It was only 44 miles down to Pensacola on the coast, which is the last major city in Florida. It hasn't been the most interesting state scenery-wise but the roads have been good, the nights have been good, as has the company. Being my first ever tour, it's felt like the perfect gentle introduction.
I had to set off with four layers on my torso but no gloves cos it's Florida, y'know, why would I need gloves? Apparently it is abnormal weather though. The hands took turns in alternate pockets. It was a pleasant ride this morning and I joined the recommended cycle path for a couple of miles into Milton and didn't see a soul. First Confederate flag: check. A stop in Milton Library to check the Pensacola Warm Showers situation - no reply but I think they said it was ok... If I turn up could they say go away?
Past Milton a stop for doughnuts before the road starts to get a lot busier with all the traffic heading towards the beaches. A chat about the trip invariably brings up the same question sequence: Where ya from? Wales... no? The UK. / Where ya going? California. YOU'RE GOING CALIFORNIA!? / How's your arse? Fine thanks. It's funny that people think the major hurdle of a cycle tour is how your arse feels. No matter how predictable it becomes I like chatting with people along the way, it does refill you with a sense of adventure and reminds you it's kinda cool and definitely nice that people are genuinely interested.
A long bridge with the wind on my back brought me swiftly over the rivers feeding into the bay and I branched off to follow the scenic costal road. I had time to stop off for a long coffee and check t'internet but still no reply from my Warm Showers host so I got addresses of a few alternatives. When I arrived in Pensacola proper the address my (maybe) host had given me was on a quiet street in the historic district. I knocked and the answer came from a blank face. Mike was the housemate and he quickly invited me in saying I was more than welcome to stay. 10 minutes later we rode downtown for beers and food.
Mike is 26 and guy who'd already led a very interesting life - he was an Air Force firefighter originally from Northern Arizona who's done service in Iraq and now decided to study at uni. We got on instantly and conversation flowed. He's got a European tour in the pipeline with a few mates. He planned on setting a crab trap out on the other side of the bay so we jumped in the truck with his friend Sean who masterminded using chicken as bait.
The sunset was stunning. There's always fulfilment when you reach the coast.
Back at his house, the group of friends immediately invited me out to town in the night. A nice change to lights out at 7.
It won't be an early start tomorrow.
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