Day 5 - Eureka to Weaverville, Weed, and Redding

The final day of the CCOL found us in Eureka, and eager to get out of this uninspiring city. In fact, we were so anxious to escape that we set off in multiple groups, with the intention of meeting up on the road out of town. This plan didn't work out too well, so as a result we didn't get a chance to say our goodbyes to Geo and Kathleen, and Ben, who hopefully are now on their way back to Mt Lemon and Tuscon in Arizona. It was great having them on the CCOL, and we hope to see them on the next Oil Leak. Lloyd left in the same group, and outpaced the rest of us, so we didn't catch up with him until our hotel in Redding. Meanwhile, Denise and Michael also set off ahead of most of us, given the problem with their car. We caught up with them in Weaverville, and the good news is that their car performed well today. Maybe it was just a bad case of gas. Sorry; a case of bad gas...... No. Oh, you know what I mean....

My perception of what Eureka has to offer has risen a little since Les sent me these photos of some of the subdued minimalistic architecture it has to offer....  

Now that's not so bad...

Today was to be a driving day on some interesting and challenging roads, starting with CA-299 to Weaverville, and then CA-3 to Weed. As on previous days, we ran into quite a lot of road works, which detracted from our enjoyment somewhat. 

Waiting for the flag man to get us back on our way on CA-299

Following a gravel truck in a single lane section on CA-299

Waiting for another flag man....

Another single file section led by a pilot truck

After a short beak at Willow Creek we were finally able to enjoy the open road. US-299 could best be described as "curvy" rather than "twisty". There were lots of sweeping curves as the road traveled through beautiful countryside.

The open road: CA-299

Eventually, the remainder of the group met up by the roadside, and we were back to a group of 10-15 cars.

Reunited

More road works!

At some point on this road, we picked up a tail of a Highway Patrol SUV. We think he had spotted us earlier being a little over-enthusiastic with the throttle pedal, and decided to follow us. This constrained our progress somewhat...

A row of Jags ahead of me....

...and another row behind me. The pair of headlights you can just see above the roof of Vikram's VDP belong to the CHP SUV

Shortly after. Another set of roadworks....

As a result of the road work delays, we reached Weaverville later than planned. A chance encounter that morning in Eureka had resulted in Jerry learning of a place for lunch in Weaverville, so we met up at The Lunch Box. The food was good, and we had a chance to say our goodbyes to Denise and Michael before they started out on their return trip to Carson City, Nevada.

Farewells at the Lunchbox

Following lunch, we drove the CA-3 from Weaverville to Gazelle. This is a route that Jerry, myself, and Lloyd took  on the way to the NWOL in 2012. The first part of the route was "curvy", and was followed by a decidedly "twisty" section up a steep incline.

CA-3 from Weaverville to Gazelle

CA-3 follows the Trinity River for much of its length. This area was the site of much mining for gold in the past. You can see evidence of dredging for gold in the river bed (mostly dry at this time of year).

Signs of heavy gold mining activity along the CA-3

When we reached the top of the steep climb on CA-3, we ran into a little rain shower. This caused some of the convertibles to raise their tops, whilst the more stubborn continued without.

Look. Rain. In California in September. Wow!!!

Unfortunately, where there is rain, there is also clouds. When we reached Gazelle, and then Weed the heavy clouds obscured Mount Shasta, which we'd hoped to see.

Mount Shasta obscured by clouds as we approach Weed

Mount Shasta as it appeared on Saturday morning from Redding, 62 miles away, as I was leaving! Imagine how impressive it would have been from Weed if the clouds had cleared.We'll just have to go back....

In Weed we bid farewell to Rick and Christine, and Norm and Deirdre in a local coffee shop. Have a safe trip home, and we look forward to seeing you again on the next Oil Leak!

The final leg of today's drive took us south to Redding. In Weed in was cold and spitting with rain. By the time we reached Redding an hour or so later, it was pleasantly warm. The Last Supper took place at the Moonstone Bistro in Redding.

The Last Supper at the Moonstone Bistro, Redding

 Tomorrow, we will all start our journeys home. Some will take more than a day. I wish everyone a safe journey home, and hope they enjoyed the California Coastal Oil Leak. Thank you all for coming, and making it such an enjoyable week. Driving the cars we love is fun, but in the end it is the company that makes these trips so enjoyable. Particular thanks go to Jerry for his tireless efforts in setting this up. Without him, it would not have happened.

I'd also like to thank those who've submitted photos to me for inclusion in the blog. For those who'd like to see more photos, go to https://goo.gl/photos/hwRTDTMQy8Yyd66VA. I may get round to tidying them up, and putting them in order at some point. Maybe....