The Cowley Family and Mary and Marsha

I met Rick Cowley and his wife Cathy on the Mobile Bay Ferry. They invited me to dinner at their vacation home on Dauphin Island. Rick cooked up some shish kabobs on the grill, while Cathy whipped up some homemade cherry tarts. Their son Trent is the musician who has promised to write a song about my journey. Savannah (daughter) and her boyfriend Bryce cackled on the deck, I thought there were 10 people out there. Brittany, Trents girlfriend, kept seeing bears and wants to pack up and go home. A great night and a good meal....thanks for everything.

Mary and Marsha were on the Ferry also. They used to rent a vacation home with their friends on the beach each year, then got a group of people together and built one of their own.

Onward and out of Florida

Here is my route today, ending in Bayou La Batre, AL.  I have to take a ferry ride on the way, should be a good time to pop open an ice cold Powerade.  Yesterday was my first day off, giving my muscles and my butt a much needed rest.  Hope everyone has a great day, one more day till the weekend.  I am feeling great and should be able to do upwards of 75 miles per day.

Pensacola, almost out of Florida

It was a brutal ride yesterday on Hwy 98 to Pensacola. Charlie asked me to have a good time, so I obliged. There was a sports bar next to the Seville Hotel where I stayed, called Capt. Fun. Met some new friends and had a great time. Keri, Christina and Jackie enjoyed a 24 carate shot which looked brutal containing mostly Goldschlager. Ronnie was both the DJ and Bartender, keeping everyone happy. Amber, an aspiring singer, and her friend Kimber were having a good time as well.

Palm Tiki Wood Sculpture by Charlie at Gulf Breeze, FL

I was riding by Palm Tiki on Hwy 98 and saw Charlie with his chain saw working on a log.  I stopped to say hello and take a look at the big sculpture in the picture above.  It is from one piece of wood, Charlie says he's been working on it for 5 years.  When he's not working, he's out surfing.  I told him what I was doing and he made a donation to the cause....thanks Charlie.

 

If you need a wood sculpture, call him at 850-934-6803.

Destin

I stayed at Henderson Beach State Park in an RV slot as they did not have primitive camp sites.  I highly recommend staying here for a family vacation.  It's right on the beach, clean bathrooms and showers and only $21 a night. 

Daily regimen and stats

Longest distance in one hour: 13.2 miles
Longest distance in a day: 66 miles
Total distance: About 650 miles....my cyclometer went down, but it's working again
Start Blood Pressure: 137/87 (this was when I started the trip)
Start Resting Heart Rate: 80 bpm (same as above)
Average speed for last 24 hours of pedaling: 11.0 mph
Top speed cruising with the wind: 20 mph
Top speed down hill: 30 mph, not enough of the downhills
Bugs eaten: 14
Bugs snorted: 1

The picture above is my morning regimen:
600mg Ibuprofen - don't need it anymore
1 scoop amino acid supplement mixed with 24oz. water
2 multi vitamin/herb supplements
2 Glucosamine Sulfate: for the joints
3 Grape seed extract: helps against the sun
1 antihistimine: only when traveling where there are lots of bugs

Some Statistics

It may be hard to read, but the scale reads 261#, I started at 276#.....yippie.

To celebrate, I had a $5.00 cup of coffee at Grand Boulevard Starbucks near Destin, with Christine and Jacob.  Actually, it was a java chip with whip cream and chocolate syrup.  Miles to go before I sleep.

Rich and Tony

I stayed at the Pine Log Campground near Ebro, FL last night.  It is not bike friendly AT ALL.  The camping area was 2 miles back on a sandy dirt road.  After struggling for the first mile, nearly going down several times, Rich and Tony were drove by in their truck and gave me a ride.  I camped with them by the water.  Thanks for your help.

Can anyone identify this flower (weed)?

Pics from Sunday, May 27th

All of the lakes/ponds were about 15' lower than they must have been at one time....based on the height of the docks.

Some of the highway memorials are pretty elaborate.

Pablo, another snake Identification please.

Preakness winner

I overtook this guy just before the county line, just like Curlin in the Preakness.

These are a few days old, Newport Park Camp Ground

The park is run by Ed and Vivian Brown.  It is clean and very well kept.  Ed is a cancer survivor and Vivian was awesome.  She let me do a load of laundry and gave me a ride to the store....thanks Ed and Vivian.

