This is Dad, writing for Jen

Monday began with some beautiful touring of the redwoods with impending threat of the "Leggett Hill" always in the back of our minds. On several occaisions we thought we had actually begun the ascent only to discover that it was only a "warm-up" hill. We finally began climbing a twisting road through the forest that was a long steady climb but not as horrible as advertised. Jen was like a machine chugging up the hill.

At the top we took our pictures next to a parked logging truck as a symbol of one of the most disconcerting aspects of the trip. Coincidentally, the top of the climb also marked the 1000 mile mark of the journey from Vancouver.

The big surprise of the day was the amazing descent to the coast from the top of the Leggett hill. It went on for miles and was a series of banked turns throught the forest. We all screamed out of pure joy as we swooped down the mountain.

The coast was covered in fog as we arrived and we met Susan (mom) for lunch at a beautiful campsite overlooking the ocean. From there the journey was a series of ups and downs along the rugged coast until we arrived at our final destination of Mendicino and a pretty campground off a picturesque, kelp filled bay. Total mileage for the day was 84...and we were tired.

The day was topped of with some bluegrass music at the Mendicino music festival.

As a newcomer to this adventure, it is hard to believe that we are going to wake up in the morning and do it again!