Day 51 - Gainesville, FL to Palatka, FL

He is Risen!  Alleluia!  Happy Easter!

52.8 miles today
2,716.7 total trip miles
13.3 mph average
853’ climbing
FF - 3
MP - All people & groups unnamed as MP’s previous to today.  The sad fact is that I had only 45 riding days to choose a Motivational Partner for.  For that reason I have set aside this day for everyone I couldn’t name.  This includes those I know personally, as well as musicians, writers, teachers & actors.  Every connection has made me the person I am today & I am grateful for the wide variety of influences I have been exposed to.

This adventure is quickly coming to a close & fortunately Bubba knows the group needs to wind down so the last few days are reduced mileage & today we even had 20 miles on a bike trail rather than on a highway with traffic.  Right off the trail outside of Gainesville is a large nature preserve with all kinds of wildlife.  It was a great opportunity to get off the bike & look around.

I found it to be an interesting mixture of animals listed that might be on the trail.  I didn’t see any of the listed animals, but it was a great place to go birding.  This picture shows the swamp with a large Live Oak tree across the way.

My family is already gathered in St Augustine relaxing  & touring the city.  I still have 35 miles to pedal tomorrow & then dip my front wheel in the Atlantic Ocean to complete the Coast 2 Coast journey.

WDYLT - ILT the moss that commonly grows on the Live Oak trees & often hangs low is not really a part of the tree.  It is a totally separate plant that just uses the Live Oak as a host.