The advanced scouting of this being our most difficult day so far was accurate. 71 miles with more climbing than we’ve seen so far. The climbing was mostly in the early part of the day. That can be good because it is cooler, but it can also be bad because the legs and heart haven’t had as much time to get going. Whatever it is we can’t control, so we just do it.
The first 50 miles were mostly a trail right next to a freeway. Straight & wide, and up and down. I usually don’t try to take pictures while riding, but here is one I got today in that stretch.
I did see my first live alligator on that stretch also, thanks to Rodney.
Here’s something unexpected I saw today - a palm tree growing in the midst of a naturally wooded area. I always think of palm trees growing along roads in cities, or as landscaping features at hotels. I never thought of them growing naturally in the woods.
After that 50 miles of hilly trail, we had about 15 miles of the nicest trail we have experienced so far on the trip. Meandering through a nature preserve, and even with a turtle trying to decide if he should cross the bike path.
