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Back To FloridaThe older I get, the less I like winter. So, I am loading up the fifth wheel and heading to Florida for two weeks.
Tuesday (3/1) The eagle has landed! I arrived at the Encore campground in Crystal River, FL around 3:00 p.m. It was sunny and in the mid-60's but felt much colder due to a strong wind off the Gulf. The bar is open and I have begun training for Bike Week.
Wednesday (3/2) I rode over to Orlando to see Universal Studios. It
has been a few years since I visited a major theme park so the big surprise was
not the rides and simulations but the prices. If you plan on staying a day
and eating on site, figure $100.00 plus per person! I did manage to take
in most of the main attractions including the coasters... and not hurl, so I considered it a good day.
Thursday (3/3) Today was a rain day. Florida has been in a drought and all the locals are talking about "how much they needed the rain". This is becoming a pattern for me: area has been suffering from a severe drought, I ride in, area immediately has rain showers. Could there be a job opportunity here? Fortunately, the weather forecast for tomorrow looks good and they are predicting sunny skies and temperatures in the 70's for the weekend. Yeah, that's more like it. Tonight at dinner, while talking to an elderly group at the next table, it occurred to me why I like coming to Florida. Here, I am referred to as "that young whipper snapper with the motorcycle". Elsewhere, it's "that old guy with the Gold Wing". Apparently, there is something to Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Friday (3/4) I went hiking and bicycling this morning while the temperature was in the 60's. One interesting tidbit that I learned was that a elevation drop of only inches will change the habitat dramatically. The limestone foundation and a water table that is very close to the surface influences moisture content of the soil and helps determine the variety of plant communities. This afternoon I rode the other bike down to Homosassa Springs via the Ozello Trail (Rt. 494) which has to be one of the most crooked roads in Florida.
Saturday (3/5) I took the back roads up to Ocala to view the magnificent horse farms with their lavish homes and trademark black fences. It reminded me of Palm Beach in that I kept wondering how could so many people have so much money? This area does not seem to get a lot of attention in the biker community but I find it very relaxing and scenic.
Sunday (3/6) I rode over to the Ocala National Forest, had lunch in Astor, and then let the GPS bring me home. Nothing out of the ordinary - just a real good ride in near perfect weather. The closer you get to Daytona, the number of bikes on the road increases exponentially. Monday - Wednesday (3/7-9) The weather has not been conducive to long bike rides so I have stayed close to Crystal River. When it was not raining, I did a little hiking and bicycling (I have the sand flea bites to prove it). When it was raining, I read and took afternoon naps. The rain on the roof of a RV is somewhat like the rain on a tin roof - very relaxing. All in all, I am becoming good at "doing nothing and doing it slow". Thursday (3/10) The weather forecast for the next five days is for sun and mid 70's so I took off for Everglades City. The ride down took me through huge farms/ranches and sweet smelling citrus groves. I also went through a number of small towns that had beautifully preserved county court houses, generally in the town square. You could probably put together a rally of some sort involving these court houses.
Friday (3/11) Today was a great day! Route 41 (a/k/a Tamiami Trail) across the Everglades is one of the most exotic rides in the U.S. The abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery makes it quite unique. In fact, as is pointed out in the park, there is no other Everglades in the entire world! At the Shark valley Station I learned that both the 9:00 a.m. and the 10:00 a.m. tram rides were sold out. As these are two hour rides, I decided to move on and hopefully, will catch the tram ride the next time I cross the Everglades. My disappointment at missing the tram ride at Shark Valley was completely erased when I toured the southern portion of the Everglades Park (out of Homestead). All of the stops along the road to Flamingo are worthwhile but the one you absolutely have to see is the Royal Palm Station. It is a wildlife photographer's heaven! I have a much better understanding of what the Everglades is all about after this visit. Tip of the Day: while hiking in the Everglades, be sure to use plenty of insect repellant. In the shaded areas the mosquitoes are on you like V-twin riders on chrome.
As if the day's ride was not enough, I had the good fortune to meet Doug and Jim at the motel and we had the opportunity to swap stories over drinks and dinner. You meet the nicest people riding a motorcycle.
Saturday (3/12) Another great day/ride! I started out with a tour of the Coral Castle in Homestead. It is hard to believe what one man with so little resources but lots of time and ingenuity can do. You have to see it first hand. Memories of the day were huge farms/ranches, migrant workers, citrus groves as far as the eye could see, beautiful dark blue lakes, hills, curves, black water swamps, Spanish moss in the trees. Favorite Signs of the Day (Woody's BarBQ): #1) "old beer drinkers never die, they just belly up". #2) "Price, Quality, Service - pick two".
Sunday - Monday (3/13-14) Loaded up the RV and headed home. Except for I-95N being closed and being diverted to Rt. 17N, it was a good trip back. Arrived home safe and sound. |
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