Dolly's Bike Blog

May 1: High Springs to Palatka, FL

This blog entry is dedicated to Bell Brinn, who started the ride with us on March 8th, fell two hours into the ride on wet pavement, and went home to Colorado with a separated shoulder. She has rejoined us to celebrate at the Atlantic – great to see you!

There was not much ‘excitement’ to the ride today: similar scenery to the last few days, cloudy skies, but no real rain. What few pictures I took all look as gray as the sky.

I do like this photo of Donna and me, biking buddies.

We opted to wait for lunch until we got to Palatka, then enjoyed pizza slices at a local restaurant.

We did pass the county courthouse as we wandered in the historic downtown.

This bridge took us over the St. John’s River to our hotel, the Best Western of Palatka.

There I was met by husband Don and Florida friends and dedicated cheerleaders Ray and Linda Cannarella. After we showered, we drove into St. Augustine for dinner at a favorite Spanish restaurant, Columbia.

75 miles today, average 12.1 mph.

April 30: Perry to High Springs, FL

We started the morning with map meeting in the parking lot, as last night was dinner out.

Only 6 miles into the ride this morning, I hit 3,000 miles on this great adventure. It happened to be right at the sign showing our destination for the day.

The first 20 miles along US 27 reminded us of yesterday, lots of trees and swampy areas. I did like the morning shadows following Donna.

Carol was able to ride today and seemed to enjoy her time on the bike.

We stopped in the town of Mayo for coffee. The Lafayette County Courthouse was just across the street.

The scenery became much more interesting, with farms and cattle along the road.

Susan took this photo of some of our cyclists passing the beautiful pink flowers.

It was lunch time when we crossed the Suwanee River into Branford, so we looked for a place to stop for lunch..

For 7 miles we rode a bike path paralleling US 27, possibly a section of the Suwanee River Greenway. The route then diverted us to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. We left our bikes and walked to the Blue Hole Spring, where we found snorkelers exploring.

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I also wandered to the Ichetucknee Spring and decided to take a quick dip – delightfully refreshing.

Back on the bike, just after we left the park, we saw this beautiful field of flowers.

It was still almost 20 miles to our hotel, but we pedaled on, passing corn fields, certainly higher than back in Indiana.

Part of our group is at the High Springs Country Inn; we are across the street at the Cadillac Motel.

Today was Wendy’s birthday. And Keith had caught up with is at the Park and is also staying at the Cadillac Motel, so I invited him to dinner.

78 miles today; average 11.9 mph.