I am at Ocala, FL tonight. I ran hard and long yesterday to make Key West for the photo and check point stuff. I was on the road by 8:30. I followed Fl 27 south through the central part of the state. It was good traveling. The land was initially very flat. I passed citrus groves and other ag type activities. I eventually got into what must be the south FL hill country. It became more forest type land and I even saw "watch for bear" signs. I did not see any wildlife. Eventually I got to the south end of Lake Okeechobee. Unfortunately I was not able to see any of the lake because it was surrounded by a very high dike. I did get to see what I think was sugar cane fields. I also saw some mature corn that was still very green and they were chopping it for feed.
I continued south on 27 into the Everglades. I could see where they had drain some because of all the dead trees still standing. There was also a large ditch that ran beside the hwy. I am guessing that the purpose was to keep the road dry. I stayed on 27 until I got to hwy 997 which bypasses the metro area. It was a continuation of Everglades until I got near Homestead. I now became tangled up in city traffic with frequent stoplights. It took quit awhile to get down to the junction with US Hwy 1 and the journey into the Keys. I would have been ahead by a lot of time by using the toll roads. I did save the cost of the toll and saw some interesting sights.
Going south on US 1 was just what I expected, lots of traffic and some road contructions. I kept remembering back to 87 when I drove my van down here. I think that it has buteilt up even more than then, if that were possiblem. Traffic flowed well through the various small communities. Speeds were generally 45mph through population centers. On the rest of the route the speed was about 55mph. I was impressed by the work that FL had done with the old bridges to make them into attractive and safe fishing piers. They were very attractive and useful additions. It turns out that this project is ongoing and part of the stimulus package projects.
It took about 4 hrs to do the 125 miles from Homestead to Key West. I got there about 4:30. I figured that I would be headed back quickly. I found the Southern Most Point Bouy and got some other tourist to help with my picture. I gave a nice young man my camera and then rode the bike infront of the bouy. He shot a bunch of pictures and I pulled out and parked. We checked the pictures and they were good. Halaluia. I went looking for the gas station and then my trouble began. I got turned around and lost. I spent about 45 minutes going in circles until I found my way to the gas station. I got my fuel ticket and phone # and all I needed to do was get the letter into the post office and I'm outta here. It took another 30 minutes to find the post office and figure out how to get into it and mail the letter. I also found the end of US1 sign and so spent some time trying to get a picture of my bike and that sign. I got a good picture of the sign. I'm not sure about the bike and sign. I haven't checked out photos yet.
With that all done I find US 1 north and I outta here. It is about 6:45 when I head north on 1. It was a nice ride. There was some traffic but as I rode up the Keys, cars kept dropping out and pretty soon there was only a few of us and we rolled. I also tried to shoot some photos while riding. Not sure of those either. Will need to check tomorrow. It was a wonderful evening ride. It was about dark when I went through Key Largo. My plan was to ride up to Homestead and then get a motel. As I ride over the 2 bridges leaving Key Largo, I see lighting in the Northeast. I am reminded of the ride yesterday around Jacksonville. I keep going and see some more lighting. Then the rain drops start. I know I have 25 miles to go over dark, under contruction road. I pull off the last exit and do a turn around. I head back down Key Largo looking for that Holiday Inn that I saw which had some vacancies. I am tired so get the room, order food in and get my shower. I eat and go to sleep, very soundly. I will write about day 8 later because I am still tired from last night. Milo
Hi Milo,
ReplyDeleteThis morning we have a 'weather timeout' [cool air from Canada]. But it should be back to 85 the rest of the week. The corn is really growing. Your lawn too, I bet. I'm getting used to the 5 a day feedings for the baby chickens. Over the last two entries I can see you 'toughening up' for the trip. ....Or from the trip.You seem to be physically and mentally in balance. Thanks for sharing your backroads comments. Riding, with all your observations, must have made you a geographer. I didn't realize the Lake was that big. I remembered the small farms and weathered fruit stands in the central part of Florida. I wish you good riding this week.
Eric