High Springs to Palatka,FL

74 Miles

Total Miles:  3030!!!!

Today’s song was inspired by a stop at Dairy Queen at mile 73!

There is nothing like a promise of an ice cream to inspire women to sprint 20 miles in 98% humidity after 50 miles!   Along with the cool refreshment, there was an outburst of dancing in the parking lot.   Another patron parked his truck near us, and when he opened the door he had “Happy” blaring from his speakers.  A few of the gang somewhat accosted him and asked if he could leave his door open and not leave until the song was over.   He agreed, and then there was dancing with ice cream in the parking lot.   As is often the case, pictures just do not do it justice – but it was a wonderful moment to behold!

Another highlight of the day included surpassing 3000 miles!   I am having trouble processing that – but my angry ass assures me that we did do it!

Tomorrow we will have breakfast at the hotel, so this morning was our last “trailer” cooked meal by our chef Patty.  I trained for breakfast.  Not just the bike riding – but breakfast.  I ate oatmeal for 30 days in a row, so that when presented with it , I could choke it down.   Today, I easily consumed my oatmeal. I am now prepared to go back to 4H Summer camp and do it again!

Patty is one of 3 cooks that we have enjoyed.  She is a talented and experience chef and guide.  Each of the three had their own style and talent – it has been a pleasure meeting all of them – Kudos to Sarah, Kimberly and Patty.  Thank you!

During the ride today, I was not thinking too far ahead, it just seemed like another ride to me.  Mileage to make to move ourselves across the southern tier.  It was not until I arrived at the hotel and started to organize my gear for tomorrow that it really hit me that tomorrow is the last day!

I enjoyed my last dishwashing session with the gang!  I was teasing that I did not sign up for a cycling tour – the brochure that I received highlighted the dishwashing experience, and during the day there was cycling!

The gang has arrived from NH and I cannot wait to see everyone tomorrow!

We have received our last cue sheet and instructions for tomorrow.  We head out and do the the first 40 miles as “normal” and meet up at a Fire Station about 7 miles out.  We assemble and will receive a police escort into St. Augustine.  We roll rain or shine — and it looks  like we may have rain — I am hoping we can stay ahead of it and avoid a down pour.

Off to finishing packing and then trying to catch a wink or two!