Mendocino to Gualala (80km)

Coves with tight, steep switchbacks, headlands, rocks,  and crashing waves, interspersed with pasture and ranchland marked today’s ride. The mist swirled until mid-afternoon.

We have now done the steepest ascent as well as the greatest ascent on this trip. That is not say there are not many more hills to come! We  crossed the Albion River on the only remaining wooden trestle bridge on Hwy 1. The bridge was very high and we could barely see the beach far below through the fog.

Large sections of the coastline are privately owned along this section of the #1, so our view of the sea was impeded at times. This was a bit frustrating when we could hear the loud barking of sea lions, but were unable to view them.

We are on the traditional territory of the Southern Pomo People. They, together with the Coast Miwok were relocated to the Graton Rancheria.