Imagine our surprise when we woke to the sound of sirens. Arn asked what the sirens were and Deborah said it sounded like the tornado warning sounds of the midwest. A few days earlier, we heard tsunami sirens being tested. We suppose tsunamis could reach inland the five miles to Ferndale but it would have to be a hit from the north as the coast to the south was over a mountain range.
So, we tried to go back to sleep but then heard sirens and woke up to see fire trucks and smoke in the air. Just a block away, one of the buildings was on fire! And, not a small fire. Of course, we quickly got dressed and saw the scene below.
After a couple of hours, it seemed that the fire was out but the damage to the candy store was complete. We are happy to report that although damaged, the red building houses a bar and the regulars were in there drinking this evening!Ferndale is home to many interesting heritage buildings and a beautiful old, mountainous cemetery. If you didn't know before, Arn and Deborah like to wander old cemeteries so this definitely was a major attraction for them as was the outside of the Gingerbread House below.
Without further delay, more frequently asked questions...1. After two weeks of riding, do you know why you are doing this?
A. No.
2. How far have you ridden so far?
A. 745 miles, 32000 feet of climbing, untold animal carnage.
3. How did the rest day feel?
A. We actually felt kind of cheated. Today was the nicest day - by far - in over a week and tomorrow might rain.
4. Have you met any interesting people?
A. We have met all kinds of people. We've talked to a lot of people that have shared their bike tour experiences. We have talked to people who shared their dreams of doing the same. And, we've talked to people who think it is flat out crazy. In the last 24 hours, we chatted with a honeymooning couple that stayed at the same B&B in Trinidad and passed us on the road (they took note of all of our rain gear and thought we were "animals"). We had breakfast this morning with a woman that left Ohio on her bike in June and plans to return next July. Deborah and a few women at the wine bar laughed over their shared obsession for Diana Gabaldon books.
5. What has been the best part?
A. The roadways off of the highway have been relaxed and scenic (for the most part). The true highlight was 10 miles in the redwoods with no cars and a closed road.
6. But hasn't the best part been getting to eat anything and everything you want to?
A. No. Eating "Michael Phelps" style is not great. It is about fueling up and loading calories. Read: feeling stuffed. It was interesting to watch Nancy at breakfast (tiny cyclist from Ohio). She downed two HUGE pancakes, 4 strips of bacon, 2 fried eggs, about a 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of butter, and several cups of hot tea. The only thing worse is knowing that we will do the same tomorrow morning before we ride.
7. What has been the worst part?
A. Have you been paying attention? It is the dread and terror riding on Hwy 101 with RVs pulling god knows what.
8. What have you learned so far?
A. Deborah has learned that her ASSOS cycling shorts will delaminate before their time, Clearasil bleaches khaki shorts into some funky shade of orange, and laundry mat dryers will put holes in your shirts (two). Arn has learned that he doesn't want to ride cross country.
9. How far are you going on this journey?
A. At least to Ferndale.
10. Is there anything you wish you have from home that you didn't pack?
A. Deborah would like a pair of unbleached shorts and her laptop (but doesn't want to carry it). Arn would like a bottomless bag of pretzels that weighed one ounce. We'd both like a visit with our massage therapist.
11. Anything you'd change on your bikes or setup?
A. Our front forks are way too flexy and the brakes cause too much jumping. The forks can take a disk brake and that would provide better braking and also the location of the brake would probably eliminate some of the crazy shaking we can get. Arn would also get a rear view mirror so he can see the logging truck that is about to hit him without turning his head. Arn would probably also carry more spare spokes.
12. Anything you'd tell someone about to start out on a tour of the Pacific Coast?
A. Have fun and hope for good weather. Don't go in the summer when there is even more traffic.
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