It's been a while since I've posted about a road trip...actually it's been a while since I've posted anything...a school year tends to do that! It is amazing how one can sit relaxed for a little while and let the mind go anywhere. With me, it's either to a fond memory or a wish to get paid soon! In this case, the fond memory won out.
It is amazing when you live somewhere for a little bit...in my case, about 10 minutes....and have a desire to explore. Once I'd been in the dorms at Sonoma State University for a day or so, I wanted to get to know the area better. The only problem was, I didn't have a car with me, at least not yet. For the first few months in 1994, I relied on my friend Scott for transportation. We took quite a few drives, actually. We got to know the back roads of Sonoma and Marin counties extremely well. Occasionally, we'd also tackle Napa County, too.
In the summer of 1996, we decided to tackle new territory altogether...Oregon! That was one of the really cool things about our friendship. We could just take some free time and go someplace. Two geeks in college without girlfriends, yep! Road trips saved us from insanity!
One day in late June (or early July, I have no idea anymore!) we set off on our trip. The first part was, of course, familiar territory to us: U.S. 101 up to Ukiah. It was a pretty drive. Actually, no part of 101 in those parts is bad at all, but the anticipation of new land and sights was in us. A smooth road passing through rural wine country was relaxing. Scott's guitar rock tapes courtesy of the Time-Life mob syndicate just made it all the more fun.
North of Ukiah and the CA 20 turnoff, 101 narrowed down as it climbed into the tree-blessed territory of Mendocino County. The highway climbed, dipped downhill, and twisted and turned often. The air was fresh and surprisingly cool in those parts, just right to keep the windows rolled down. Soon, we reached Leggett and the northern end of CA 1, the true coast highway of California. At that junction was the drive-through tree with a sign telling the mileage to Mexico and Canada....Mexico was still closer, but not by much.
101 winded its way into Humboldt County. It was here that redwoods began to appear. If it weren't for the dinner choices coming up in Eureka, we would have turned onto the Avenue of the Redwoods. We would do that on a future trip and it was well worth it. 101 wound through the Humboldt forests until it got into Eureka. Eureka is kind of a strange town, especially downtown where it's a bit ratty. The gas is also pricier there. We ate at a Denny's, which, in those days, still had a counter. We took the counter where we could eat and converse with our server.
After dinner, we got back on the road. The clouds were coming in as is common in coastal California. Just outside of Eureka proper, 101 turned into a freeway for the first time in about 180 miles, serving the Arcata and Humboldt State University area. After only 20 miles, however, the freeway narrowed back to 2 lanes as 101 went further north into beautiful and aromatic forested areas, with occasional ocean views rewarding us. After much climbing and winding, we arrived in Crescent City, a town with even pricier gas than Eureka! Crescent Wrench City was also home to Pelican Bay Prison, home to the worst of the worst in terms of violent criminals. We gassed up here and grabbed a drink.
Just outside of town, we turned off 101 and onto U.S. 199, the last remaining Federally-maintained offshoot of U.S. 99. 199 heads into more forested areas of California while 101 straightens out and reaches Oregon 20 minutes later. 199 winds through the Smith River area and even goes through a short tunnel before entering Oregon, and we all know how much I live for those!
Entering Oregon, 199 flattens out a bit but still goes through pretty country. After a little over 40 miles, 199 ends in Grants Pass. It was here we decided to stay for the night, finding a nice fleabag suited for college students. It was run by what seemed to be an Arabic guy who liked his rooms like the desert because that room was HOT!!!
The next morning, we got up and ate breakfast at a local diner, then hit I-5. This excursion was getting better and better! Interstate 5 just east of Grant's Pass ran through the Rogue River Valley, which butts against the north side of the Siskiyou Mountains. The scenery was to die for. After a little while, 5 came into Medford, the biggest town in southern Oregon., then a few small towns like Phoenix and Talent, then Ashland, the home of a decent Shakespeare festival. After Ashland, 5 begins a steep ascent into the Siskiyou Mountains, and reaches I-5's highest point in its entire length right before the California border.
Inside California, the mileage signs begin counting down the, er, miles to Redding and Sacramento. 5 winds through mountain passes and valleys for the next 100 miles and most of it is scenic. We make a little detour close to Redding to check out the Shasta Lake Caverns. Caves are to Scott what tunnels are to me: something to be seen whenever you can. They were pretty neat, and a boat ride across the lake was part of the fun. Afterward, we drove through Redding and grabbed a much-needed drink. After Redding, I-5 descended gradually into the vast and desolate Central Valley, full of agriculture to be sure, but 5 goes through the least populated areas with the exception of Sacramento and Stockton. Still, the good rock music helped. We took 5 all the way to Dunnigan where we got onto 505, a desolate yet fast shortcut to I-80. From 80, we made a stop in Fairfield to see Scott's lovable parents, then headed home to our apartment in Rohnert Park.
This was just one of our several voyages over the next 6 years...yep, 1 year short of a common-law marriage. 17 years later, we are much more domesticated and family-oriented, but I'd give anything to do one more road trip with that guy! I know you can't really go back (2 trips back to PA taught me that!) but one can make a new adventure in a new place anytime.
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