LUXURY IN QUINCY

Cabin at Child's Meadow

DATE:  Sun, Oct. 9, 2011
HOME: Quincy, Ca  Featherbed Inn
DISTANCE: 62 miles
ALTITUDE: 2,000
WEATHER: 32 degrees this AM, ended in Quincy in the 70’s.  Beautiful Day
NARRATIVE:   A day of extremes.  At child’s Meadow this morning, when we began biking at 8:30 it was 32 degrees and we were heading downhill!  We had all our warmth on, were warm biking.  Around 9:30 it began to warm up.  After lunch we were stripped of all layers except our pants and jerseys!  What a treat – it’s been at least two weeks – or since we left Crater Lake that it’s been so warm.
The biking – even though it was on 89 the traffic was light since it was Sunday.  From Child’s Meadow to Greenville, where we had lunch was some of the poorest area we had seen yet.  No towns to speak of (we didn’t go in to Chester), the houses and motels were all in a state of disrepair with “rusting tin and old tossed out treasure” landscaping in most yards.  Very sad and depressing. Especially since it is such a beautiful forest we were riding through.  The whole area from near Mt. Shasta to Greenville was quite poor and obviously hit by this recession.  We saw few young people, and the older folks we spoke to all seemed to have an understanding of events and geography surrounding them of about 10 miles. 

At Greenville we were hoping for at least a café open.  We were very pleasantly surprised as we turned a corner and entered town to see a bustling, restored town.  We had a pleasant lunch at Anna’s, our cell phones worked for the first time since leaving Mt. Shasta, so we called ahead to Quincy to reserve a room at a B&B that seemed nice.  Things were definitely looking up.  As I was leaving the cafe several people asked if we had been on "the ride" from there yesterday.  Apparently there had been a century ride around Lake Almanor. 

Transition: The ride from Greenville to Quincy was beautiful – 20 miles – 10 down and 10 up.  The topography was changing from the volcanic to the Sierra granite, we were heading down a beautiful canyon, then up along the feather river.  A big change – especially when we stopped to take our arm warmers off! 

Quincy – is a cute town.  Our B&B, the Featherbed Inn is really nice in an old Victorian one block off 89 in downtown.  We’re actually in a cottage next door – spacious, a real bed, a porch, a bathroom with a great shower.  We began to feel civilized again – and then, dinner, at Moon’s was wonderful. 

We’re slowly catching up on email, the blog, and searching for places to stay – and I appreciate the many comments and emails wondering if we're OK since we haven't posted for almost a week.  YES, we're fine, and still enjoying the adventure.  The day after tomorrow we will be in Truckee and take a layover day.  But for now, it’s to bed and a good night’s sleep.