The day started foggy and cool (light jacket weather). It was hard to see when riding because my glasses misted from the fog and body heat. By mid-morning the sun had burned through. It was hot enough that we sought shade when stopping at a convenience store for water or ice cream. We tried to remember the last time we sought shade ... in California's Imperial Valley?
Today's route took us east and slightly south to the east side of Tallahassee. We rode 78 miles and climbed 2600 feet. The hills are getting longer now ... we're beyond simple rollers. Carol saw 7% grades on her cycle computer.
We continue to pass through pine forests. These appear to be for lumber, not pulp, based on the more substantial tree diameters we see on the logging trucks that pass by. They do smell good ... love that pine resin!
Since Louisiana, nearly every town of several thousand or more population has had a Waffle House restaurant. You understand why FEMA developed the informal Waffle House Index as a measure of a disaster's impact. The index is based on the chain's reputation for staying open in bad weather and reopening quickly after a disaster.
When we rode through Chattahoochee, we were a half mile from the Georgia state line. Bob Pedersen and Rhodri get points for literally going the extra mile so they could add a state to their list. Bob's photo below shows Rhodri being chased out of Georgia!
We crossed into the Eastern time zone when we crossed the Apalachicola River just west of Chattahoochee. (Typing these Native American names is a challenge.) We had expected to change time zones in Mississippi or Alabama.
We are staying at a La Quinta Inn. Everyone feels better after showering and downing a soft drink, beer or glass of wine. My ground cloth, tent and rain fly are hanging over the railing to dry.
Seven of us squeezed into a taxi to go downtown for a drink and dinner. I enjoyed a brew from Terrapin Brewing in Athens, GA (see photo). Jerry suggested Andrew's 228 restaurant for dinner. It was VERY good. Even better was sitting outside without bugs or the smell of bug spray! It was a perfect evening; everyone was mellow. See the before and after photos below with (left to right) Terry, Bob Pedersen, Carol, Bruce, Rhodri, Bob Plant and Flynn. Wine was half price, which sealed the deal. Terry and Bob Pedersen pronounced the wines excellent. Note the empty wine glasses in the last shot ... not a drop wasted.
Not sure what's on tap for tomorrow ... we'll find out!
Bruce
You guys look great!
ReplyDeleteJulie