Leaving the Redwoods, we start down the Pacific Highway Coast, enjoying the knowledge that our coastal exploration has given, realizing the coast is in sight when the fog once again encompasses. The sunny forest disappears quickly as the fog awaits our arrival - it's certainly something to experience. Once again, breathtaking - what we can see!
A brief stop at one of many state parks along the way allows some really beautiful vistas, utilizing a boardwalk that takes us along tide pools, rocky cliffs and lush meadows. We continue to be completely amazed at what this Pacific coast brings. So different from our Atlantic we've grown up with, it's the ultimate adventure for exploration. Our biggest surprise still is the chill in the air in August, necessitating the ever present jacket requirement, a staple we can't believe how often needed!
Dotting this daring Highway 1, amidst the parks, coast and winding roads, are quaint little towns that appear out of nowhere. Traffic is very sparse and yet another surprise as we traverse south in full blown summer. We're not sure where the tourists are but we're happy to have the unexpected quiet along this gorgeous route. It makes the experience even more spectacular and we, like so often on this journey, are very thankful.
Mendocino is as charming as we've read it would be, and the tourist population here is reflective. We entertain a stop, as well, but it's relatively early in our day and we opt to push on. The highway stretching ahead with promise of even more!
