23rd Jan.

I can see why dew collection seems worth a shot in dry places.  It's so tantalizing - desperately in need of rain, then in the mornings everything is soaked in dew, only to evaporate away again.  Or in the case of my tent, just get rolled up again soaking wet, lovely. 

Located the North Coast Coop in Arcata, just beyond Eureka.  Great produce shop, lots of local and organic everything.  Sitting on the ground outside, picnicing, next to a lady, standing, holding a small sign, elegantly dressed and quietly spoken.  She had a not-for-profit organisation, raising awareness about human-trafficking of Americans, by Americans, in California.  She said she was looking for her daughter, who had married, and disappeared, but she wasn't saying that to passers by, she said people were funny, and if something seemed too personal, that people didn't want to know.  Sitting on the ground, having a bike, being foreign and being quiet...you find out about all kinds of things.  Marla, she gave me her number in case I needed someone to call.

Highway 101, then quiet cycle route roads, and the first puncture.  Back wheel.  I was sceptical about the green puncture-repair slime in the tyres, but by the time I had the wheel off and found the gash in the tyre, the fibres must have meshed over the hole to stop anymore air out.  Wheel back on straight second attempt, seemed good.  Of all the places around Eureka to get a puncture, this was a good one.  Lasted me 10 miles or so, then blew again, within sight of a campground.  I am so lucky!  Found 3 holes...new inner tube, seems good again!