Suzanne Rides Again

The End

What mixed feelings we all have as we come to the end of this incredible adventure.  While we all want to go home to see our loved ones, I’m not sure that we’re ready for the somewhat simple life on the road to be over.

For the last 7 miles of our ride into the beach at St. Augustine, we had a police escort, complete with a vehicle, a motorcycle, flashing lights and sirens.

My first sighting at the beach was Michael.

And I was so lucky to have 4 other friends to welcome me.

Robin, Jane, Jake, Alan, & Suz

All of us

Hugs

We made it!

And next I’m off to …

Nostalgia

A delightful riding day, filled with thoughts that this was

The Last Lunch on the road with my buddies

The Last Chance to win the lottery

The Last Time I see a marquee greeting at the end of a day’s ride

Tomorrow’s a BIG DAY–the last ride, the last chance to spend time with these wonderful new biking friends, and an opportunity to see long lost family & friends.

A Visit With Family

AND

Staying in a Room Where Tiger Woods Once Slept

Today was another lucky day for me in that my step-family came to have lunch with me on the route.  The timing worked out perfectly when we all arrived at the restaurant at the same time–them in their car, and me on my bike.

Here are my memories of today:

Suz & Step-Mom Ethel

Suz & Step-Sister Sharon

Step-Brother-in-Law, Bob & Suz

Ethel, Suz, & Family Friend Kathy

And then, my riding buddies stopped in to say hi to everyone.

Lois, Suz, & JoAnn

And after our family party at lunch, our route took us to Ichetucknee Springs for a quick cool down after riding in the hot sun.  Quite a treat.

Lois, JoAnn, Suz, Kirby, Patti, Katie

This is our last night to stay in a B-rated hotel.  However, we did notice one item of interest on the wall of the room to which I was assigned:

Does this make me famous, or just one of the masses?

After 4 days of feeling really punk, I finally decided to consult the professionals.

They decided I was in need of a little liquid refreshment.

And while it wasn’t the best tasting drink ever, I must say that it worked it’s magic and I’ll  be back on the road tomorrow!

(For those of you who may be wondering–I forgot to take photos of my day in the ER, so these are photos snatched from the ‘net.)

From the Past to the Present

What a treat to ride today into familiar territory.  Back in the late 1960s I was lucky enough to hold a teaching position for 2 years in Wakulla County, Florida, at Crawfordville Elementary School–my favorite teaching position during my somewhat brief teaching  career.   The dearest friend I had during this time, Marcia Clements, has returned to this area.  She came over to the Springs and took me over to her place at Shell Point.

Marcia & Suz

I got to see her lovely daughter, Cricket as well.

Marcia & Cricket

We spent an evening together and Marcia came back to the lodge on our rest day to meet a few of the riders, and to check out the bikes in anticipation of signing up for a WomanTours ride!

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs is a sight to behold. It was built in 1937 in the American style popularized during the 1920s and 30s,which combines Spanish-Moorish and art deco motifs.  Here are just a few shots of some interior features:

Lobby

Decorative Painting on Lobby Ceiling

I was on sick call all day today and really missed riding.

I’m so lucky to have such caring people on this ride with me.  Here are just a few of the friends who stopped by my room this afternoon and evening to bring me ice, drinks, and food:

Drs. Mike & Amy

Dr. Klass, Woman of Mystery

I’m hoping so much to be able to ride into Wakulla Springs tomorrow.

90 On The 90

90 miles ridden today (93, actually) on US 90.  Riding  mostly flat terrain, with a few hills for interest.

Today’s special event occurred at our first SAG stop when a blue pickup truck pulled up and a gentleman hopped out.  He began telling us that he understood the burdens that we, as women, had to withstand, what with men making  such messes all over the house, especially in the bathroom.  Wish I could remember how he segued from his understanding of women into the condition of our souls for all eternity.  After a 15 minute sermon, complete with a benediction, he jumped back in his truck and drove off.

Preacher Man

Just riding through the Florida by-ways.  Today was quite a surprise in that we had quite a few hills to climb, particularly around the Pensacola area.

Not much happening until an array of Peeps showed up at the SAG stop:

The question is, “Will they last long enough to reach their peak of staleness?”

A landmark day for the tour in that we entered our final state.  We left Dauphin Island Alabama on a ferry:

Sue, Mike, Suz, Rita on the ferry

and shortly thereafter crossed this bridge…

Bridge from AL to FL

to enter Florida.

The highlight of the ride was riding along the beaches of Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, and Perdido Keys.

A wonderful day off at the beach.

Dauphin Island Beach

We stayed in condos with patio doors opening to the pools and a short walkway to the beach.

I was lucky enough to find a lovely hair salon here on Dauphin Island, The Pink Fish Hair Studio, and got a great haircut from the salon owner, Shelly (who, by the way, painted this fish on her salon wall).

Suz & Shelly

The day ended with a hot game of Hearts in which I managed to be the big loser!  Good fun was had by all!