Day 54 - Mile 2670 - 2740 (70 miles, 300 ft ascent, 227 ft descent)

High Springs - Palatka, FL

Daily Route

Daily Elevation

There was a bright street light above the tent.  Whenever I woke up in the middle of the night I thought the sun was up and my alarm didn't go off.  Crazy night.  When it was morning we were surprised to find the tent was completely dry.  We quickly got up and took the tent down before dew or rain got it wet.  Last night was the last night we are sleeping in the tent, so when we put it away today we won't see it till we pick it up in Ohio in May.

As planned, we left at 9 AM and Patrick was there to capture the moment:

Ready to ride.

When we left we knew it will eventually rain on us and 8 miles in, it finally did.

Putting on rain jackets

The rain continued on and off for the entire day, but since it wasn't too cold, the rain wasn't too bad.  I think at this point we can all pretty much deal with and be happy with any conditions since we only have one more day after today to ride.  As a matter of fact, I missed a turn adding 4 miles to the ride today and everyone took it pretty good.

All day we knew, and looked forward to the 25 miles of bicycle trail we get to ride on today.  The trail did not disappoint.  Within the first mile of the trail we saw a gopher tortoise.  

Burrowing gopher tortoise

Check out these amazing photos from the trail:

Bill and Mel riding on the trail

Enjoying the scenery

So beautiful

All was good until we hit the the end of the trail with no warning.  Oh well...it was nice while it lasted.

Tim comes to the end

The last 5 miles to the hotel was good, which was good for me since we should have been done with the by now if I didn't miss the turn earlier.

Everyone checked into their room, showered, and met at the Beef O'Brady's which happen to be attached to the hotel.  It was a great dinner which included Mary's fiancé's Steve's parents and sister.

Tomorrow is the day.  We only have 30 miles to the Atlantic Ocean.  It is hard to believe!