The highlight of today's ride was a side trip to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. It was just a few miles out of our way and well worth the extra pedal strokes. First up - food, of course. Five of us sat down for a real meal in the elegant 1937 Wakulla Springs Lodge. The food was so-so, but top marks for ambiance. Then it was time for a 40-minute boat tour of the spring-fed lake and river. The lake looks like a very popular family destination. Hundreds of kids in the water, on the beach and on various platforms jumping into the water. We saw alligators, tons of turtles, birds, fish, etc. Apparently this is where the movie Tarzan was filmed. Then back to the snack bar (with one of the world's longest marble counters) for ice cream. Finally, back on the bikes to complete our route for the day.
There were lots of long sweeping hills coming out of Quincy to start the day. The roads are still great - nice wide, smooth shoulders. Lovely tall pine forests with small palm-like bushes for undergrowth. The combination made for vary airy forest views. I re-joined the "pack" for parts of today's ride and while that certainly makes for a quick trip, I don't see nearly as much as I'm busy looking at the wheel and butt in front of me.
Our trip today was 58 miles from Quincy FL to Crawfordville FL. 1400 feet of climbing. We're actually staying a few miles south of Crawfordville so it will be a quiet rest day tomorrow with not much to do. Then just 4 more days of cycling and we should be dipping our wheels in the Atlantic Ocean!
Kids were swimming where there were alligators? Are they nuts? I noticed that you did not suggest that you went swimming - or were tempted for that matter...
ReplyDeleteSurprising what we get used to. Next thing you know people will be walking in the mountains where there are bears. Thanks for the blog Susan. Not sure what I'll do for entertainment next month.
ReplyDeleteI take your point, Blaine. While I do not know anything about alligators, I do know something of crocs, and you DO NOT swim in croc-infested waters... (I do walk in the mountains with the bears, but they are not necessarily looking at me as lunch).
ReplyDeleteApparently they monitor for alligators in the swimming area. They throw stones to discourage them and if that doesn't work they relocate them. I wasn't tempted to check the effectiveness. I will go hiking with bears before swimming with alligators any day.
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