.
I got to Redding prior to my hotel being ready, so I found a local brewery: Falls River and helped myself to a beer as a reward for my travels. I had the Kilty- a Scottish ale, which is heavier than what I typically drink so I pulled an Aaron (leaving beer in a glass or dumping out beer). I did meet several lovely locals who told me about a more scenic route for tomorrow's drive, but when I checked it out at home, those roads never meet, so I'll stick to maps on my phone. Good conversation though with some lovely people.
Around 3pm I checked into my hotel. Made myself a sandwich and am relaxing with a cold ginger ale. I have the A/C set to 68 with constant fan---(I tried to set it lower, but it was struggling).
Dinner: Local pizza from Cinder's I got a margherita with chicken and a side of ranch and a hard cider. If I would have gone to pick it up, it would have come in under $20, but I don't do 100 degree heat, so they are delivering it and I am happy to pay a fee.
Update: I should have picked it up the extra money was NOT worth it. It was dropped off in front of my hotel room, no knocking, no hand off, no text or call, nothing. I found it because I thought I should check the lobby since it was overdue. So warm cider and cold Pizza....Had to wait for the cider to cool in the fridge then I heated up some pizza in the microwave. It's all OKAY, but for the price dominos would have been just as good and probably wouldn't have ducked up the delivery.
HOTEL: American Modern Hotel I believe it use to be a Stardust Motel based on the Signage out front. My room is tucked away in a corner. Update- not a stardust- they are next door.
Pro: Parking Included, A/C-though not powerful enough for 100+ heat, Courtyard with water misters and plenty of seating, kitchenette- sink, microwave, dorm fridge, coffee maker, TV, Free WIFI, Desk with Chair, 2 night stands, and lights with outlets, plenty of storage if you are staying for a few days, Stand up shower, large bathroom
Con: No shade over the parking in 100+ degree heat, no A/C for bathroom- it does get really hot, no elevator, street noise.
Signing off for now
-C
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