We left Florence on the 18th bound for the next major objective of the trip, the Californa redwoods. Although stationed in San Diego during my tour in the Navy, I had never gotten into Northern California. One hears their entire life about these magnificent trees and both Robert and I were determined to get close to one.

And did we ever. Even before reaching the really big trees, Robert had to check one out. Start here for the redwood photos. Just click 'next image' to cycle through them. There is no use my attempting to say anything about them -- the photos will do their deed.

We proceeded to Arcata, CA where the main part of our tour would begin to draw to a close. I was a little sad as we left there on the 18th because I knew it was the beginning of the end to a wonderful trip.

But there was more good riding and scenery to come! Route 299 going East from Arcata to Redding, and then 44 from Redding to the Lassen Volcanic Parkway is a great ride. The last approximately 13 miles into Redding is, shall we say, a bit curvy. For those of you not totally understanding motorcycles, curves are a good thing. Robert and I had radio communications between our bikes and after about 10 miles he announced "I gotta pull over and throw up!" We had been on the downhill side of the mountain in constant esses and had not seen 5 yards of straight road for some time. It was sublime.

We spent the night in Redding -- not particularly recommended but we did manage to find a Marie Callendar's and included a bit of one of their fine desserts! Leaving early the next morning we continued Eastward on 44 to the Lassen Volcanic Parkway.

This area of relatively recent volcanic activity varies from areas devastated by a giant eruption in about 1915 to a view of an Alpine Lassen Peak. Robert would find another way to cool off. On the "downwind" side the devastation from the last eruption was evident.

From Lassen we picked up U.S. 89 all the way to Lake Tahoe where we would spend the night.