Day 4 - Garberville, CA
I feel a lot of philosophical solidarity with the US Men’s National Soccer team today. Let me back up a step: for those of you who don’t know, this morning was a big moment for the United States in the World Cup. It was the game(s) that decided whether they moved on to the next stage of the tournament. Ideally, they would beat Germany or even tie them and be guaranteed to go to the next round. But they could even lose, as long as they didn’t lose by a lot. So, they didn’t (lose by a lot) - they lost, by a little. And everybody was happy. In soccer, they call this “getting a result”, as in “today the United States got a result against Germany”.
I also got a result today. I needed to get to Garberville, CA. And I did. I’m here. And I did it entirely on my bicycle. Much like the United States, it was not pretty, and I will probably never watch the replay. I have a blister, on my butt, the size of France (is that too much information?). After swearing I would never ride 101 again, I not only rode it, but in the twilight, racing the dwindling light. But: I’m here, and that’s what counts. I’ve always been a “win or go home” kind of guy. But maybe the right phrase is “get a result or go home”.
A few interesting things from today: for some reason, I got room 121 both yesterday and today. That amuses me. And, for those who are asking, yes, I will go camping at some point (otherwise this tent was pretty pointless). But the KOA was $40/night for a campsite, and the motel was $72, and I’m tired. (By the way, can someone tell me why it costs $40 to rent an open piece of space? That’s a serious question. Is there something I’m missing?)
Should I have stayed? (Westport Market in Westport , Ca, pop. 300. As I stopped in the market, another guy came riding up carrying camping gear . He said - and I quote - "is this the whole town?")
Time to head East!