While I was there, met some new friends, filleted some mullet and had sushi (raw mullet...not bad)

Ole bear with his honey

Bill and Louise Mathis were sitting on the porch enjoying their Sunday. They've been in this house Since 1969. Bill is a retired heavy equipment operator. Reminiscent of a simpler life and time.

Wakulla Springs, Apalachicola National Forest, Blountstown.

What did one turtle say to the other.  I went to Wakulla Springs and through Apalachicola National Forest, never seen so many trees.  Took a rest under a tree and found a tick on my back when I got to the Hotel in Blountstown, FL.  Can someone identify the flower? One picture is someone demonstrating the fine art of fly fishing on one of the many creeks.  And lastly, looks like Sanford and Son.

For my brother in law, the biologist

Chris, you had to ask about the Tequila

Well, I'm camping

I'll let the comments go from here. I know tiny tent.

Deb and Dawn

Details to follow

Oooooo So Comfy!!!

I bought a new seat, it's the big one with the gel pads.

Brother Simon

I came across Brother Simon on a walking pilgrimage, following with the Fransiscan Order of Penance.  He was walking north on Hwy 19 from Tampa to New Orleans.  He suggested his trip was not as bold as mine, but I definitely disagree.  Especially in light of the bandages on his feet.  He was low on water and I gave him a half gallon.  He was not permitted to accept money, only food, water and shelter as available.  He will be staying in Perry, FL at the Catholic Church through Sunday.  I'd get him another pair of shoes/sandals, but he insisted that the sandals were fine, it was his feet that were soft from too much easy life.

Your local gun shop!!! Armed and ready.

Menus accross America

I think I'm going to have a separate section of menus I come across.  Here is Anna, all sophisticated in her ping Crocs and ready to serve.

Mike (a familiar name).....McConnell, is this anyone you know?

Mike was hiking down the bike path on his way to Port Charlotte to do some snook fishing.  As I approached he began waving a bananna to flag me down (an actual bananna).  I stopped and he insisted I needed some potassium.  I gave him a couple bucks and he blessed my bike to ensure it would give me safe passage to California. Mike is presently in the woods somewhere south of Cross City sipping on a beer.

P.S. He said he had walked from Oklahoma City, got me beat.

"Way down upon the Suwanee River"

I came accross this cool house under construction, sun deck over the dock, walk around patio....when can I move in?  The photo was taken from an old railroad bridge.  Also, I saw fish jump that had to be 6 feet long.  I know, a big fish story, any idea what kind of fresh water fish gets that big that would jump straight up out of the water?

I was looking for Steve Martin, but he was nowhere to be found.

Malfunctions Repaired

I fixed my bike computer and cushioned the handlebars, what a difference.

Bike path

This is an old railroad converted to a bike path. It is a safe and comfortable way to travel by bike. I kinda miss the shot of wind from the tractor trailers though. This path goes from Chiefland to Fanning Spring then to either Trenton or Cross City.

Healthy fare

Rice noodles, carrots, green onions, romaine in a light broth. Mya's Noodle House, Chiefland, Fl

Road kill??

Thought this was road kill at first, I guess someones girlfriend saw what her feet were resting on, freaked and threw the car mat out the window. Must have been a Cadilac.

What do I get with a motel room?

Hmmmmmmm

This is either the name of the city OR the constant state of terrorism threat.......thanks George.

The MILLER RESIDENCE

I was feeling good so I pushed on to Crystal River and I remembered my long lost fraternity brother, Craig Miller.  Looked him up on Superpages on my PDA, and found Craig and Charlene Miller.  Turns out he quit the Crystal River nuclear power plant and now has his dream job as a beer taster for Budweiser.  Just kidding, loves his job at the plant, now for 15 years.  He was just around the corner when I called and invited me to stay the night (saving me a hotel night, yippy).  Kyle and Tanner are their two boys ages 6 and 7.  Thanks for the hosptality, sorry about the snoring. 

Johnny and Betsies boat sales

This couple was selling their Kayak on the side of Hwy 19 south of Homosassa, any takers???  NICE BEARD JOHNNY.

Joe, the ICEMAN

He offerered to take me to Homosassa from a gas station on Hwy 98. I didn't want to subject my bike to the cold, so I cordially declined. P.S. He apparently has several girlfriends and suggested several different hotels he has used.

Hillsborough river looking a little low

I think I fixed the small picture problem.

I don't think the cows see cyclists too often

For some reason the cows take off running when they see me.

