Distance traveled: 9.1 km
Cumulative distance: 3,882.7 km
Maximums speed: 58 kph
Moving average: 24 kph
Temperature range: 24.0 - 24.0 (I wasn't riding for very long!)
I'm really loving my Airbnb spot here. It's super cute. Nan asked me if it was a trailer but I don't think it is one; it seems a little bigger to me, not that I have spent a lot of time in mobile homes. But the hosts do have several holiday trailers on the property: 3 Airstreams and three other lesser names. They buy old ones then recondition them. I had a look inside one and it was done really well, so I am pretty sure they are not hoarders. But they do have a lot of stuff. The hostess Rachael tells me they used to spend a lot of time at garage sales and the decorating inside this cabin reflects that. I don't mean that unkindly, it is a little quirky but really quaint. Actually, that describes the town. Rachael has a guy working here clearing out all the stuff. She has resolved to get the place cleaned up. Thankfully, the guests don't have to see everything since it is behind a fence. But it would be a perfect getaway spot for a couple on a motorcycle (or two). Jack. Except for the sloped, gravel driveway. But I successfully managed to turn around twice today with both mirrors intact so all is good.
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| A somewhat tentative parking spot. |
I walked into town again today. I originally had a plan to go to the Yuba River to go swimming as it is popular around here but when I read the description of the location and accessing the river, I decided against it as it just sounded too complicated for the motorcycle. I spent a good deal of time walking around though, I was probably in town a little earlier than I needed to be because a lot of places were still closed at 10:30. However, after a couple of hours, more places were opening up. I did a little shopping for a special girl I know and hopefully I will be able to find some extra room on the bike! That is the dangerous thing when motorcycle touring and shopping. There is little margin for (packing) error, amongst any other kinds.
On the way, I once again walked by the local bone yard. I love cemeteries because there is real history
in there. In this one, many of the tombstones were from the mid 1800's, a few with stories, which is the best kind. This cemetery is "non endowed" which means that the responsibility of the upkeep falls to the descendants of the decedents buried within. Across the street was the "endowed" cemetery, meaning the state pays for the upkeep, which was far tidier and cared for. But not as interesting.
I have been craving a steak and since I have had red meat only once (or twice?) on this trip, I figure I was due. I met a foodie yesterday who told me which restaurant served the best steak in town, a 16 oz rib eye and I thought Holy Guacamole a whole pound! It has been a long time since I have been able to choke down a steak that size. Weeks at least. So while I was walking around town, I stopped in at the local wine merchant and we were discussing my dilemma: walk another 6 km round trip to go for dinner then walk back on a busy road in the dark, or find a butcher. He gave me the name of a market that sold good meat and actually, it was sort of within walking distance as it would have added only another 3 km to my day but I had probably already walked 9 or 10 so went back to the rental, had a big glass of water then got on the bike and attended the market, got myself a nice 12 oz rib eye, which I will further trim, some veggies and potatoes and I'll barbecue the steak here at the rental. I went back to the wine merchant and bought
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| This 1930 Bacardi is in the personal collection of the wine shop owner. He has plans to open it this fall. |
Back in business tomorrow! But not expecting cell service to be available. Heading to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
