Wednesday 9 May 2012
California to Florida - 3146 miles completed. It's been a revelation.....
Our last day. I left Palatka with Merv and Dee, pleased to have their company but also happy to cycle alone and just think. Think about the last two months and how eventful they have been. Happy that the cycle is coming to an end, as my body is weary, but sad my big adventure is over, and having to say goodbye to friends knowing I will never see them again. It was a lovely sunny morning with a light wind, perfect for our last day. Dave had gone ahead with the van to leave at the beach. He would then cycle back to meet us and all 14, dressed identically in our flashy tops, would cycle to the Atlantic together. We gathered at Molasses Junction but the road was busy and we were in high spirits, so Dave decided the group should split and meet nearer the beach. We 'whooped' our way into Anastatia State Park, the people having a quiet afternoon by the sea must have wondered what had landed. We carried our bikes over the beach to the waters edge and dipped our front wheels in the Atlantic Ocean. Some went swimming and we congratulated each other, quite an emotional moment. Spike and I took time to stand apart and just look out to sea. I thought I heard him whisper ' at last'. Some relations had arrived to greet the Americans and they held up welcome placards, tooted horns and waved balloons. Quite a reception. I had made it safely, all 3146 miles and had revelled in the experience of a lifetime. I have coped with tent life, run down motels, hard, hard cycling days but at no time came close to quitting. Scottish grit. I salute my amazing companions, Lisa, Dee, Alannah, Alan, Lars, Merv, Jon, Robert M, Robert C, Dan and Todd. Our leaders, Dave and Sean, did an outstanding job in guiding us safely across. There task was no easy one, coping at times with 12 exhausted, irritable cyclists. I had preconceived ideas about America and Americans but they have been thoroughly dashed. I found Americans, in the south, to be friendly, courteous, extremely tolerant with a great sense of humour.Their country is dry desert but also emerald green, lush, great forests and stunning wild flowers. This journey has been an education and a revelation. So that's it.... I intend to update the blog, when I get home, with proper photos and a resume of my fellow cyclists. I can say what I like about them now, so pop in, if you will. If you have enjoyed my story and been entertained, perhaps you would consider donating to Dr. Graham's Homes, my chosen charity. Details of the 'Just Giving Page' can be found down the left hand side of this blogs home page. To those who have already contributed I warmly 'thank you'. Spike is having a well earned rest at the local bike shop. They will box him up ready for collection on Thursday, when I fly home. I should arrive Glasgow Airport on Friday morning. Tomorrow, I plan to look round St. Augustine Historic Old Town then sun bathe by the Motel swimming pool. Will try and bring some heat back to Scotland with me, just saying. So till the next trip....see y'all.....I have absolutely loved it.....
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