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.

Rerouted Again

These South Carolina goats know who loves them

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold the magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."

                                                          Mathew 2:1

Beautiful South Carolina motif in cement

The routing on this tour has certainly taken some unique changes from what I preconceived and now, it has changed again. I planned to head for coastal Charleston, SC after visiting Columbia, but again, my intuition stepped in and told to 'move south more directly'. I started my true new trek south at Holly Hill, SC after a cold and rainy night. Although Charleston sounds like a beautiful city with lot's of history;  my objective is not to turn into an icicle if I can help it and that means taking a more direct route to the south.

Saint George, SC police officer Jessica hard at work

This Columbia SC bike shop has a good variety of product

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S TO ALL!


Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at it's rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him
homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

         
                    Mathew 2:6-12 

Low laying water is becoming a bigger part of the coastal terrain

I rode a lot of HWY 15/17 south which took me thru Waltersboro and Ridgeland on my way to Savannah, GA. One thing about riding closer to the coast that I find appealing is the flatness of the terrain. I like to call it 'The Lowlands".

There's an element of culture shock that I've been noticing on the roads. For example, I'll be riding down a country road contemplating how I feel that day, where I'll stop, how far I'll go and how long I'll ride, etc. Then, I'll cross a few roads and suddenly the traffic's a lot heavier with speedy motorists and a vanished shoulder. Things change quickly on the road, proper rest and alertness to your surroundings are essential to survival. I generally don't like riding at night unless the traffic is really light and I have a lot of road to ride

Outstanding lunch specials at this locally owed  Hardeeville, SC restaurant

Curious South Carolina horse

My bucket of bolts at a local South Carolina "Boiled Peanuts for sale Stand"

Into South Carolina

Old Glory with South Carolina State Flag in tow

Parading enthusiastic Holiday Junior cheerleaders

She gave birth to her first-born Son.

                               Luke 2:7

Yes,the weather is improving as I move south and traffic hasn't been as bad either. A recent routing plan I was following had me visiting Charleston, SC after Laurenburg, NC. After speaking with my dad however; he suggested I contact the son of his childhood best friend Bill Zokan who lives in Columbia, SC. He gave me the telephone number and after a short chat with Tom Zoken, I rerouted myself toward Columbia. The rural roads in South Carolina aren't as hectic as the ones to the north and I've noticed there's more sand around. That must mean I'm getting closer to the ocean! I'm so excited!

Celebrating the Holiday's at the Zoken home...Columbia.
(thanks for the haircut Tom!)

I had the opportunity to visit the Capitol building in Columbia as well as the Zokan household. There, I developed a better understanding of the South Carolina State flag. The Palmetto is the official tree of South Carolina and is represented on the flag. The Palmetto is a type of native palm tree and became famous in these parts by  providing adequate protection from the British warships. A Charleston area fort was built using this soft wood and it was effective at repelling cannonball fire as well as providing shelter from the wind, rain and cold. Additionally; the crescent shape on the flag represents the armor soldiers wore around their necks in times of battle.

The right price for lodging in Waltersboro, SC

Mike Gainey was very helpful at his Hartsville, SC machine shop

The right place for my needs in Camden, SC

South Carolina is COTTON COUNTRY too!

                                      And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.

                                                                             John 1

Although winter is upon us, the southern weather has been less extreme compared to the north. The nights get chilly, but the daytime temperatures have been ideal for riding. I've been treating myself to more hotel visitations compared to earlier in this tour, primarily because they're available. Lot's of competitive rates for travelers in the small towns I've visited, and that means more hotel for your money in my book! You'll notice a few of the more memorable hotels I've supported in pictures on my blog.

Into North Carolina

Old Glory with North Carlina State Flag in tow.

Happy to move into a new region...hopefully warmer.

    

Let the Children come to me.

                           Mark 10:14

Free speech demonstration at a Holiday parade

                            

One handsome water tower in Selma, NC

The traffic in this city was ruff

Clean rooms in Rocky Mount, NC

Continuing south into North Carolina I enjoyed the flat terrain. Northern Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York were very hilly and I'm sure it's that way not to far to the west. I was originally considering traveling closer to the coast but I'm at a point in my travels where I want to take the most direct route south with the least amount of effort. Hwy 301 provided the safest most efficient way to move south. This is an excellent road to ride on with a good shoulder, markings and fresh pavement in many segments.

I spent time in Rocky Mount, Kenly, and Fayetteville on this leg. Fayetteville is the home of Fort Bragg Army base and it wasn't a very "bike friendly" city. The traffic was congested with no bike lanes that I remembered. I noticed the fast food restaurants stayed busy especially during the lunch hour with cars lined up deep.  I presume that many folks who work on the Army base want to take their lunch off base and drive to town for a quick bite. When people simultaneously do this, it leads to a lot of congestion on the roads and drive-thrus. One thing I observed about the roads around military bases, is that they tend to be neglected and behind the times in upkeep and accessibility. Perhaps the traffic engineers design them that way to discourage the enlisted from going AWOL (absent without leave). I feel that when a enlisted person wants to leave the base and they find it so congested and uninviting, they decide to stay where they are on base instead.

Enjoying a beautiful North Carolina sunset on my way to Laurinburg, NC

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

Luke 1:39-45 

A welcome oasis 10 miles north of Fayetteville

I'm at a point in my tour where I've been treating myself well, and that means spending time in hotels. The nights have been getting longer and there isn't as much daylight out there to utilize either. In turn, I've been enjoying the temporary luxury that hotels provide with a place to bathe, do laundry, rest and enjoy sports on TV. 

Friendly staff & tasty breakfast here

I learned that 'Tar-Heels' is a term used for people who use the pine tar from indigenous pine trees to waterproof wooden sailing vessels. These boats performed important trade functions, and were instrumental in developing the rich history of North Carolina. Additionally, this term is used to represent a State school. 

Moving South

Holiday cyclist street riding at Ashland, VA Holiday Parade.

The child to be born will be called holy, the son of God.
                                                              Luke 1:35  


Although I continue to move south the winter weather is catching up with me faster than I move. Irregardless, I tell myself that the warm Florida winter keeps getting closer with each mile. Night temperatures have been getting into the 20's here in Virginia. At this location in my tour I've been moving west at the same ratio as south, so if I'd go east to the coast I'd only be going out of my way.


Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed."

                                                         Revelation

Living large in downtown Richmond,VA

My hammock setup in a Virginia Bamboo forest

I've acquired a bit of poison ivy recently, or at least that's what I think. I sometimes set up my hammock late at night with limited viability in wooded areas. Certainly, I've encountered something nasty, and the skin on my left wrist is irritated, swollen and tender. Calamine lotion is now my good friend as I try to manage this long, slow recovery.

Deep in study enjoying some Holiday nog.

Handsome Wall Painting in downtown Richmond Even tax collectors came

The crowds asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?" He told them in reply, "Whoever has two clocks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise."  Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?"He answered them, "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed." Soldiers also asked him, "And what is it we should do?" He told them, "Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages."

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be 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 you with the Holy Spirit and fire. is winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Exhorting them in many ways, he preached good news to the people.

Luke 3:10-18

Rural Virginia Turkey Vultures waiting for some roadkill to eat

Top of City Hall on a sunny day in Emporia, VA

I'm better at dealing with the cold or heat compared to wet weather. I'm always grateful when the roads are dry and there is no snow, sleet or freezing rain to deal with.

The roads were much better as I moved into rural Virginia. I basically stayed on HWY 301 to the North Carolina state line.


And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior."

                                   Luke 1:47

More outdoor artwork in Richmond, VA

Pedestrian bridge over the James River in Richmond