Day 31 Crescent City to Oak Prairie Campground in the Redwoods 35 miles

First full day in California and it's grey, wet and cold (45°).  We set off in the rain from the Quality Inn after a hearty breakfast, ready to tackle today's route which included 3 challenging hills into the Redwood National Park.  Thunder rumbled around us and I wished I'd googled whether it's safe to ride a bike in a thunderstorm.  Don't want my early retirement to end so soon!
The first hill was a real test with roadworks  on either side for much of the way.  It must have been grim because even Rob said he'd be thinking of giving up on this if we weren't trying to raise money by completing the challenge.  I reminded him that he promised we could go on a cruise next time!  Please help me ensure this happens, Rob's friends!
Having reached the top of the first hill and negotiated the steep curves of the descent on the other side, we found a place selling coffee which warmed us up and spurred us on.  The weather did actually improve somewhat in the afternoon although it remained very cool.  We stocked up on tinned soup,  cheese and Bud Light at the only shop on our route before our final ascent.  The last 6 miles proved to be a wonderful descent through the Redwoods - truly amazing!
Back to camping tonight - there are definitely bears, elks and racoons on this site - campers are warned by many posters on the site to lock all food and perfumed items in the bear lockers - solid metal boxes in situ around the camp.
I am wearing all my warm clothes this evening - long sleeve top, fleece, gilet, windproof, waterproof, neck warmer and waterproof socks!  My shorts and t - shirts haven't yet emerged from my paniers on the trip to date!
On a brighter note, we have been joined on the hiker/biker site this evening by Naomi and Andrew - the English couple from Cornwall we met a few days ago in Florence.  We're teeming up to make a fire this evening and expect we'll enjoy each other's company before darkness sets in at 7pm!  This is not quite what I was expecting in sunny California but what an experience!