Day 19

Friday July 4th

KOA Benbow to Westport-Union State Park

Sunset at Abalone - W-U S P

Abalone site - Westport-Union State Park

Long haul down the 101 from Benbow to Leggett for break, but Leggett hardly exists. Took side road past closed cafe and working service station hoping for town; no town. At top of climb adjacent to 101 found decent Redwood Merchantile. Two microwave breakfast burritos - very nice. Bought luncheon items; B. rolls up, no cell service.
Headed toward coast on Hwy 1. 28 miles to Westport. Hard, hot up first few miles, long down cruise into creek valley could feel the chill of the ocean but one more good climb and around a corner and pacific fog forced more clothes suddenly.
Westport-Union state park a series of primitive camps along bluff above water. Very crowded and undefined layout.
Lay in at Abalone site next to fee kiosk. Chatted with a couple of good old boys with a hot oak fire and cheap beer. Info on what is what in village of Westport a mile or two south. Sounded good but took nap.
Awoke and into Westport. Gen store only establishment open and doing a raging business. Young woman clearly channeling Paris Hilton in line with poodle in arms and a muffin.
Had beer and chips on the store porch, chilly but nice table and climbing nasturtiums.
Returned to Abalone and had another beer with George and friend the pipe fitter. Very good fire. Both guys camped free because of Pomo tribal membership. Pipefitter bemoaning the fact that after 40 years of camping here his posse was sick or dead and his kids didn't get it.Companion George was mellower, had a nice situation as custodian with a college in Ukiah and social security. Both were still working; the pipe fitter had a steady job with some outfit called The City of Ten Thousand Buddhists; fixing pipes.
Some fireworks; sleep.

Westport Store - see nasturtiums on left

Westport US 1