Day 55 - Wellborn to Gainesville, FL

Last night we went to bed early, tired from the ride and rain, and knowing we had 74 miles to ride today. At dusk an owl started hooting right by our tents. At first I thought Mitch was goofing around, then realized it really was an owl, when it continued to hoot periodically during the night and into eatly morning. Mitch, our outdoors expert, said it sounded like a barred (hoot) owl. He also said they are taking over territory in the Northwest from spotted owls, which are less aggressive.
Bob Pedersen was up during the night, and said he saw stars, to his surprise.
Well ... there were no stars or blue skies today until evening. Either it was spitting, raining, or about to rain. Low, gray clouds until after dinner, and cool enough to wear our rain jackets all day. Thankfully the winds were low to moderate. It helped that we were riding south and east, and there were fewer hills.
A few miles past Wellborn, we passed a trailer home with an observatory in front (see photo). Much of the country we passed was pine for logging, with occasional beef cattle (black angus) pastures. Very few fields for agriculture.
We passed by Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Jerry said the springs feed a river which is popular for inner tubing (he's done it),
By the time we hit our first real town of the day, High Springs, we were 50 miles into the ride and ready for a break. In town we went several blocks off route and hit the jackpot. Arguably the best bakery on the whole ride, the Secret Garden Bakery had warm almond toffee cookies fresh out of the oven, and a great selection of other baked goods (see photo). The bonus was the flower-filled garden outside the bakery (see photo). We tipped off five other riders to the bakery, so they did we well by us!
The one bright spot of yesterday's ride was the many wildflowers along both sides of the road. Today's ride on route 137 took us past more miles of flowers, a real treat.
We are camped tonight at The 300 Club, a tennis and swim club in a Gainesville residential area. Kinda strange to camp on the grounds of a club! Their showers and pool are good. A photo shows someone's soggy shoes drying from the heat of the Club's ice machine. We are a creative group!
Melinda and Pat (see photo) and other members of the Gainesville Bicycle Club arranged for us to stay at the 300 Club, and brought some great pulled pork, chicken, salad and desserts. Julianne and Jerry picked up pizza. So we ate well, and enjoyed hearing about local rides. In the group photo are (clockwise) Carol, Mitch, Jerry, Pat, Bob G, Melinda, unknown, Ken, Bob Pedersen, Bob Plant, Terry (hidden), and unknown. (Rhodri, Julianne, Linda, Flynn and Andre were off to the side.)
Mitch, Melinda and Julie were in the same Adventure Cycling tour leader class. It must have been a strong class!
A photo shows Flynn working on his bike. Our bike stand is in almost constant use, especially after rainy days when we pick up sand and grit on our chains and wheels.
We pray for sunny skies on our last full day of riding tomorrow.
Bruce