Wow, what a finish! Today, the last day of this epic adventure, we started and finished as a group, for the very first time. We left the motel in Palatka together at about 0825, rode over the St. John's River bridge, along FL 207, and a very nice bike path, then more of FL 207. Amazing that we stayed together, but it was planned that way.
It was very surreal as we pedaled our way to Saint Augustine, knowing that this was it - our physical challenge winding down with a short 35 mile ride and a dip of our wheels in the ocean. This would be the last we see of our friends and riding partners, at least until our paths cross again, on the road some day. Of course we will keep in touch!
Arriving in Saint Augustine, we passed by the "welcome" sign, and had to take the obligatory photos. Then, just after crossing the Bridge of Lions in Saint Augustine, Tom R's daughter and son-in-law were cheering Tom and the group on from the center island. They had driven down from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, to surprise him. It was a surprise for the entire group, and I was just a little choked up as we passed. They joined us for lunch at the Mellow Mushroom, a very nice pizza place on the way to the beach. I learned during lunch that many other men in our group were also overcome with emotions at the sight of Tom's family greeting him. What a bunch off softies!
Leaving the Mellow Mushroom, we continued our travel to Anastasia State Park beach, where we rode out the boardwalk, onto a long 4' wide rubber mat, to the high water line on the beach. It was an overcast, windy day, our fourth consecutive day of headwinds, and the Atlantic Ocean was raging. Once again, I had to choke back tears as this awesome experience neared the end. I felt a sense of accomplishment, but more importantly, I was so very thankful to our Lord that he had delivered me and my riding partners safely to the end of this particular chapter of my overall journey, and for keeping my family safe during the last two months.
The photos of the "wheel dip" were even more obligatory than any welcome sign along the route, as this signifies the true end of the journey. Of particular note is that there was no group photo taken where everyone looked at the camera simultaneously. Hence the nickname "feral cats." It is difficult enough to herd cats, but feral cats...? I anticipate that our new jerseys commemorating this adventure will have something to say about that!
Having completed our journey, we headed back into town, again across the Bridge of Lions, to our abode for the evening, The Pirate Haus Inn, right in old towne Saint Augustine, the oldest continuously city in America, even older than Jamestown. (long story)
After checking in and cleaning up, I was out to explore the city, obtaining a massage at the Poseidon Spa, just what I needed for my legs. We also looked up the Old Spanish Trail Milestone Zero, marking the beginning of the route from Saint Augustine to San Diego. We were excited that his might be the first marker in ancient history of the ACA Southern Tier, but wow, were we misinformed! Turns out that the Old Spanish Trail was developed in 1921, a highway linking the southern states. The marker was not as historic as we thought, but it was great to learn about the history. Speaking of history, we learned that Saint Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied city settled by the Europeans. Good, bad, or indifferent, this is significant. First settled by Spain, it was taken over by the British, ceded again to the Spanish, then to the United States. Facinating history to read in the museums.
Dinner was at Harry's Seafood Bar and Grill, on the same block as the Pirate Haus Inn. We all enjoyed the jovial laughter and stories of this epic adventure, vowing to look each other up if we are in the same town, and knowing that our paths may cross someday on a similar journey.
Look for one more post, as an epilogue!
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Coal fired power plant on the St. Johns River, outside of Palatka, FL, as seen from the bridge.
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