Dauphin Island AL to Milton FL

 Sunday Apr 24th


We left our Condos on Dauphin Island this morning at 7 AM to catch the ferry at the other end of  the Island. Everybody made the trip timely and boarded the ferry successfully.  It was about a 35 minute trip to the mainland.  Wind as usual was in our face and there were more than a few swells that tossed the ferry around during our passage.  


An excited biker, knowing that soon we would be in Florida!


One of the numerous oil rigs spotted in the gulf. They must all be operational as they were brightly illuminated at night. 

A tired biker in Pensacola upon realizing that it was nearly 2 PM, just eating lunch and that we still have thirty miles to ride before our next Campsite. After exiting the ferry we rode along the coast for perhaps 30-40 miles of hi rise buildings, a state park and all of the businesses that one associates with tourists/beach goers.  A lot of new construction - all multi story buildings maybe 15-20 stories tall. Gulf Shores appeared to be the largest community. The winds today were a real deterrent to progress as we biked East. Then I saw a Publix grocery store and it began to feel like we were approaching familiar ground. 


The last State sign, a bit of a pick me up. The winds seemed to either subside a bit or due to the fact that we were starting to change direction. 

The ride through Pensacola wasn't too bad. Sunday traffic was light and mostly polite, patiently waiting for us at times.  I arrived at our KOA Campsite at 4:30, a really long arduous day on the bike.  The afternoon snacks were out already including Stone Crab claws.  This was a real treat as we never have them in Ft Myers, my CFO wont approve their purchase. The KOA Campsite here feels like we are camping at the Ritz Carlton of Campsites. 5 or 6 showers, cleaned twice daily, and air conditioned. Our typical prior Campsite bathroom facility might get cleaned once a year whether it needs it or not. Since we skipped over staying in Pensacola last night, we get a rest day tomorrow to get back in sync with our future accommodation reservations. This will be a very welcome rest day after surviving today. But it is also our last day off.  Then the non stop push for St Augustine.  452 miles to go!  Todays distance was 89 miles, at an average speed of 12.8 mph, thanks head wind.  Climbed 1,506 feet and burned 3,310 calories.  We had fresh Grouper, Ham, Rice, Salad and a very large piece of Chocolate Icebox Cake for dessert. 


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