From the Captain:
A short day, 33 miles to get to Dauphin Island! Felt good to have a relaxing ride for a change and we were even tolerant of the head winds which at times had us slowed to 8 mph. We had to climb a pretty high bridge to get to the island. The climb was really steep but the buffeting of the wind was what made it really tough.
Quite a view of Mobile Bay and the sandy beaches coming over the bridge. As soon as we got on the island, I spotted a sign for a fresh bakery and we made a quick turn and enjoyed a fresh baked cinammon roll. Something I would have liked to have done a lot more but it always seemed that we were behind schedule and pushing.
We had a pretty good scare on the causeway approaching the bridge. We had a strong wind blowing from our left side so we we were constantly steering hard to the left to counteract the wind. A big tour bus came by and never moved over in his lane. He momentarily blocked the side wind which sucked us right towards the bus! Just as I was responding to the suction the bus passes and we get the gust that almost pushed us into the side rail. I would like to find the driver!
We explored the island for awhile. The west side has a lot of very new homes built on the "stilts" to withstand hurricanes. It was pretty obvious that most of the homes on that side had been destroyed by Katrina. Even the land was void of trees and vegetation. As you got to the center of the island and east side it looked like it had not been touched at all. Even our campground has full size mature trees and is really nice right on the Gulf.
We catch a ferry tomorrow that takes us across Mobile Bay and drop us off at Ft. Morgan on the other side. We'll ride on the coast for awhile and then enter into Pensacola Florida. Carol is really excited to get home and see her roommate and the other dogs, sleep in her own bed, and shower in her home. We wanted to try making her home but it would have been an 80 mile day which would have been doable with a tail wind but we just found out the weather report is calling for an east wind at 10-15mph which will make it tough to get in 60 miles. Oh well.
Sorry, problem sending pictures. Will send them tomorrow hopefully.
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So, does Carol live in Pensacola? Do I understand that correctly? Is she going to go on to St. Augustine with you still? The closer you get (as I read this), the more exciting it gets. I can only imagine how you all must be feeling now. I've said it a few times before and I have to say it again, You are AWESOME!! I just love reading about your trip and all the people you have had the good fortune to meet - what an incredible, amazing adventure.
ReplyDeletePedal On! Love, Barb & John