Yesterday I made it 50 miles to Collier Seminole State Park. The ranger, Michelle, was a sweetheart and took great care me finding me ice... love ice! But as far as I'm concerned that was a $20 shower and the worst camping spot I've been in in years! Bugs, worn, dirty sand, and late night partying when I needed to get up early. But the partiers were wonderful neighbors that offered me dinner, drinks, and companionship. It's just that when I need to get some sleep, they didn't. Oh well. I did enjoy sharing my story with them and one of the guys, Tom, is planning to hike the AT with a buddy next year.
Got off early today for a fun day of pedaling on 41 across the Everglades: strong headwinds, lots of cars, rumble strips and raised reflectors on the wonderfully wide shoulder (so I can't use it). Met a fascinating birdman at the Big Cypress Boardwalk and he had a big lens to get up close photos of red breasted hawk nesting, ospry nesting, and alligators. Allen was a treat to meet and walk and talk with. I learned lots, and saw more than I would have alone, that's for sure!
Made the wise decision to go the extra miles out to Everglade City and Chokoloskee Island. The town is small and quaint...just my kind of place. Martin LeBlanc (remember him?) told me about the Triad restaurant and I'm going back there for a late lunch/early dinner. ( I try to eat only twice a day - one in a restaurant or grocery store). While biking through EC, I saw this tall isolated grove of trees popping and burning. Some guy went running into a nearby house and got a fire extinguisher (like that was going to do any good!). I called 911. The fire trucks were there quickly getting it extinguished. There were pickup trucks parked right next to it (fisherman leaving their cars there for the day and couldn't be moved) and houses nearby.
On to Chokoloshee Island to tour around before going back the Triad. While pedaling out here, a woman pulled along side to tell me: 1) I'm getting a bad burn on my lower back, and 2) there's a great place to get key limeade off the main drag, JT's Island Cafe and Gallery. And that's where I am right now. And they have free internet! How grand is that. Feel like I'm on the AT again, trying to get all my internet stuff done. Love that feeling of being on the AT.
This guy just sat down to talk with me about my ride. He's a biker and has gone cross country and all around Europe. So nice to talk to others who have done what I'm doing and get it. He's a kayak guide down here now. What a life! Dean, I still think you should hike the AT. It's your kind of life and people!
It's hot out there, cool (but not air conditioned) in here...so where should I be? The key limeade is delicious, cold, and refreshing. I just checked the menu...there's Greek salad. I may have to have that! I'll get a fish appetizer later at the Triad before heading back to 41 and moving on into that headwind again...to find a place to sleep tonight. My plan is to bike til dark (or nearly so) because the mosquitos and deer flies will eat me alive if I'm just hanging around camp. I'm going to try for a very very very early start tomorrow....like on the road at 5...Thumper would be proud of me! I hate to get up early as he knows. (For those who don't know it, Thumper's a guy I hiked for 4 months on the AT and I credit him with "dragging my ass to Maine".)
Pedaling on, Bag Lady
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