Day 47 – The Gulf of ?????

Miles Completed: 58.8

Cumulative miles: 2506.3

Miles to St Augustine: 590

Today we rode from Bay St Louis to Gautier, MS. Much of our ride today was along the Gulf coast (Gulf of Mexico?…Gulf of America?…I’ll just call it the Gulf). Highway 90 travels literally right next to the Gulf. There is a sidewalk/boardwalk next to the highway and then the beach. It was very scenic being next to the Gulf for much of today’s ride.

We also rode over two large bays on long bridges, the St Louis Bay and the Biloxi Bay.

But let’s get back to the weather. Last night was the coldest day of the trip yet. The temperature got down to 30 degrees and there was frost on the grass. Although we slept in a partially enclosed patio, there was no heat and it was a cold night. But with lots of clothes and my sleeping pad and sleeping bag, it was okay. I actually had a good night’s sleep. We waited until 10:00 to start riding and the temperature was 46. However, the temperature only got up to 55 during the day and with a brisk wind in our face, it was the coldest day for riding too. But temperatures are expected to rise soon. Yay!

With the late start, an unexpected strong headwind, and the cold day, the ride was harder than we all expected. I rolled into camp after 3:30 and didn’t have a lot of time to pitch the tent and get camp ready by sunset at 5:00. Several others came in after me.