2017 11-12 Palatka to St Augustine (32 miles), to home (1074 miles)

I woke earlier than usual today, a bit restless for it is difficult accepting the fact that this is the last day of a fabulous trip and it will soon be over.  This trip has afforded me the opportunity to meet some new friends and together we shared the joys and trials of the Southern Tier, and saw America in a way that is only possible on two wheels and  at 12 miles per hour.  On the other hand, I'm also very anxious to get home and see my wife again.  It has been over two months since we parted company in Portland, OR.  This trip would not be possible without her continuing and constant support.  We talked every morning on the phone and hearing her voice gave me the energy to face the challenge the day would bring.  We also talked again at the end of the day, and her happy, joyful greeting would always relieve any pain that an exceptionally hard day may have brought.  It is now time to return home and see her smiling face again!

The ride to St Augustine was slow.  Not because of any bad road conditions, or traffic conditions, or weather problems, but because there seemed to be a need to savor the last thirty miles of the trip.  I was not to be disappointed as the morning provided me with a great sunrise, the site of which I will never grow tired and one which has been provided for me over and over again during this trip.  I also had the opportunity to cross more bridges with their special views of trees and water and wildlife.  The last section of the ride was on a pleasant, relaxing rail trail, a tree lined and peaceful retreat from the highway. 

My ride ended at the Hertz car rental office located at the St Augustine airport, the only location opened on a Sunday.  The panniers were removed from the bike,  the bike was quickly disassembled and every thing was loaded into the car.  Before I could start the long ride home, I needed to visit the beach.  What is a cross country bike trip without the ceremonial dipping of the front wheel into the ocean.  It started in San Diego with the dipping of the rear wheel into the Pacific and the trip would just not be complete without dipping the front one in the Atlantic.  Arriving at the beach, a short distance from the car rental pickup, I carried the front wheel to the beach.  The rest of the bike did not want to be disturbed from its comfy spot in the car.

And now for the long trip home.  The ride from St Augustine to my home in New York is over a thousand miles long.  It was already 11 AM but I felt good and had to get home, and there is plenty of driving time left in this day.  After driving for several hours and not feeling tired, I just kept on going.  The need to get home took over and after driving for 18 hours reached my home and my wife.  Now the trip is over and complete!

Pictures

Map

Trip Home