Florida-The Sunshine State

Florida State Flag

Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son Joseph?" He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'" And said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were two widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a sever spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent but only to widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again. there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.

                                                                        Luke 4:21-30

Sign commemorating rich Florida Heritage

One thing I love about cycling in Florida is the flat terrain. The state's elevation averages one foot above sea level. Assuming that; I'm sure there are major flooding issues around here when big storms (like hurricanes) pass thru. You don't have to dig to far down in the earth to find it sandy around here. The beautiful thing about a sandy terrain is quick drainage of water, without a lot of muddy residue.

Lot's of hotel availability here when it's not Racing Season

I had the opportunity to spend some time in Daytona Beach before moving inland toward Orlando. Lot's of beachfront hotels there with low occupancy. That means my money went further in Dayton Beach compared to other inland American destinations I've visited on this tour. I enjoyed two full king size beds with a ocean view for $42.50 per night on the strip. Certainly, the prices of these rooms fluctuate during big events like races (this city is home of the famous Daytona 500) and Spring Break.

This metropolitan Orlando trail is top notch 

This urban trail makes bike travel safer

Orlando is a major stopping place for me on this tour. I have friends here that I've known since childhood.  This city should give me a good feel of central Florida in the heart of the winter season. As far as I'm concerned, there is no other place this time of year.

 

Into Florida

Hey, this is the the place to tour in the winter if you don't like freezing

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.

He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where is was written:The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and all the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in you hearing."

                                                                                Luke 4:14-21

Rural beach on the A1A coastal highway near Faver-Dykes State Park

White Peacock on the grounds of "The Fountain of Youth" tourist area in Saint Augustine

A beautiful tree lined street with Spanish Moss in Saint Augustine

Some outstanding Florida coastline...this is where the surf meets the turf!

Unique corner stand on Fletcher on Amelia Island, FL

Well what can I say besides "I'm living a very large life!" As far as I'm concerned, this is the place to be in America for the winter...at least while doing a bicycle tour. After crossing the Saint Mary's river in southeastern Georgia, I found myself with a strong tailwind pushing me into Yulee, FL and east to Fernandina Beach. Wow, was it nice to get to the ocean again and take a dip!

I enjoyed the white sands of Amelia Island and the noticeably warmer temperatures. Originally, I planned to spend significant time in Jacksonville but that changed and I found myself working my way down the coast toward Daytona Beach. The A1A road is the coastal road which I must say is the most beautiful road I've traveled on a bicycle. Wide shoulders, bike lanes, a flat terrain with priceless scenery all added to this opinion.

Saint Augustine and  "The Fountain of Youth" was a place I felt obligated to visit because of a tip from my dad. Although I did experience some rain on this leg, the warmer temperatures and outstanding scenery made up for any discomforts I experienced.  

Catching some bright Florida sunshine

Atlantic Coastlands

Southeastern America Coastal waterway

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "So whatever he tells you." Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then  he told them, "Draw some out and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from-although the servers who had drawn the water knew-, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "everyone serves good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

                                                                                  John 2:1-11

Clean rooms in Brunswick, GA

Scene from Captain Stan's Smokehouse restaurant...Kingsland, GA

Cement firefighter statue...Fire Museum Woodbine, GA

Enjoying some Atlantic Ocean open space

Hardworking local turnip & greens farmers

I'm happy to be able to move south.  I'm at a point in this tour where riding has been easy. Lot's of places to stop, rest, socialize and sight see.
 I did a tour a in 2009 where I took a more direct route from San Diego to the Milwaukee area. Then,  I took a train to the Seattle area and rode the Pacific coast back to San Diego. That was a tougher tour because my equipment wasn't as good. I went thru at least 3 rear wheels with countless broken spokes and my clothing wasn't as good. Additionally; I didn't have my front panniers for extra storage.

On this tour, I had a set of 40 hole double walled rims built with Phil Wood hubs.  I started out with wheel problems at the onset and barely made it to Phoenix. By the time I made it there, I was tightening my spokes 3 times a day! Basically, I had the same problems that I ended my 2009 trek with. Thankfully, I remembered a bike shop owner named Dennis who owns Rincon Cyclery in Carpenteria, CA. He told me what kind of wheels to buy for demands I had, and you know something? He was right! I haven't had any wheel problems since I've invested in the heartbeat of my equipment. MY WHEELS!  My 14 gauge spokes are laced in a 4 cross pattern and they've truly served my needs. Now that I have tour tested equipment and road experience,  my life's been a lot easier. Having a computer and a camera have embellished the quality of this trip as well.

Into Georgia

Georgia State Flag

I've been following HWY 17 S throughout Georgia but I had to take a free ferryboat across the Savannah River to get into Savannah. I picked it up at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and it took me into downtown. So much history and many beautiful parks, the Spanish moss seems to love growing around here too,  it's certainly abundant. I actually grabbed some and ate it while cycling! Good stuff I must say...lots of mild juice and very fibrous. I imagine that there could be a good market for Spanish moss in the health food industry. Maybe it' already there. 

  Georgia landscape with large oak tree and Spanish Moss

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all saying, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire."

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened  and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came down from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."


                                                                            Luke 3:15-16,21-22

A picturesque southeastern Georgia late afternoon winter sky.

Modern bridge over Savannah River

                                                              

Smallest church in North America (south of Eulonia, HWY 17)

Quality room at affordable price Townsend, GA

Moving south from Savannah traveled thru Richmond Hill and the Eulonia communities, but the most memorable experiences were in the Brunswick area, this included a trip across the causeway to Saint Simons Island. What a lovely place with very friendly people in a laid back environment. There, I got my first real taste of the Atlantic ocean on this tour. I was able to walk out on a public pier, experience a lighthouse and smell the ocean. I truly love the ocean and I'm so happy to be close to it again.

Shorebirds on St. Simons Island pier

Looking at Jekyll Island from St. Simons Island

Best staff in Brunswick, GA 2715 Glynn Av

Florida isn't to far away now. I'm planning to spend more of my time exploring the eastern coast.