One thing we have discovered, is that there is not a straight state highway to be found up here! Once we left Highway 101, we twisted and turned our way to the KOA. Another one built on a hillside (imagine that!), but with the use of one of their golf carts, we got our 'ride-about' done in no time. I do believe every site here has a million dollar view.
Even the friendly neighbor hood deer posed for pictures as they wandered through the camp ground. Of course, with the novelty of the deer, comes a challenge for the campground owner: trying to grow flowers that the deer won't eat! The lavender family seems to be one of their least favorite and, in a pinch, she relies on silk flowers in strategic spots. Funny, they even try to eat those!
The 'day-trips' make for a long day, though, and it was 7:30 before we pulled in to 'home'.
Back in Santa Cruz, Roger had discovered one of the trailer tires was wearing unevenly and had changed to the spare. Since we have some time here in Willits, I was checking the web to see if a tire place could be found. Didn't find a tire place listed with the Chamber of Commerce, but I did find the history of Willits, and discovered that this is the 'home' of Seabiscuit, the famous race horse of the 30's/40's fame. Willits is also the 'Gateway to the Redwoods'.
A pretty little town - and we did find a tire place - complete with several four-legged mascots in residence. One seemed to be the 'favored' as he shadowed every move his owner made. Roger mentioned the 'constant companion', and learned that he was a "McDonald's nut!" That dog loves to go through the McDonald's drive-in window. Roger asked what his 'favorite' was, only to be told, "Anything that comes out that window!"
While surfing the web, I also discovered information about the "Skunk Train". It got its name for the locals say "You can smell it long before you see it." They are actually diesel powered logging trains that are now being used for the tourism business. During the summer season one runs out of Willits, but for now, the only option is one out of Fort Bragg (only about 33 miles from Willits). So I got the bright idea that we could 'drive over' one day, take the 4 hour train ride, and get back in time to to the review here at Willits.
With that in mind, we got up Tuesday morning, with our destination the Manchester Beach KOA (via Fort Bragg, so we could check out the train). Well, that is the LONGEST 33 miles I have ever traveled! It twists and turns so much that I do believe it takes 10 miles to go a mile! It took us well over an hour to drive that 33 miles, and by the time we reached Highway 1, I was well on my way to being one 'car sick' gal! We also traveled through so many redwoods (they are beautiful), that we decided to scrap the plans to go on that train ride! Maybe we'll get back here 'in season' one year and catch the one out of Willits.
After reaching HIghway 1, we turned south, only to find the scenery changed (to ocean & rocky cliffs), but the up and down, curvy road did not! Thankfully we were not pulling our trailer! I can not imagine doing that stretch of road with a 38-ft trailer hooked on behind. There were some beautiful views - the kind that postcards are made of - but by the time we reached the KOA, I was 'green' and so thankful to be on a bit of 'flat' land. It's one of those times that you wouldn't 'miss for the world' - and are glad you got to see it - but you are definitely NOT looking forward to having to do it again!
Another beautiful KOA - and we were so impressed with the native trees. Made for lots of nice shady campsites! I do believe they are like snowflakes - no two alike!
From the campground I spied a lighthouse (right across the bay), but the road that took us to the Arena Point Lighthouse was 7 miles long! Very picturesque! I made the comment to Roger, that if we couldn't return to the Canadian northeast, this was about as close to it (as far as scenic and unspoiled) as we could get.
We decided to return 'home' another way (reminds me of the Wise Men) . . . can't get completely away from the curvy roads and steep grades, but it was a bit more 'gentle' than Highway 1!
A stop at the WalMart in Ukiah, along with supper at Denny's, and for a second day in a row, we pulled in to 'home' about 7:30, just in time to catch the West Coast 'feed' (Oklahoma time) of American Idol.
Thankfully, Wednesday will be an easier day, as we don't have to drive anywhere. This is a great park and will make for an easy 'walk-about' and short paperwork. I may even get some laundry done.
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