Fort Bragg - Independence Day

We were expecting a bit more for Independence Day (not aliens descending) but more celebrations, looks like it is fairly low-key here with fireworks scheduled for the weekend rather than tonight. We did see lots of families out having picnics, flying kites, cycling and generally enjoying the day off. Fortunately all the shops, petrol pumps and restaurants still seemed to be open. Petrol was particularly important as we were driving on vapour as we drove into Fort Bragg this morning. We were both a little worried about the car after our off-road excursion yesterday, we noticed the car was dripping some fluid under the engine. We checked all the usual levels: oil, brake fluid, radiator water, washer fluid etc but all seemed to be normal. It looked like the liquid was water so we bought some big water bottles just in case. Turns out to be condensation from the Air Conditioning, we tried turning the Air Con off (Oh boy, it was warm!) and the dripping stopped.

Enjoyed a lovely drive through some more Redwood forest dwarfed by these enormous trees. The highlight of the driving was hitting Highway 1 though. We drove an incredible route with almost constant sharp bends and steep inclines and descents. I can't imagine anywhere else where the turns have been so sharp you needed to actually turn the wheel through three-quarters to go the right way, wheels screeching! Then after this test of stamina and concentration is finished (nine miles of it) you find the road following precariously closely to the cliff-edge with beautiful scenery, and a not so beautiful drop. We haven't mentioned wildlife for a while but we have seen several elk and deer (and baby deer) just walking on the middle of the road here in California.

Spent the afternoon relaxing on Casper beach watching the surfers in the large waves, enjoying the super sunshine and reading on the beach.