Day 51. Gainesville to Palatka. 50 miles
We started off going to our first Starbucks in 52 days. These small towns just don't have them. Not that I care as I'm not really a fan of them.. Anyway a good fun start where we met one of the directors of Bike Florida. So we have our picture with him and maybe we will be in contact with him at some point. Our Florida riders were excited.
Then on to the best bike trail ever - the Guerry-Hawthorne Connection Trail. Not only a well kept trail but it was a beautiful trail surrounded by trees and foliage plus we were able to take a walk onto a boardwalk into gator land. I saw my first alligator. He was laying in the mud with one eye open keeping an eye on us. Others before us saw 3 or 4 swimming. Daniel did this ride last year and he commented that the water was too high for the alligators and that last year they saw over 100 of them laying around. That must have been quite the sight. I am happy with just seeing one.
That was our highlight for the day.
And then we got caught in the rain the last 15 miles. It wasn't a cold rain so we didn't bother with our jackets.
Tonite we were given our jerseys to wear as we ride out tomorrow. Bubba also did something different. We sat in a circle and each person, rider and staff, took turns talking about the ride and actually thanking everyone. I have to say this ride was great. Snowflake said it best when she said there was a vibe with this group she had never experienced before. It was kind of like a love bubble. Everyone gave each other encouragement or whatever else was needed in their moment of need. Quite a group.
Then on to the best bike trail ever - the Guerry-Hawthorne Connection Trail. Not only a well kept trail but it was a beautiful trail surrounded by trees and foliage plus we were able to take a walk onto a boardwalk into gator land. I saw my first alligator. He was laying in the mud with one eye open keeping an eye on us. Others before us saw 3 or 4 swimming. Daniel did this ride last year and he commented that the water was too high for the alligators and that last year they saw over 100 of them laying around. That must have been quite the sight. I am happy with just seeing one.
That was our highlight for the day.
And then we got caught in the rain the last 15 miles. It wasn't a cold rain so we didn't bother with our jackets.
Tonite we were given our jerseys to wear as we ride out tomorrow. Bubba also did something different. We sat in a circle and each person, rider and staff, took turns talking about the ride and actually thanking everyone. I have to say this ride was great. Snowflake said it best when she said there was a vibe with this group she had never experienced before. It was kind of like a love bubble. Everyone gave each other encouragement or whatever else was needed in their moment of need. Quite a group.
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