Crawfordville -Rest Day!

46 miles!!

Total Miles: 2826

On my day off — if you had asked me 6 weeks ago if I would be riding on my rest day, I would have thought you were crazy.

Yesterday on our way back from Wakulla Springs State Park, I rode past a sign for a Lighthouse.  The sign indicated that it was 20 miles away.  I thought that I would like to go, but at that moment – was not to thrilled about getting on the bike on my day off.

The hotel offers a light breakfast, so I headed down at 8:00. I sat with Karen and Connie, whose company I greatly enjoy.  They are both short in stature but large in personality, kindness and are truly genuine.   As we discussed our intentions for our rest day, I mentioned the St. Mark Lighthouse to Karen.  Truth be told, I was looking for someone that would give me the nudge that I needed to head to the lighthouse.  Karen is perfect for this, as she enjoys sightseeing and has taken quite a few sidetrips during our cross country adventure.

She was all for the trip- we ran back to our rooms, made a quick change and headed out to St. Marks Wildlife Refuge/State Park.  Sue joined us and the three of us rolled on.   It was a great day, an easy ride on a road with a large shoulder, 11 miles into the park on park roads. Great scenery – marshes, coastal waters, birds, turtles – even a few alligators.

We enjoyed lunch at a local bar – and had a bit of local fare – fried oysters, grilled shrimp!  Overall a perfect day all around.

My thoughts were full of wonderful memories of Sue Z who loved lighthouses.  I think St. Mark’s beckoned me so that I would spend the day thinking of her warm smile, her strength and zeal for life. She is truly missed.    I also though of Nicole D – another terrific person who enjoys lighthouses, and who has been a wonderful supporter of my journey.

4 riding days to go!  Still trying to get my head around the fact that this journey is coming to an end. Thanks to all of you for joining me on this great adventure!

Quincy to Crawfordville, FL

52 miles

Total: 2780

A foggy start to the day found us on a “fog hold” for an hour before we headed out.  We had the luxury of a shorter ride, so there was not the need to risk our safety heading out in the poor visibility.

The last few days though Florida, have been with terrain that included many rolling hills.  I can no longer make a blanket statement that Florida is flat!  Perhaps the lower part is flat, but up here in Northern Florida, we have worked our way for days up and over many, many hills!

On our way to Crawfordville, we had an option for a side trip to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.  I opted to head in and enjoy lunch in the Lodge.  After I walked around the grounds and enjoyed the view of the lake and the grounds.  As it was Saturday, the area was very busy with many people swimming or jumping off the high dive platform.  Several of our riders decided to take a boat ride to try and catch a view of Manatees and Alligators.   They saw many alligators but due to recent rains, the water was a bit murky to catch a sighting of the manatees.

Tomorrow we have one more rest day before we embark on the last 4 days of riding and our arrival into St. Augustine on Thursday.