Entering Florida

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Florida, the Sunshine State - I've Made It...

Very hot and humid in tent last night, seem to have acquired numerous bites, from goodness knows what but they are very itchy.  We all made an early start and caught the 8.00 am ferry to the Gulf Shores penisula. Most of the group decided to head straight for the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Museum but Dan and I visited Fort Morgan instead. It was built in 1831 and had a rich history during the Civil War and was manned during WW1 and WW11. Spent over an hour there then remembered I'm really on a cycle trip so better get moving. It was a short 47.4 miles along the gulf coast, winding over high bridges, flat roads with water on each side. Beautiful holiday homes all built on stilts but knowing the weather history of this area, you can't help but feel they are temporary. Poor Spike was in need of  some TLC so I decided to make a detour to the bike shop in Orange Beach. I had noticed there was a hole in the front gear housing  and thought the cable might be damaged. The guys in the bike shop were great, said it would take 5 minutes to replace and only cost 15 dollars all in, about 10 pounds. Well worth it to have peace of mind for the next 10 days cycling.  A very hot day today and although a short ride I didn't have much energy. Crossed into Florida, the very last state of our trip, and it was the busiest state line of all. There was one huge street/beach party taking place. Apparently, there is great competition between the Universities of Alabama and Florida and the students meet, at the state line, on certain weekends.  I slowly made my way through the traffic and crowds saying 'excuse me, excuse me' in my best scottish accent. We had dinner tonight in a seafood restaurant, I had blackened catfish, smothered in a shrimp sauce. First fish in ages, lovely. Tonight I am sleeping with the outer fly on both sides of my tent open, hoping this will make for a cooler night.  Music is blaring from a nearby party, but it is only 9.00pm so can't really complain, might go and join in...... still loving it...  

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