UPDATE, 22 October 2008

David and Chiva are taking a break from the Tour de Dog but are sure to plan another ride in the near future. A sincere thank you to all of you who helped David and Chiva in countless ways. The Tour de Dog would not be possible without your support. THANK YOU!

View a Photo Documentary of Tour de Dog by Jason Houge

Tour de Dog is past states: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and New York.


Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Cali


Greetings from the Golden State! Chiva and I are warm and snug in Lila Owen and Cole Shatto’s (college students of Humbolt State Univeristy) apartment in Arcata.

The trip from Gold Beach into California was a wet one. After a brief layover in Brookings, I crossed the border and found a secluded campsite deep in a dark redwood forest. Hail and rain hit briefly in the morning but soon tampered off. Another day of hill-filled riding got us to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. From Prairie Creek it was off to Arcata.

Coastal redwoods are a magnificent site and have dominated the landscape of this leg. Reaching up to 370 feet tall, they tower over all other trees in the world. Their prehistoric like appearance was used in scenes of movies such as Jurassic Park and Star Wars (Ewok). Fortunately for me, I still have a few more nights camping under these giants. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip thus far.

I have enjoyed my time immensely in Arcata and have been informed about the Lost Coast. Being some of the most isolated and steepest biking in the country, I am excited to give it my all.

Here are a few photos from this stretch:

Grandma Stump treated me like a grandson

I would not dare

Paul Bunyan looking for some redwoods

The redwood dwarfs my rig

College Cove near Trinidad, CA

Thinking about the upcoming Lost Coast

8 comments:

Todd Eddie said...

wow Dave, I go out of town for a week and next thing I know you are in Cali. Good luck on the upcoming leg!

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave - the pictures & stories from your trip have been amazing. Can't wait to see the next installment from the Lost Coast. Stay safe!

Liz D.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Amazing views and pics! I look forward to more pics!
Stay warm and safe!

Steve Shay said...

Hey David. You write "The Redwood dwarfs my rig."

I think the term they are using now is "little people." Just a heads-up.

Good luck!

Steve

Steve Shay said...

Here is the link to David in today's Seattle Times!
"Pacific Northwest Section, Sunday Seattle Times

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2004344991_pacificportrait13.html?syndication=rss

Anonymous said...

Hi Dave,
Just reading this makes me teary eyed. So much passion...and sharing w your furry friend, what a way to go.
Im happy and proud of you, will keep you both in my prayers.

Denise and Feona (my precious dog)

Anonymous said...

Dear Dave & Chiva,

I'm spinning a couple of miles in your honor. You are realizing THE dream; keep on pumping. Also, thanks for generously sharing your experiences online so the rest of us can be a little vicarious in spirit at least.

Ride on!
just another rider in the wind

Anonymous said...

I haven't checked your website for a week and was so glad I did tonight. Wonderful pictures and commentary, I can't wait to see where you are next! Good Luck, Bob from Ballard