Ukiah, CA and the Skunk Train.

Sept. 5, 6, & 7, 2010 - For the Labor Day weekend, Charlie and I decide to cash in on our free points from all the motels we've stayed in.  We took it easy with 3 free nights at the Quality Inn in Ukiah, CA; 156 miles south on the 101 from our last stop in Eureka.  This was a vacation from a vacation, with the only long haul drive was through the scenic Redwoods going to and from Fort Bragg to ride the famed Skunk Train.

Driving on the gnarliest switchbacks since the Appalachians, we worked our way to the coast heading first north on the 101, then west on the 20 for 39 miles for our steam train ride.  Steam train passenger service started in 1904 as a logging railroad to haul the massive Redwood logs to Mendocino Coast sawmills.  The ride took us back in time, heading 21 miles to the heart of the Redwoods and back, in an old-school train car with original, antiquated decor and upholstery.

The California Western Steam Train at Fort Bragg!

Steam train to the Redwoods!

Northspur lunch stop, 21.3 miles from Fort Bragg.

The old logging railroad Northspur stop.