2009-07-28: The coastal highway was tempting, but I decided to go inland after seeing a sign that pointed to the "Avenue of the Giants". This highway is a high-speed, winding road built right through the redwood forest. The trees are literally right next to the road. Driving quickly through a forest of giant trees was an odd sensation; I have always been used to taking the forest paths by foot.
Traffic through here was surprisingly heavy. I wanted to get some photos but there were few places to pull over, and those were easily missed or were already full of vehicles. Here is one from someone else.
Outside of the forests, the terrain was notably home to many dry riverbeds (such as that of the Eel River) and sun-drenched hillside vineyards. The temperature continued to climb as I made my way through the hills, toward San Francisco. By early afternoon, I was seeing a temperature of 105°F, though it would fall as I approached the bay.
Outside of the forests, the terrain was notably home to many dry riverbeds (such as that of the Eel River) and sun-drenched hillside vineyards. The temperature continued to climb as I made my way through the hills, toward San Francisco. By early afternoon, I was seeing a temperature of 105°F, though it would fall as I approached the bay.
I made it to the outer San Francisco area at the absolute height of rush hour. Navigating was chaotic and confusing, and I accidentally ended up in Oakland after crossing a large bridge (possibly the Richmond - San Rafael Bridge). So I had to go back, and I spent quite a long time trying to find a recreation area by its address in the hills around Sausalito and Mill Valley. I was going in circles for some time, and since evening was approaching, I headed for San Francisco, in particular Fisherman's Wharf. My parents had recommended a restaurant there, called Scoma's, and I wished to stop in. There I had the freshest seafood I had ever enjoyed. When I got back onto the street, the shops were beginning to close up. I took some photos and took a drive around the city.
San Francisco does not feel like any city I have ever been to. Although it is big, it does not have the big city feel to it. I never felt the need to be particularly cautious or aware of those around me. The streets were busy, but seemingly only with happy people enjoying themselves, not scowling businesspeople or random shady characters. It seems very welcoming.
I was shocked at the sorts of slopes that houses and roads had been built on. The grade was extreme in places. I was thinking I would be nervous to drive on them in rain or snow.
I knew that unfortunately staying anywhere in SF would not be economical, so I crossed the Bay Bridge and headed out about 20 miles, searching for a rest stop in a decent area, but I couldn't find anything. I believe I turned around at Castro Valley, on Foothill Road. I found a nice visitor's centre parking area on the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge, and there I spent the night.
San Francisco does not feel like any city I have ever been to. Although it is big, it does not have the big city feel to it. I never felt the need to be particularly cautious or aware of those around me. The streets were busy, but seemingly only with happy people enjoying themselves, not scowling businesspeople or random shady characters. It seems very welcoming.
I was shocked at the sorts of slopes that houses and roads had been built on. The grade was extreme in places. I was thinking I would be nervous to drive on them in rain or snow.
I knew that unfortunately staying anywhere in SF would not be economical, so I crossed the Bay Bridge and headed out about 20 miles, searching for a rest stop in a decent area, but I couldn't find anything. I believe I turned around at Castro Valley, on Foothill Road. I found a nice visitor's centre parking area on the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge, and there I spent the night.
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