Sleeping amongst the redwoods is a special experience. The trees are so large and broad that you are blanketed in an awning of silence. Nothing makes a noise, time doesn't move, and sleep is swift and pleasant.

Leaving is hard too, I had a cold night and frankly didn't want to leave, but I have to keep moving. Today's rise will involve a massive amount of climbing, tonight I will sleep at 300 meters elevation. To get there I will have to take the only road snaking through the mountains, passing through some rather desolate towns.

I leave late today and kick myself for it, even though the ride is short, the heat and climbing makes it exhausting. I need to avoid a town called Garberville, known for being crime ridden with many meth addicts, unfortunately I accidentally take the road through town.

There are strange people walking on the side of the highway with machetes and pit bulls without leashes. Some suffer from untreated mental illnesses, others seem criminal, and other seem to have substance abuse. A woman pushes an empty shopping cart though the highway while cars narrowly avoid her honking. I wish I didn't pass through here, it is painful to see suffering and destitute.

I got my first puncture of the entire ride as I was leaving a tourist trap called "Legend of Bigfoot". Rolled over some glass which was hidden from sight. I heard the hiss of the air leaking out of the tire and the rush of sealant all over my ankles. Thanks to the sealant doing its job, the puncture was filled and holding air in less than 5 minutes. A nervous moment but reassuring. I think this happened because I have nearly worn the treading off of my rear tire riding on the road. Remember I'm riding a gravel bike like an idiot.

After endlessly climbing I make it to the top of the hill, I'm greeted by Peg House, an eclectic combination of General Store, burger stand, music venue, bar, and garden. It's great, I am dizzy and famished from the long day's riding in the heat - "two burgers please"

I met Henry earlier in the day, he's Canadian, 67 and from British Columbia. This is his third time riding the pacific coast, he's ridden the southern tier (San Diego to Florida) three times as well. An absolutely machine of a bicycle tourist: he does more distance than me every day!

Henry was also a police officer in BC, he speaks of it fondly. He is grateful that he never had to shoot anyone, no one shot him, he never had a complaint, and did his job well for 37 years. Now he gets to rest easy and not worry about putting on the uniform every day.

His wife seems even more amazing somehow, though she didn't join, she did the Canadian Ironman at 64 and set a record for her age. They have six children together. Crazy couple, in an amazing way, if you ask me!

I sleep early, tomorrow will be the highway point on the ride and the biggest single climb I will do. The road is tight with no shoulders and I am concerned about traffic, so I plan to wake at 5:00 AM.