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.