You Can't Petaluma!

I left the hotel at 08:00 this morning with my heated gloves, pants, and jacket keeping me warm in the 45°F "Summer" here. If this is Summer, I wouldn't want to be here in any of the other seasons 🥶.

I started south on US 101, then took CA 254, Avenue of the Giants. When I rode here last year, it was pouring rain. Today, it's gorgeous! When I stopped at Founders Tree, I had the entire place to myself, at least at first, and made the half-mile walk to the Dyerville Giant without having to talk. I love listening to the forest sounds with no people jabbering, babies crying, or dogs whining. It was so peaceful. But I had to move on.
More info:
Founders:
http://famousredwoods.com/founders/
Dyerville Giant:
http://famousredwoods.com/dyerville_giant/

My second stop was the Shrine Drive Thru Tree. I wanted to do one of these last year, but with the weather.... Well, I did it this year! The Toyota Camry in front of me, however, didn't 🤣. The sign said the tunnel was 7 feet wide, but it sure didn't look like that car would have fit.
More info: https://www.visitredwoods.com/listing/shrine-dr…

I jumped back up on 101 to make better time, and stopped for lunch in Willets, where I finally peeled off all of my cold weather gear, before heading to my friend's house in Petaluma (long u). It's pronounced like this: You can pet a dog. You can pet a horse. You can pet a llama. But you can't Petaluma 🤣.

When my friend Lonnie finished work, he took us into Downtown Petaluma where we walked around as he played tour guide. This is where they filmed part of the movie American Graffiti! Really cool, very artsy downtown area with a bit of a riverwalk and lots of murals, statues, and stores complimenting the art deco architecture.

After a drink and snack, we grabbed food for dinner at the house. Once at the house, we chilled out in the jacuzzi and watched movies while Lonnie's 3-month-old Jack Russell Terrier puppy chewed everything he could get his mouth on, including Lonnie 🤣.

Now, I'm about to fall asleep on a comfortable couch with a full belly. Aaaahhhhh.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 88 mileage: 235.8 (total 20590.6)
HD Dealerships: 2 (total 193)
National Parks: 0 (total 38 in 18 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 5 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Read more