Tom's Excellent Adventure

Day 58 – The Penultimate Ride

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tomdlouhy

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Miles Completed: 47.5

Cumulative miles: 3075.8

Miles to St Augustine: 30

Today’s ride took us from Gainesville to Palatka, FL. We again had good roads and bike paths. Florida has generally been a good state to ride in.

We left our host’s home this morning and Martha led us out on trails through their land. She stopped occasionally to talk about their land and the trees. It is nice to see people that truly love the land they live on.

We rode through Paynes Prairie State Park which was a beautiful ride and home to thousands of alligators. I saw none! I spent a long time riding and talking to Simona through that park which was enjoyable to share our last thoughts about the adventure.

We rode to Interlachen, FL where I joined Chris, Brent, and Roy for lunch at True Grits.

By about 2:00, I made it to Azalea City Brewing in Palatka where I joined Dana, Felix, and Chris for our last beers together. Then about a mile to the Best Western Hotel to finish the penultimate ride in this excellent adventure.

This evening, we all celebrated at Corky Bells seafood restaurant and finished the night with a champagne toast.

One short ride tomorrow morning and we’ll all have completed our journeys.

This is Tom and Martha whose home we stayed at last night.
Our “menu” at Tom and Martha’s home.
Gathering in front of Tom and Martha’s home before riding out this morning.
Togan, Brent, Dana, Mark, and Felix as we rode the back trails out to the park road.
Martha showed us one of the oldest and largest trees on their property that they affectionately call the dinosaur tree.
Can you spot the dinosaur and other creatures?
They are also proud of their plantings of long leaf pine trees which are native to the area.
One of their neighbors carved the owl and snake in this tall stump.
A soldier at the Saint John’s River bridge in Palatka.
Our celebration dinner. Simona, Chris, Dana, Togan, Mark, Tammy, Roy, Felix, Tom, Pat, and Brent.

Comments

5 responses to “Day 58 – The Penultimate Ride”

  1. LNEnright Avatar
    LNEnright

    it’s has been an excellent adventure Tom. Enjoy the finish line

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  2. Ndlouhy Avatar
    Ndlouhy

    Congratulations 🍾🥂 What an epic journey that you will always remember. I’m thrilled to be sharing this time with you in Florida 🥰 See you at the finish 👏👏👏

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. newberlinsue Avatar
    newberlinsue

    You can add Tom and Martha to your list of kind and generous people you’ve had the honor of meeting.

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  4. MDlouhy25 Avatar
    MDlouhy25

    One day to go!

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  5. AZNancy Avatar
    AZNancy

    How nice to have local hosts along the route . . and now . . the excitement is mounting as I await pictures of the grand arrival in St. Augustine!

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