Acts of Kindness

April 18th was one of those days that keeps me going. Chiva and I woke up to a scenic guerilla camp spot in the coastal town of Gualala. After devouring morning breakfast, I ran into a lady by the name of Lou Anne Fredrickson. She was extremely enthusiastic about the trip and connected me with a local newspaper reporter and then handed me an envelope that she instructed not to open until next tent time.

I proceeded to bike a breathtaking, 50 mile stretch of Route 1 that gave me and my pup picturesque views of the mighty and vast Pacific. When I dragged into Bodega Bay, a lady (Nicole Botelho) from her porch hollered my way asking if I would like to pitch my tent in her shed. She also told me she had food and a hot shower. After eight days of camping, I was well overdue.

Nicole explained she was a gourmet chef and would prepare Chiva and me a meal to remember. I feasted on a delicious Thai dish while Chiva woofed down a brown rice/beef/egg combo. Breakfast also was served!

Once my belly could bear no more I headed to my tent to open the envelope. Lou Anne had enclosed an encouraging card and also $100 for my cause. I am so thankful to run into such generous and good-natured people. So many others have also helped with this journey, and it is incredible to experience. I would not be able to do this trek without the support of so many wonderful people. Thank you!

Here are a few notes from the Lost Coast to San Francisco stretch:
· Superb camping in Rockefeller Forest, the largest remaining contiguous, old-growth coast redwood forest in the world.
· Lost Coast was exceptionally beautiful. Extremely challenging terrain to bike tour. The hills were so steep that I had to push the bike and DoggyRide trailer for the first time. Well worth the effort to experience the rewarding and remote scenery. Hid the bike in shrubs and hiked/explored the coast for a few days. Slept in a barn and visited an elementary school in Petrolia.
· Route 1 consists of light to medium traffic, a limited shoulder, constant ocean views, and tremendous elevation gain/loss. Biking on this road is no joke and not for those afraid of heights.
· Camera non-operational after Lost Coast. Died of old age and plan to buy a new one in San Francisco. I will add pictures as soon as possible of the Lost Coast (likely tomorrow).
· Donations are nearing the $1000 mark. A sincere thank you! Please let me know if you are interested in doing a pledge (example: every 100 miles Chiva and I bike = 1$). 100% of donation will go to confronting animal cruelty and environmental conservation efforts.
· Mouth watering free pizza at Bernillos (owners are fellow dog lovers) in Fort Bragg, CA.
· Surpassed 1000 miles of biking.
· Enjoying San Francisco the next few days with my brother Rob and friends as Chiva and I recuperate and prepare for Stage 2 to Phoenix
· Feeling strong!