Sunday Travel Day to Oregon

We rose at the Best Western before 7 and were ready for breakfast. Matt V found that the pancake machine needed attention, but soon Matt had four pancakes as they tested the machine once it was refilled with batter. I had links, patty, and scrambled eggs.

We packed up, and after I had completed the blog for Saturday, we headed out. The hotel was perfect, and we enjoyed Redwood City. We did have to make a circle as we first headed south, but soon, we were headed to Santa Rose, Matt’s first break point. We did have some traffic issues on a Sunday morning in San Fransico, and we used Matt’s phone to route us around the issue, but soon, we were excited to be crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoying the parks and tunnels that entails.

Matt V’s driving required constant diligence, as the other drivers included a large dose of passive-aggressive and just-aggressive drivers. Speeding up to slow down seemed the norm, and it reminded me of Oregon. But much of this was at above 60 miles an hour and sometimes at much higher speeds.

After a few hours and passing through San Francisco, Air Volvo arrived at Santa Rosa, and Matt V found parking. We discovered a Sunday market at Santa Rosa opening, mostly jewelry and art. We walked through the square and stopped by a two-floor Barnes and Noble to make a pit stop. On the way back to Oregon, we will focus on beaches and lighthouses with the goal of sleeping in Oregon tonight.

We stopped in a small town, Hopland, on US 101 that seemed a good fit: The Golden Pig. I had a BLT with a Czech beer, while Matt had a small pocket-like savory breakfast sandwich in a perfect golden crust. My BLT, while good, was not as good as the ones at Lucky Labadore in Portland. The bread was likely locally made but not airy like that in Portland. Still, it was good.

Next, we stopped at a winery, Jaxon, which had a distillery component. However, they only made brandies, and we were soon back on our way. We set navigation to Eureka, and Air Volvo, with Matt V in the pilot seat, flew North. We gassed up and soon headed out, trying for our first nice beach. We were also searching for Asian food, but that quest will have to remain for lunch in Oregon on Monday.

We arrived and parked and then spotted the ocean a few miles walk from Air Volvo. Nope. We changed to Moonbeam Beach, which we found was only a dozen safe steps from parking and quite lovely. Matt brought out a few treats that also interested some dogs on the beach. The dog owner finally got the dogs back. It was cold and breezy, but we did see some people in the water. While I was tired from the previous long days, it was excellent to be out walking and seeing the Pacific.

The weather went from sunny to damp and rainy as we headed North.

Trinidad Beach is near the Trinidad lighthouse, and we soon found a miniature one that is a memorial. There was no sign showing how to reach the real one. We later learned it was a hike up the big rock and over to the other side. You cannot see the Trinidad lighthouse from the bay and the town!

The Lighthouse Eatery was right there, and we got on the waiting list. I had a glass of Malbec and Matt a stout while we waited. We were offered the counter, or we could wait longer; we took the counter to the cheers of the other people waiting as they would then get our table soon.

The place was slammed, and it took some time to get our order in and for our food to appear. But we were not in a hurry, and the folks were friendly and helpful. We both had fish and chips as the menu was priced a bit high for more fancy dishes. I tried a cup of the chowder, and while homemade, it was not great but good. My tastes are off from the thrush and treatments, so I don’t count my vote against them. The fish and chips, three pieces, were in a light, perfect batter, with thin fries that were perfectly fried and served with malted vinegar. The little coleslaw on the side was creamy and matched the excellent tartar sauce. An excellent meal. Matt V finished my fries as I am still using steroids. The gal next to me had a slab of local salmon, and she said it was perfect. We also heard some folks from Atlanta praise the cooks. So, our good karma continued with our random choice. Just let the universe pick for us while paying attention to the usual signs and portents (that there was nearly no parking at the place, which was the best karmic influencer for us).

Following the drift of the place’s currents, Matt V found Jot’s Resort online at the Rogue River for much less than other lower-rated places nearby. Matt ordered a room with two beds unseen, and soon, we were back on the road. Two hours later, we arrived, having just crossed the Oregon border. The place is excellent. It is right on the river and has a little balcony and a view of the river.

Soon, we were in bed early, and I was fighting the steroids to find sleep. I managed to sleep after midnight and woke two times for proof of hydration, but I was able to soon fall asleep after each event. So, more sleep tonight.

Thanks for reading.