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Day 57- Palatka FL

 We are at the Quality Inn in Palatka on the last night of our tour. Dinner was at the Azalea brewery and awards were given out to all participants — tongue-in-cheek, of course. They were as follows, and as memory serves:

Most likely to deliver an impromptu dissertation: Carl

Most likely to speak up and be right: Kelly

Most likely to build a bike on the side of the road: Adam

Most likely to cry at the ceremony: Jack

 Most likely to bribe her way to being the favorite: in

 Most likely to bribe her way to being the favorite: in

Most likely to use shit in a sentence: Terry

Most likely to ask or something is when it’s right in front of them: Sue

Most likely to ask or some thing is when it’s right in front of them: Sue

Most likely to burn the house down if coffee is not ready: met

Most likely to stop a stranger and ask questions: me




It was not the raucous affair I think we all had hoped for, mostly because we are all a bit introspective and conflicted as the tour comes to an end. Florida has been a bit anti-climatic after the earlier efforts we made, not to mention cold and wet of late.

So — about today. We woke to light rain but had Martha’s homemade scones and egg and spinach spinach squares to look forward to as well as copious amounts of coffee that we didn’t have to make ourselves. The rain lightened and we stuffed or wet tents in their bags to be dragged out whenever we get home to dry. The rising was easy but soggy and cold . We headed out through Martha and Tom’s backyard trails right onto the Gainesville Hawthorne rail trail for the first 15 miles.

In Hawthorne Ann, Tammi and I stopped for coffee and a chance to warm up. The waitress and put a heater under the table for Adam and Kelly who arrived before us so we dried out a little quicker than expected. It was a lovely gift.

The rain stopped and we got warm-ish, especially when Ann missed a turn and I had to sprint to catch her. She’s quick! But I still have some cardio left and despite having to go 20 miles an hour caught her within a mile. We got back on track and rode 10 more miles till we reached another bike trail, this time the Palatka — Lake Butler Trail. More of the usual: cows, bogs, the occasional funny sign, and good conversation.



Once in Palatka we were routed through the historic district which actually had boarded up houses and not much to see. The streets were bricked and very wavy making riding and looking at historic areas rather dicey


And now we’re tucked in again. Tomorrow’s supposed to be rainy but we’ll go anyway. Good night.

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 10, 2022 at 12:23 PM

    Oops. Missed this one. I am sure that nigh was filled with many mixed emotions. I loved that you were the one voted most likely to stop and strange and ask questions. I have personally seen that one work for you in a cute short skirt and your great legs leading the way. Debbie

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