First Day to Bend, OR

We gathered in the parking lot of the Hacienda Center to wait for more of the group to pass by before turning north on 85  to meet all of the group at the Pointing Padre in Hillsborough.  A big thank you to Paul Grometer for showing up to give a send off and to take this photo for the history books.  What a motley crew at 6:30 in the morning!

We were the first group to arrive at the final gathering spot at the rest stop on 280.  Soon we were all there including Colbert's who were there just to see us off and wish us good fortune.  A little before 8 AM it was decided that since we were all here, there was no reason to wait before hitting the pavement.

Traffic was light even for a Sunday morning and the skies were clear till we got near the Golden Gate where it was light fog.  We decided not to stop at the bridge overlook as we've done that many time before and just proceed on our way.  About Healdsburg it was time to make a pit stop and get some breakfast.  Found a Mickie Dee's to fill the bill and prepare for the rest of the journey.

A group decision was made to stop at the drive-through tree that is near Liggett.  Picked up some deli sandwiches to have for lunch by the tree.  Along the way our car decided to run a bit hot, had to stop a couple of times to add water.  Seems to be pumping out some when running up some of the steepest grades.  It seems to be OK if I keep the water at the top.  Been adding water at every stop along the way and no problems since.

Spending the night in Ferndale and about 20 of us went to dinner at the Hopland Brewing Co.  Great menu items and a terrific waitress who joined in the fun we were having on the patio.  Back at the Best Western and preparing to retire.  It's been a long day since we got up at 4:30 AM!