THE LOST COAST

Sunday, May 20 – We drove to the California Coast today. It certainly wasn't an easy drive! It was only about 23 miles away, but due to steep grades, tight turns. switch backs, and sheer drop-offs with some parts of the road marked with 10 MPH speed limits and others requiring ALL vehicles to use low gear. It took over an hour to reach Shelter Cove, CA.

This area is referred to the Lost Coast of California. It is California's only coastal wilderness, where no development or major roads come near the ocean.

At the end of this challenging road from Garberville, the town of Shelter Cove rewards you with truly magnificent views of the Coast. Black sand beaches, outstanding fishing and all the solitude, peace and relaxation you could need are found here.

Shelter Cove is know for its black sands but also for Cape Mendocino Lighthouse. This structure presented huge challenges to the designers. They had to take into account 400' cliffs prone to frequent earthquakes, landslides and storms.

The rocky cliffs are home to a noisy group of sea lions and some magnificent views of waves breaking along the shore. There are numerous warnings to stay alert of rogue waves and strong under currents.

We were told not to miss the Clam Chowder available at the small eatery in town. So we stopped and shared a bowl of this delicious treat. It was great and makes us anxious to compare it, numerous times, while driving up the Oregon and Washington coasts.

We saw this on the back of one of the RVs parked in front of us. We think it says it all.

We see these birds by our motor home each day. Masha would like to know if anyone knows what they are called?

She also needs help identifying this flower. They were all over in Shelter Cove.

A FINAL NOTE:

We are camped at Richardson Grove Campground just outside of Garberville, CA, on highway 101. What a surprise we had when visiting this quaint little town. The 60's are alive and well. This is a Hippie community! And may we say, the use of “wacky tobbacy” is openly obvious. I talked to the owner of the campground and she confirmed this by calling Garberville the Marijuana Capital of Northern California. I understand you can obtain an once of the stuff for “medicinal purposes” without the local law coming after you. The Federal Drug Enforcement people don't agree with this “looking-the-other-way” approach, it should be noted.

This is the local dress.

They even have their own flag.

What is that flower on the top of the building?

We fit right in.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!