Alapattah Nini Ligiton: Palatka to St. Augustine – Quick Ride Notwithstanding Adverse Wind

Four hours door-to-door, three of them riding – 20 miles on the Palatka to St. Augustine Trail and 8 on highway and city streets. We started the day by cycling on the Memorial Bridge over the St. John River. Our only “hill” of the day. The Trail actually starts on the Bridge, and continues northeasterly. Another beautiful central Florida trail, mostly shaded, with wildflowers abloom.

At mile 18 there was access to a highway rest area, where we stopped for a leisurely snack. It would have been what Diane calls a “full-service stop,” i.e., bathroom, picnic table, shade, and drinking water, except the water was too foul-tasting to drink. But we each had one full water bottle and only 10 miles to the hotel, so we were in good shape.

Two miles later we were off the trail and onto State Route 207, hauling a** (in senior cyclist style) into 12 mph headwinds. Soon, we arrived in historic St. Augustine, where we have booked a two-night stay at the Penny Farthing B&B, a lovely and hospitable Victorian home with many amenities.

Quickly showered and fitted in our street clothes, we headed out on foot to sight see. A bit hungry we settled on a Greek/Polish restaurant, Gaufre and Goods, where we devoured Pyzy (potato dumplings stuffed with ground seasoned lamb) and Yemista (bell pepper and tomato, each stuffed with lamb, fresh mint, parsley, olive oil and spices and served with baked vegetables and feta cheese). Oh so good!

Back to our B&B, we enjoyed happy hour snacks, teas & wine served by our host and back to our lovely room to catch up on our blog. Tomorrow we tour the City and enjoy our Friday Night Date Night!

XOXO Diane & Rob

A traditional approach to the pics today - with the start, middle and finish to the ride. Rob