High Springs to Palatka, FL

Today's ride was pretty none eventful. Nancy and rode together but as the day progress we picked up other riders. By the time we finished we had Mary Jo, Donna, Peggy, Nancy, Janet B and Marni. It was a nice little group.

For the first 40 miles we rode through some beautiful back road areas. Then at mile 41 we got onto State Road 100 for the rest of the day. The road had a shoulder but there was a lot of debris on it. As the day went on it really warmed up but we had a headwind that actually helped cool us. Never thought I would appreciate a headwind.

Tonight was our last meal cooked by chief Linda. We had salmon, mashed potatoes and spinach salad. There was also fruit (sent by Marni's husband for their 36 anniversary), a cake brought by Peggy's cousin and chocolate macadamia nuts brought by Sherry's friend. Great.

On the way back to my room I spilled red wind on the white shirt I have used the whole trip. Yuck.

Robin, Liz and Susan

Elisabeth and Peggy

Donna and Mary Jo

Want to see a gator?

Welcome to Palatka

Bridge over the St. John River

Billboard showing a view of the bridge.

Captain Carol doing KP.

Perry to High Springs, FL

Nancy was sag today so I set out early on my own. I shortly caught up with Laurie, Connie and Jan C. The three of them tend to ride in a loose paceline so I joined in. We made great time and I enjoyed the 76 mile day.

When we got to Ichetucknee Springs we all took our shoes off and cooled our feet. When we got to the park the sign said no swimming due to high waters. It turns our we heard later that a ranger came by and told some of the later women it was OK to swim. Oh well, I enjoyed the cool water on my feet anyway.

After I checked into the motel I went to find Lois S and we rode into the town of High Springs. We found a wonderful place for a late lunch. For dinner I only ate salad because of the late lunch.

Entering Suwannee County

Suwannee River

Branford

Florida wildflowers

Wildflowers along bike trail.

More wildflowers

Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs

Max, a fellow traveler . He left San Diego from Dog beach two days before we did.

Max gives a washer and dryer to people he meets along the way!

turtles resting as we went over a bridge.

More turtles!

Wakulla Springs to Perry, Fl

Today Nancy and I rode 51 miles. You know you are riding a flat boring route when the highlight of the day is when you have a flat! Having a flat for me is really tough because it is impossible to get my tire on and off my wheel. Thank goodness for Nancy and our Sag today, Ann.


When we got into Perry we stopped at a restaurant called Pouncey's. The sign outside advertised "Swamp Cabbage". Our waitress explained that Swamp cabbage is an old-time Florida cracker favorite vegetable obtained from the heart of the cabbage palm (S. palmetto), which is the official state tree of Florida. Following trimming, the swamp cabbage may be prepared in various ways. The most popular old cracker way is to cut into thin slices like cole slaw and cook with meat seasoning until done. After the swamp cabbage is cooked, the white color changes to a grayish brown. The unique flavor is best described as smoky and wild. I, of course, had to try some. Very much like the hearts of palm I am used to in texture but had a slight clove taste. I was ok, not great. I think you need to cultivate your taste for it.

I do love Hampton Inns. This one had cookies and strawberries dipped in chocolate for us at 5:00. They also had wine and beer.

The sign just before this spot said "Dip". If you look very closely you can see a slight change in the road surface.

Welcome to Perry.

A side order of swamp cabbage.

A grilled cheese and tomato sandwich.

Wakulla Springs Rest Day

Will post more soon about the Talent Show held the first night we were here and my rest day.

Quincy to Wakulla Springs, Fl

Today was another short ride, 40 miles. It was mostly flat with just a few ups. I can't really even call them hills. My legs are tired though and I just can't seem to climb the way I did at the beginning of the trip. The good news is I can ride forever on flats.

There was no big rush to get the the Lodge at Wakulla Springs because we were told we could not get in our rooms until 2:30 or 3:00. Once Nancy and I arrived at the lodge we joined Lois for lunch in the dining room and then went on a boat cruise of the springs. Most of the pictures below are from there.

That evening there was a "Talent Show" put on by some of the women. I will blog more about it in a separate post.

The other kind of bikers. Nancy tried to trade bikes but no takers!

Along the way.

Welcome to Wakula Springs.

All the pictues below are from the boat cruise.