Key Largo
It would be premature at this stage to say we've really hit our rhythm, but I think both Rach and I did feel a bit stronger and rode a bit faster today. (Today was also shorter... draw your own conclusions.)
We continued through the wreckage of the September hurricanes. There was one 40 foot sailboat washed up into someone's front yard with major damage to the bow. Most of the businesses here seem to be back up and running and sport fishing is the name of the game. "Salt Life" is a popular outdoor clothing brand and there are heaps of tee shirt shops everywhere you glance. 4 for $10.
We rode over our first draw bridge, the water a striking blue underneath. This highway has mile markers - we've just gone past 100 miles since our start in Key West.
The scenery and foliage has begun to change. Where most of the mangrove swamps were squat, new groves of trees have sprung up whose height block our views of the ocean. Much of the day's riding was on bike paths that parallel the road and offer a welcome alternative when their surface isn't cracked and destroyed by storm damage.
Tomorrow we cycle through a corner of the Everglades before heading on to Miami. Our daily distances are determined by availability of services, towns, and campgrounds. Sometimes it makes sense to ride a little longer or shorter to have a good place to stop for the night.
This evening we're staying at the Key Largo Kampground which has a sign warning you of alligator activity at their beach. I've started a new health plan where instead of sodas when I want a cold drink to blunt the intense Florida baking, I have beer.
Another pool here helped ease our tired muscles and soon we will take shelter from the bugs in our tent. Goodnight.
We continued through the wreckage of the September hurricanes. There was one 40 foot sailboat washed up into someone's front yard with major damage to the bow. Most of the businesses here seem to be back up and running and sport fishing is the name of the game. "Salt Life" is a popular outdoor clothing brand and there are heaps of tee shirt shops everywhere you glance. 4 for $10.
We rode over our first draw bridge, the water a striking blue underneath. This highway has mile markers - we've just gone past 100 miles since our start in Key West.
The scenery and foliage has begun to change. Where most of the mangrove swamps were squat, new groves of trees have sprung up whose height block our views of the ocean. Much of the day's riding was on bike paths that parallel the road and offer a welcome alternative when their surface isn't cracked and destroyed by storm damage.
Tomorrow we cycle through a corner of the Everglades before heading on to Miami. Our daily distances are determined by availability of services, towns, and campgrounds. Sometimes it makes sense to ride a little longer or shorter to have a good place to stop for the night.
This evening we're staying at the Key Largo Kampground which has a sign warning you of alligator activity at their beach. I've started a new health plan where instead of sodas when I want a cold drink to blunt the intense Florida baking, I have beer.
Another pool here helped ease our tired muscles and soon we will take shelter from the bugs in our tent. Goodnight.
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| He's getting away! |
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| Check out those tan lines |
Yup, Rach has got to work on those tan lines. Otherwise, she passes muster.
ReplyDeleteWe heard this morning that my cousin Chuck (Sean Conaty's dad) passed away about two weeks ago. Cheri and I spoke to my cousin John who told us some details. Chuck had a weakened immune system and then a common but insidious virus did him in over several months. Not much one can do, especially when we didn't hear until well after the funeral. Katie was at her exercise class this a.m. when a lady who new a friend of Katie's and Allie, Sean's wife, told Katie who then told us.
Don't mean to put a damper on your trip but thought Mike should know.
Otherwise, all is good. I am still incredibly handsome, witty and articulate and Cheri still puts up with me.