Mudslide Detour

Not long ago, a mudslide closed a section of 101 just north of Garberville. This had the effect of closing my normal route to work. CHP recommended taking 299 to 5 to 20, a route change that would have added at least five hours to my four and a half hour drive. Naturally, I found an alternate route not on CHP’s web site.

If I were to head south from Eureka to Meyer’s Flat, I could then exit 101 and begin my adventure. Avenue of the Giants south to Elk Creek Road east to Dyerville Loop Road South to Alder Point Road west was obviously the way to get to Garberville, and thus 101 South, without a five hour detour. My research indicated that some portion of Dyerville Loop Road was unpaved, but that it was frequently ridden by people on touring and road bicycles, so I decided it was probably okay for my Pontiac Grand Prix, as well.

In fact, Dyerville Loop Road had about twenty miles of unpaved surface, mostly well maintained. There were a few sections that the inexperienced dirt driver might find challenging, but as long as one keeps his eyes up and his speed down, the rough stuff is negotiable. I got through without damaging my vehicle, and found the startled stares of the ridge line ranchers to be quite amusing. I can’t wait for the next mudslide!

Here are some photos from the trip. Here, north and south are not geomagnetic references, but rather indications of my general direction on the route map. In other words, I might say “I’m looking south”, but actually be facing east. The point is that continuing in the direction indicated would eventually bring me to my southerly goal, Alder Point Road:

5 MILES EAST OF ELK CREEK ROAD, LOOKING SOUTH

 

LOOKING SOUTH AGAIN; A RANCH TRUCK IS ABOUT TO COME AROUND THE CORNER, FAST

 

 

LOOKING NORTH FROM THE SAME SPOT, PRE-RANCH TRUCK

 

LOOKING NORTH; SNOW, SKY, TREES

 

 

SERIOUSLY, I WOULD NOT WANT TO BREAK DOWN HERE

 

ALMOST SOMEWHERE

My poor, poor car. It was not designed for such roads. Those who know me well will have some idea how I enjoyed this drive, and what it cost my car. But, hey, equipment can be replaced, right?

Finally, Alder Point Road was paved, but in such poor repair that I actually felt all four wheels leave the ground at one point as I dropped over a ledge in the fractured roadway. It’s also very steep. I think I need new brake pads.