Starting point: Hawthorne, FL
Ending point: Saint Augustine, FL
Total miles on this day: 70.79
Total miles to date: 2762.51
Average MPH: 11.3
Max MPH: 29.1
Saddle time on this day: 6:15:34
Saddle time to date: 243:51:59
May
13
May
12
Starting point: Mayo, FL
Ending point: Hawthorne, FL
Total miles on this day: 85.87
Total miles to date: 2691.72
Average MPH: 12.5
Max MPH: 20.5
Saddle time on this day: 6:54:39
Saddle time to date: 237:36:25
May
11
Starting point: Medart, FL
Ending point: Mayo, FL
Total miles on this day: 90.39
Total miles to date: 2605.85
Average MPH: 13.7
Max MPH: 20.4
Saddle time on this day: 6:35:57
Saddle time to date: 230:41:46
May
9
Starting point: Seaside, FL
Ending point: Apalachicola, FL
Total miles on this day: 101.96
Total miles to date: 2515.46
Average MPH: 14.0
Max MPH: 30.8
Saddle time on this day: 7:16:54
Saddle time to date: 224:05:49
May
6
Starting point: Navarre Beach, FL
Ending point: Seaside, FL
Total miles on this day: 49.9
Total miles to date: 2413.5
Average MPH: 12.4
Max MPH: 26.1
Saddle time on this day: 3:54:51
Saddle time to date: 216:48:55
May
5
Starting point: Dauphin Island, AL
Ending point: Navarre Beach, FL
Total miles on this day: 84.16
Total miles to date: 2363.6
Average MPH: 13.8
Max MPH: 32.5
Saddle time on this day: 6:05:09
Saddle time to date: 212:54:04
May
4
The rain held off through the night and I awoke rested and ready to begin my ride. I am determined to reach St. Augustine by May 15th, and would love to exceed 112 miles at least one day before this adventure is complete.
The morning was overcast, but the miles flew by quickly. I found myself at Dauphine Island before 11:00 AM and approached the ferry to cross over to the Gulf Shores. I was greeted by the ships captain, who informed me that an incoming storm prevented him from running the ferry for the rest of the day! He suggested I seek shelter at the campgrounds conveniently located across the street from the docks. I reluctantly checked into the campgrounds and spent the rest of the day exploring the island and staring 4.2 miles across Mobile Bay to my intended destination. There is a beautiful bird sanctuary here, as well as Fort Gaines Historic Site. There is a small beach here, but I am getting more excited by the mile as I begin to approach the beaches I grew up on further east. I will go to bed early tonight with dreams of white sands and will rise early with hopes that the ferry will be running.
Starting point: Grand Bay, AL
Ending point: Dauphin Island, AL
Total miles on this day: 39.87
Total miles to date: 2279.44
Average MPH: 11.0
Max MPH: 21.5
Saddle time on this day: 5:34:14
Saddle time to date: 206:48:55
May
3
During my time off from my bicycle trip, I enjoyed the company of many of my friends and family. I was able to attend the gallery exhibitions at Ohio University, attend the New Orleans Jazz Festival, and receive and accept my invitation to join the Peace Corps. It has now become official. I have sent in my passport and visa information to the travel company that works with the Peace Corps and am on course to leave June 2nd as planned.
I did not get to see everyone that I would have liked to, but enjoyed living off the bike for a little while. It was a joy to see as my friends put the finishing touches on their graduate thesis work. All the shows I was able to see were exceptional. I am proud of the artists that come from Ohio University and love having such a talented group of friends. I have links to many of their artist websites on my links page if you wish to see some of their work.
I am lucky to have friends in Baton Rouge that helped me orchestrate my trip back to Ohio, and than take me to Jazz Fest in New Orleans when I got back into town. Lori, Lisa, and Jenny were excellent hosts, making it hard to get back on the bike to continue my journey. Jenny is Lori’s next-door neighbor, who works with animals at a vet hospital and houses and cares for numerous pets. Jenny’s cat named Mouse entertained me throughout my visit and opened my eyes to how cool a cat can be. I am a dog guy, but if there are more cats in the world like Mouse, I could be swayed to rethink my position.
A tremendous highlight of my break, was a visit I took to go see Ms. Juanita Hamilton. Juanita lost her home during Hurricane Katrina and I was lucky enough t0o work with her to help her return back home. Through the efforts of Project Homecoming and hundreds of volunteers, Juanita was able to get back into her home this past Thanksgiving. It was so wonderful to get the chance to see her before I leave for the Peace Corps. I will miss her while I am gone. For all of the volunteers who helped to get Ms. Juanita back into her home, I want to thank you for your help. The house looks amazing! Juanita and I walked through the house smiling and telling the stories of how and who worked on each facet of the now completed home. What a world.
After a long break from the road, Lori and I finally headed off in search of the bike route. The weather was not cooperating and it was really nice having Lori along to see the route, so we continued to drive along the country roads. We soon entered Mississippi and Alabama shortly thereafter. We stopped for lunch in Grand Bay, AL at a hamburger restaurant and watched as the rain poured down. We located campgrounds north of town and I set up my camp for the evening. This is where Lori and I parted ways and I began preparing myself to get back on the bike. I hope the rain does not continue through the night and I have a dry day of riding in front of me tomorrow morning. Good night from Grand Bay!