I wasn’t in too much of a hurry to leave camp as I was planning a short 30 mile ride to the next stop. I chatted some more with the couple camping with me and he gave me some tips on a county park if I wanted to go a little bit further for the day. We said our goodbyes and I went on my way.
It appears to be a clear day and yet low level fog concealed the full vista. I slowed my pace predicting that the fog would lift and I would have some good views. This approach worked well because it did lift and I got some impressive views along this Sonoma Coast section.
Waiting for the fog to clear on the Sonoma coast.A bird of prey (eagle, hawk or a falcon?)Cliffside flowers with foggy ocean in the backgroundStill waiting for the fog clear.Time to get moving, the fog is starting to lift.
The slower pace with more stops and reflection made this one of my more enjoyable and relaxing rides. I think I may be onto something with shorter rides. It removes some of the pressure to drive on to make sure to get to the destination with enough time before it’s dark.
Although the winds were blowing against the direction I was going, they were mild and not a problem. They did pick up to strong winds for the last 4 miles but because it was so late in the ride, it wasn’t a factor.
New bridge going in on the coast highway.Views around Duncan’s pointThis appears to be a good area for bird spotting as you see people with scopes on the cliff edge.I even spot a bird myself.Old (?) water tower.
At one point, while riding up the hill, I heard a noise to the right. Looking over, I spot two deer 10 feet away that I startled. They both run up the hill and then paused. I look back to see a little fawn about a two feet high. They’re waiting for the fawn to follow. Then immediately the fawn gets the idea and begins to move. Then all three and bound up the hill bouncing above the bushes to make their escape. That was fun to see. Later in the day I saw another doe close by the road. Spotting deer is becoming a regular occurrence.
Curvy roof house.The fog reappears to create an eerie view.There’s a lot of these vultures around the area. They are quite graceful and elegant when flying.The city of Jenner is not happy about people ignoring the speed signs.I stopped at the café Aquatica in Jenner for some lunch.They have nice outdoor seating to enjoy the Russian river. I met a couple here that was interested in what type of camera I was using. We discussed that, and about my touring adventure. I gave them one of my blog cards.Just about when I was ready to leave the couple from the previous nights camping arrived. We exchanged taking photos of each other.At another spot, there were more bird watchers. I talked to a lady about what type of birds she was seeing and unfortunately I can’t remember the names of all the ones she has seen. I believe these are geese with most of them sleeping with their heads down.More beautiful coastline of northern CaliforniaOf course there was plenty of hills to climb.Looking down on the road I just came up. The corner from the previous picture is seen here.Above the clouds.More climbing with coastline in the background.Since I had a shorter ride and I was taking my time today, I was able to spend some time at Fort Ross.Since I arrive by bicycle I didn’t have to pay the $10 parking fee.Fort Ross has a long history going back to the early 1800s. It originally started as a Russian settlement. It also had several private owners in the mid 1800s to early 1900s.Fort Ross is located near the ocean and so it had shipping access.Some of the buildings and rooms were fitted with time appropriate furnishings.I made it to the Salt Point State Park hiker / Biker camp with plenty of time left in the day. it is in the separate area from the standard campground. But it’s huge and can support a lot of people. But for tonight I’m the only one here. Cost is only five dollars.These birds were trying to steal my dinner. But I was too hungry to let that happen.
The mosquitoes are ferocious here at Salt Point SP. They are swarming and trying to attack me but to no avail as the tent netting is preventing them from getting to me.
Tomorrow I continue up the coast of California. It’s a little longer ride than today at 40 miles, but like most rides here, it will be full of hills. The strong headwinds factor is in play too.
Ride summary: 4/10 difficulty, 31 miles with 2804 feet climbing. started off foggy and then transitioned to mostly sunny. Calm to strong headwinds at very end which were of little impact. Today’s ride detailed GPS. Tour totals: 1091 miles (47 / day). 62,476 climbing feet.
I’m really glad you had a more enjoyable ride today.
Great pictures. I like the one with the foggy coast and all the large rock islands; very surreal. That house is crazy looking too.
One of my favorite moments from a long time ago, was when I was on the Oregon coast driving up to a look out point through the clouds and when I reach the top I was above the clouds looking out into a pillow that seemingly went on forever out over the ocean. I’ve not had that experience since then. It’s cool to see that you have a similar kind of view at times on your ride.
Thanks for taking us along with you on your journey.
Way to go DJ. Wish we were still in CA to meet up with you. We lived in Bay Area for two years then LA for one. Just moved to PA last month. Cool that you can do this. Cousin Tim
6 responses to “Day 23 – Bicycle Touring Bodega Bay SP to Salt point. Sonoma coast views and Fort Ross”
Love your lunch spot. I am glad you were patient and waited for the fog to lift as the views where phenomenal. You keeping a bird and wild life log?
Just keeping track via this blog, not formally.
I’m really glad you had a more enjoyable ride today.
Great pictures. I like the one with the foggy coast and all the large rock islands; very surreal. That house is crazy looking too.
One of my favorite moments from a long time ago, was when I was on the Oregon coast driving up to a look out point through the clouds and when I reach the top I was above the clouds looking out into a pillow that seemingly went on forever out over the ocean. I’ve not had that experience since then. It’s cool to see that you have a similar kind of view at times on your ride.
Thanks for taking us along with you on your journey.
You’re welcome. I’m glad it triggered a memory for you. So many beautiful views and vistas, but I’m trying to find interesting and unusual as well.
Way to go DJ. Wish we were still in CA to meet up with you. We lived in Bay Area for two years then LA for one. Just moved to PA last month. Cool that you can do this. Cousin Tim
That would have been fun to meet up. Thanks for following. We should still connect up sometime.