Day 21 Fernandina Beach, Fl to St Augustine, Fl 57 miles

This picture takes a little explaining. We had to take a short ferry across the St Johns River about 20 miles into the ride. The ferry leaves at 15 past and 45 past the hour. We left the hotel at 9:00 (because it was a short day) and we figured if we pushed it a little we could make the 10:15. We made it with time to spare. There was another group behind us and but they arrived at the dock just as the gate to the ramp was closed. The photo shows them at the gate yelling at us not to leave them. We of course waved and yelled "see ya later". So much for group cohesion.

Here we are in St Augustine. This is where Old Dick has a condo. He doesn't use it much. Matter of fact I don't recall that he has ever used it. He talks a lot about it though. Talks about the ocean view and how you can fish right from the dock. It's rather mysterious. I wouldn't be surprised if he bought it to launder drug money or to hide illegals. Who knows? He's a strange one.

This is my last day for this ride. It was a good one to end on - sunny, good road, no punctures(flats), didn't crash. Life is good.

Day 20 Brunswick, GA to Fernandina Beach, FL 62 miles

Here we are in the "sunshine state" and we did have sunshine the entire day which was a welcome change from the weather we had been having.

Had a minor mutiny this evening. Applebee's was our dinner restaurant but about eight people said they couldn't stand another Applebee's and went walking off down the street to find something better. I sympathize. I'm rather tired of the Applebee's menu as well but it's included in the deal. Being somewhat frugal and I chose to eat at Applebee's one more time. Michel vowed that he will never ever eat at Applebee's again as long as he lives. So there you are. It may be because we are near the end of the campaign that the troops are starting to rebel. It didn't seem to phase Tracy. I think she's probably seen rebellions on other rides.

We're headed down A1A to St. Augustine tomorrow.

Day 20: Savannah, GA to Brunswick, Ga 82 miles

Here we are in New Brunswick, GA. I know a family of gypsies that used to live here but they have since moved on to other parts.

I needed that rest day in Savannah. I was feeling somewhat whipped. It's probably physically harder to ride in the rain because you have to be on your toes to avoid a mishap. I think the rain is done for this trip. We've had quite enough.

Had dinner tonight at a local seafood restaurant. I sat with Michel, from Quebec, Larry from Michigan, Bill from Washington, Don from New York and Doug from the UK. As the only one from the South, the questions directed at me were:" What are hush puppies made of?", "What are grits made of?"," Do people fish from bridges a lot here?" "What did the waitress just say?"

"Does everybody say y'all?"

We've stayed in some very nice motels and a few not so nice. This one is in the latter category. Everyone will be happy to move on to Fernandina Beach tomorrow. It's only 60 miles down the road.

Day 19: Beafort, SC to Savannah, SC 47 miles

The forecast called wind and for rain as the Weather Channel said "heavy at times". Several of the saner people decided not to ride at all. Like tropical storms which the Weather Chanel said this wasn't, the rain came in bands. It waited until we left Beaufort but as they say in South Carolina then it "cut loose". We had to cross two long bridges and with the wind gusting to 20mph you had to ask yourself "Why am I doing this?' The other problem was that many stretches of road were two lane with no paved shoulder so we had traffic passing very close. Michel, who was riding behind me, said he saw a tractor/trailer's side mirror pass over my head.

I took this picture while crossing the bridge into Savannah. Notice the direction of the flag on Larry's bike. It's indicating a pretty good crosswind. It was about this time that we had a temporary break in the rain so I was able to get my camera out.

Tomorrow is a rest day and after that it looks like the weather should be good.

Day18: Charleston, SC to Beaufort, SC: 80 miles

These signs were along the road into Beaufort. The small print says" violators will be shot, survivors will be shot again". I guess they don't want anyone trespassing.

On the way out of Charleston Michel asked me "What do these signs mean "Adopt a Highway"? "We don't have these in Quebec."

Mosquitoes are very bad here. If you stop riding near any of the wooded or swampy areas you get attacked by swarms.

Tomorrow we're headed for Savannah. It's one of our shorter days but the weather forecast is somewhat threatening - 20 -30mph winds and 100% chance of rain. We have to go across the big bridge into Savannah. I might have to walk that one.

Day 17: Little River, SC to Charleston, SC: 118 miles

Everybody set speed records today. The wind was strong and directly behind us. With very little effort we could motor along at 20mph. I made it to the motel by 2:30. If instead it was a headwind, I doubt that I would have made it before dark.

In case your interested, hear is what I had to eat today.

Breakfast: Orange juice, two pancakes w/syrup and butter, raisin bran, danish , yogurt, coffee

1st rest stop: four oreo cakes, banana, orange slice

2nd rest stop: two cheese and bologna sandwiches

After ride snack: chocolate milkshake, french fries, diet coke

Dinner: Chips and salsa, fish taco, black beans w/cheese, two beers

I'm still hungry. I think I'll get another milkshake.

Tomorrow it's Beaufort - 80 miles.

Day 16: Jacksonville, NC to Little River, SC, 109 miles

Everyone was happy to get out of Jacksonville. The traffic was pretty tough. We got there just when Camp Lejune was quitting for the day. Those people don't really believe in "Share the Road". Beverly was "brushed " by a guy in a pickup truck. The right side rear view mirror hit her on the side just enough to push her off the pavement. She didn't go down and according to her had a only a little red mark on her left side. Obviously it could have been much worse. She did call 911 and the police came but I don't think the driver was sited.

Had my first flat today. Luckily it was at a place where I could get off to the side and change it. Jack, the Israeli, had a flat on a bridge and had to walk his bike to the end of the bridge where he could get out of traffic. Other than that the weather was good and the wind was at our backs so the miles went quickly.

Tomorrow is our longest day- 118 miles to Charleston.