USA: California Hwy 1: Eureka to Gualala

DAY 2: Eureka to Gualala

It rained the entire day, but it didn't stop us from seeing some very beautiful country.
We first drove through the Avenue of the Giants.

 Avenue of the Giants is a 31 mile road that runs adjacent to the 101. The road snakes along the eel river and is home of some of the grandest redwood trees. I highly recommend taking this slightly longer route. You can pull off anywhere and walk among huge ferns and gigantic trees. There are fun kitschy gift shops, local art, and stops all along the road. I imagine this is hell in the summer but on this rainy day it felt we were often the only ones there. When we arrived in Leggett we broke off from the 101 and really began our curvy journey.

Fort Bragg: We originally stopped in Fort Bragg to visit Glass Beach. Once again this looks like a tourist nightmare in the some but it was very peaceful when we went. This beach used to serve as a dump for the area from 1906 - 1967. Since then, the beach now has pebbles of smooth glass of all different colors. They had had difficulty with landslides so the normal beach was shut off, there were still a small beach that hard plenty of glass. They have also recently made it illegal to collect the glass which has caused quite a controversy although I think it's valid.
For lunch, we headed to North Coast Brewing Company, which had decent beer and really delicious french onion soup! We continued to wind along the coast  until Point Arena.


Point Arena Lighthouse sits at the end of a jetty. The wind was blasting and the rain was falling heavy. The lighthouse closes at 4:00 and it was 3:50 so we though we could snap some photos, buy a postcard, and go on our way. We stepped in and the director of the lighthouse gave us a tour anyway. He mentioned they were a non-profit and depend on tours to keep them running. We were able to learn the history and walk up into the top of the lighthouse.
You are able to rent out the old lighthouse keeper quarters, some under $200 a night for a 2 bed/ 1 bath house. Included you get to go up into the lighthouse at night and anytime during the day. It was a fantastic experience. Here is more information on lodging. I was beyond impressed with the grounds and the staff here.

Bowling Ball Beach: We did not make it to Bowling Ball Beach because the rain and wind was just incredible. A friend told me about this place and I am putting it on here almost as a reminder. Large round boulders litter the beach, sitting perfectly smooth in the sand. During low tide you are able to go out and explore them.

Gualala: Our plan was to drive further south but the rain was so intense we decided to call it a day in Gualala, and I am not at all disappointed we stayed here. This is one of those little gems that you would never think to find yourself. For us it was perfect small quiet town filled with some of the kindest people I have met in awhile. These people love where they live and truly feel delighted when you like it too.

view from the hotel

Gualala Country Inn: $100. Some complained that the rooms were outdated, but I thought that added to the charm. The beds were comfortable, there was a plug in fire place and a view of the ocean. The owners felt like you were visiting grandma's house.

Antonio's Tacos: We walked a few blocks from our hotel to this little Mexican restaurant we saw had a neon beer sign. This place was amazing! We both had wet burritos, the owner came out and spoke with us. Him and his wife run the small restaurant and make all the salsas and sauces by scratch. I'm pretty sure they make the tortillas too. I still dream about this damn burrito and I'm writing this from L.A.!!