Day 2: Highway 1 beckons...

Ah.... slept soooo well last night and it was just perfect to wake up with the fireplace still flickering, casting dancing shadows across the room. Was another beautifully clear and sunny day - sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine as i ate my sesame noodles from the airport yesterday for breakfast! Packed up, checked out and set off for the Armstrong Woods Pack Station and a hike through the redwoods. Was advised by the hotelier not to shell out for the horseback ride but really to focus on the hiking instead. Was good advice as it was absolutely beautiful - i was the only person on the trail and it was just so peaceful, hiking through the woods. Is so important to me, to be able to get away and decompress from all the craziness of New York - just helps to set everything back into perspective and to appreciate just how lucky i am, despite all the little annoyances and stresses. At the top of the East Ridge Trail, just before i started back down the hillside, I sat on this little rustic wooden bench, closed my eyes and had a lovely moment of peace and contentment.

Walking back to the Visitor Centre, it was then time to continue my roadtrip along Highway 1 to Mendocino. Grabbed a quick lunch of (bad) Mexican before leaving Guerneville at around 2pm. Oh my God, the scenery was simply amazing. It was just unfortunate at times that i was driving because the temptation to gaze around at the just spectacular scenery was so strong! Needless to say, i did have numerous picture stops - so many so that i had to get tough with myself and say "no more stopping!", otherwise i'dve never have made it! As it was, it was already past sunset when i was driving through some of the areas right next to the beach - a real shame, cos i think they would be stunning, but maybe I'll see them in daylight on the way back down.

Finally got to Mendocino just after 6pm and checked into my hotel. Is right on the cliff front, overlooking the sea, and the waves just CRASH into the rocks and coastline below. It really is quite a spectacular sight. Was quite tired after the long drive, so decided to stay in the hotel for supper - was pretty busy but the food was OK. Is supposed to be a Zagat rated restaurant - had wild mushroom ravioli for starters followed by wild hen - again, was OK but i guess i' ve been spoiled by NYC restaurants! After dinner, decided to have a fairly early night, so in bed by 9pm.