Manteca to Arcata California

Day 11 was full of curvy twisty road driving through the always incredible Redwoods of California. We also drove through lake-side towns that felt like seaside towns and both were wonderful drives. At one point there were rumble strips on both sides of the lane and driving became like driving in a game of Operation. I was never very good at Operation.

We had lunch at the most 50's-tastic Burger King with a Wurlitzer (gorgeous!) and James Dean posters on the walls and stopped briefly in the very hippie town of Fort Bragg; which, for being on the coastline is very not touristy.

Later in the drive we took a scenic alternate route through Humboldt Redwood Forest, stopping several times to take photos and just wander in awe of their size. Redwoods are so beautiful, I would love to build a log cabin in a Redwood Forest. The trees are massive and the mood is awesome.

 We drove through the Chandelier Tree. Or, rather, I drove through it and Matt took photos of me driving through it. We also found a store devoted to Big Foot (he lives in that area somewhere).

When we arrived in Arcata, we found that most hotels were sold out because the local college was having an orientation. Luckily we got a room at the Best Western and took full advantage of their pool and hot tub before crashing for the night.