Our night in the former funeral home was uneventful,. We were undisturbed by the spirits that are alleged to live there. We left out at about eight and went down the main street where a farmers market was set up. It’s a good thing I couldn’t carry anything home as there was lots to choose from. We did stop at Parlor Donuts for the very best donut of my life.
We crossed Pensacola bay along a beautiful bridge into Gulf Breeze. We appreciate it the separate bike path and kept us away from traffic.
Another bridge followed and we were in Pensacola beach. It was bright and sunny and we couldn’t resist the urge to dip our feet in.
The water in the gulf is warm and clear and the sand as white as snow. In fact it looked like snow on the dunes as we paddled through the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This narrow strip of land afforded us miles of fabulous riding and views of the coast.
Ankur and I noticed two men who seem to be negotiating over a backpack on the other side of the road. As we passed them, we noticed they had sleeping pets. In keeping with my desire to “ask all the questions,“ we turned around to see what they were doing.
As it turns out, they had noticed us and were curious about us to. Their names are Tommy and Ben and they were on day two of the Florida trail, an 1100 mile walk from the national seashore to big Cypress national preserve near Miami. It’s kind of like Florida’s Appalachian trail. Tommy was from New York City and Ben was from Washington DC. We didn’t find out what motivated them but we did give them all the encouragement we could. They were traveling late and said they were not far from hobos, Sleeping wherever people would let them. I hope they’re able to make the whole trip.
Several more bridges were ahead of us, and all of them were narrow and highly trafficked. And also without bike lanes. We might knuckled the mall and stopped at a food truck on the far side of the last one to get tacos to steel us for a route 98, a very busy road with a bumpy shoulder (when it had one.) Somehow tacos always taste better when they come from a food truck.
Our guardian angels protect us and Dustin appeared in front of us eventually. It looks like a playground: white sand, restaurants and arcades, and even a pirate cruise ship sat in a protected cove off the Gulf.
Our hotel was on the far side of town. We rode through some neighborhoods before hitting the road along the beach. The beach called to us, and when we were at our turn we pulled into the beach parking lot instead. Off went the shoes and socks. Helmets and backpacks got dumped by the bikes. Ankur and I sprinted to the water and even though the day was cloudy and cool, the water was warm and felt so refreshing, even in a sports bra and bike shorts! Ann followed us in and we played till we’ve had our fill.
We’re now settled in a brand new La Quinta and have had a delicious beef stroganoff dinner. 76 tomorrow so it’s time for bed!
Things I’ve learned today:
- Acting on impulse is a lost art for adults.
When you go by St. George’s Island think of Glen & Dave, they spent a number of winters there…. Nice spot, Gari
ReplyDelete"Acting on impulse is a lost art for adults." I love that quote, and your picture with Ann and Ankur after playing in the water says it all. I am going keep this in mind in my own life. Adults need to just "go for it" and embrace life too. I love your smiles! Debbie
ReplyDelete