Day 41: Dauphin Island AL to Big Lagoon State Park (Near Perdido Key FL)

We woke up this morning to howling winds, 20+.  We wanted to camp last night, but we felt lucky to be inside for the night.  


Last nights gathering at the B&B...
Had another lesson on Crawfish eating.

As we were going to breakfast, we were informed that the ferry to cross into Fort Morgan AL was closed due to wind.   We ate a good breakfast and agonized over what our plan should be.  The B&B did not have a room and we need to move on, so we packed up and headed to the ferry expecting to wait it out.  We left at the same time and Sandy drove ahead.  When she arrived, the ferry opened and was leaving in 3 minutes for the 1st run of the day.  She called me and said hurry up… I was a mile away and sprinted to the ferry.  We were lucky and I never put my foot down and road directly onto the boat.  We were lucky and back on schedule. 

On the ferry, we met up with a couple, John and Brenda doing the ride like us.  Brenda was driving their van ahead and responsible for logistics, John was JUST riding his bike.  It was good to meet up with a couple doing the ride like us, Sandy & Brenda enjoyed sharing stories.

John and Brenda with us on the ferry.
Good to see another older guy on the road.

Bessy has been looking forward to this day for a while.
She got a good 45 minute ride across the bay.

Today’s ride was a very short and easy 40 miles with the highlight being passing into Florida.  The timing was right so the entire team, Sandy, Bessy, and I stopped to take pictures.  You cannot imagine how emotional and happy we were. 

Wow... no more state lines to cross.
600 miles from home.

All three of us were happy to see the State Line. 
We had a big hug before we started taking pic's.  
Emotional time indeed

Once we got off the ferry, the wind was noticeable and into my face for the rest of the ride.  Luckily, it was very flat with some trees to block the wind.  No complaints…



Many days ago, we booked a site at Big Lagoon State Park.  Good thing, with spring break in the area all parks are full.

 

Another fantastic camp site ordered up by Sandy.
We did arrive close together so I got in her way setting up.
My help is not really needed.

Our 1st Florida Sunset in a long time.
We will sleep well tonight.

Today’s ride stats:

Start Time: 10:19 AM Central Time             Finish Time: 2:40 PM Central Time

Elapse Time: 4 Hr. 19 Min.                          Ride Time: 2 Hr. 44 Min.

Distance: 41.4 Miles                                    Average Speed: 15.1 mph

Climbing/Descent: 384/498 Ft.                    TSS: 109

Average Power: 185 Watts                           Normalized Power: 199 Watts

Calories: 1825                                              Ave/Max HR: 115/141 bpm

After we entered Florida, we were less than 8 miles from camp in a tourist part of the beach.  We stopped for lunch and the Crab Shack and had their lunch special, stuffed crab & Mahi along with a bunch side dishes.  I had lemonade and Sandy had a beer.  It was very filling and good.  Prior to lunch I had one Cliff Bar and about ½ a bottle.  After lunch I rode in on a full belly. 

Yes...  the ride was uphill all the way,
with a few bridges to add to the profile.

Tomorrow will be a tester of a day.  As near as I can tell it will be 80+ miles to Sandy’s brother’s house.  The Pensacola bridge is out adding at least 25 miles.  My plan is to ride to the port near the bridge and see if I can find a boat captain willing to take me across.  If not, it will be a long day.

Someone thought this was a good name
I thought it was a good laugh


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