Didn't see any panthers, just deer and cows

Too late for this one

The falcon (correct me on this) went up into a tree, returning for his meal after I passed.

Hmmm, what's for breakfast?

One of many reminders

Highway 60 is not nearly as bad as it used to be. Nonetheless, I had 3 tail lights and crossed my fingers.

The bridal suite

Unfortunately no bride, The AC worked and the roosters crowed at 5:15am, I was already up.

Two of the dozen or so chickens at the Inn

Interestingly, the don't have chicken on the menu. I think they are reserved for local voodoo rituals.

The most popular store

Fort Drum COuntry Place

Historic Desert Inn

A quality establishment, If not the only establishment in Yeehaw. Serving turtle and gator with greens and a shot of whiskey. I should have heeded the warning about greens clearing you out, especially with 30 miles between restrooms.

Saved this one crossing the road in Fort Drum

So, you ask what happened to Sebring? Well I already made a wrong turn, so I am headed to Yeehaw Junction and Death Alley (Hwy 60)

My spare bike, another example of overpacking

Okee's finer form of entertainment

If you are going mudding, this is the place. The mud in conjunction with a million splatted love bugs makes an excellent armor plating.....Well off to Sebring I go.

Welcome to Okeechobee

A painful but not unexpected first day. Apparently, Martin County doesn't care too much about maintaining their section of th beeline hwy. Feel like I've been riding a jack hammer.

The WEIGH IN

Well it looks like 275# for day one.  Finally on the road, from North Palm Beach, to Okeechobee, FL, 66 miles (assuming I get there).  I had the bike store put new tires and puncture resistant tubes in yesterday with a Tuffy Strip.  I loaded up the bike last night and in the middle of the night, the rear tube blew and the bike fell down (rude awakening).  I guess a defect and the puncture was around the valve so it could not be repaired.  So without even hitting the road, I've already had a flat.  I will write from my hotel tonight....later.

This is a map of my planned path for the first 900 miles.

From North Palm Beach, to New Orleans, LA. 

North Lake Blvd to 710 to 98 to 27 to US Hwy 90, a couple other highways but these are the majors. 

 

Still have a few loose ends before departure, shooting for no later than Thursday departure.

Is someone trying to tell me something?

It looks like the whole state is on fire.  This is from the division of Forestry as of 6:00pm today.  Tenative departure now Tuesday, May 15th.  Come on RAIN.

 

Here is the link for the map:

http://www.fl-dof.com/wildfire2007/wildfire_map.html

Yikes

Probably the fatest and longest rattle snake I have seen in the wild. Wouldn't want to camp near him. This was taken by the Palm Beach County regional airport.

Great ride today, better sites

I rode to the pump house in Riviera Beach, then up to Carlin Park in Jupiter. Like a fool, I went out on the jetty to get a closer picture of the huge waves coming in from the storm. I couldn't run fast enough and almost lost my bike too! One pair of wet shoes for my efforts. As I was waiting for replacement shoes to be delivered, I spoke with Eric Glasser of Channel 5 News. They were checking out the waves as well. The next photos are from the Juno Beach Pier. There seemed to be a hundred surfers. If you get a chance, go up to the Juno Pier, it is quite a show ($1.00 admission).

Picture of the Day

Picture with most of my gear.  Can't wait to stuff those bags and fight 25 mile an hour winds.

Day of Rest - Cinco de Mayo

During my 40 mile trek through nothern Palm Beach county yesterday, I discovered my bike was badly in need of a tune up. I had to replace the pedals with some heavy duty ones. Greased up all components, adjusted the gears and spokes. Now she rides like new. I wonder if I should give my bike a name, any ideas?

Definition of Trek - The Adventure Begins

trek

Pronunciation: 'trek

Function: intransitive verbInflected Form(s): trekked; trek·king

Etymology: Afrikaans, from Dutch trecken to pull, haul, migrate; akin to Old High German trechan to pull

1 chiefly South African a : to travel by ox wagon b : to migrate by ox wagon or in a train of such

2 : to make one's way arduously; broadly : JOURNEY - trek·ker noun

Thankfully, I will not have to travel by Ox Wagon. The picture above is from Costa Rica where Ox Carts are artfully painted. Which brings me to what I am actually using to get from North Palm Beach, Florida to San Diego, California. I have chosen a Navarra Safari bike which seems to be rugged enough (with modifications) to handly my 270# frame and 60# of gear.