Friday, 15th, leaving Florence

I’m taking a bit of time today to catch up. Usually when I ride a full day, I just want to rest at night and don’t get around to sorting photos or writing blog posts so I’m behind.

But, Friday, I left Florence after a number of rest days with my friend in Newport, and then with my friends in Florence who not only gave me a warm, dry, and comfortable place to stay, but also gave me good meals and even a sweet dog to play with. How cool is that?! Not only that, but they are moving to Mexico so I have an invitation to see them there.

But, back to now. I set off on a cool, clear Friday morning through beautiful pine forests and past lovely lakes and rivers.

Beautiful pine forests

Lovely rivers

I don’t know what this nest is for, but could it be an eagle? I saw some occasionally

This guy had a broom and was fishing out water plants to feed their goldfish

I was getting into the land of sand dunes, and occasionally I could see some close to the road.

This sand dune looked like it wanted to come in the road

More beautiful lakes and rivers

I don’t remember exactly where this was

They day went smoothly and after a while I ended up in a town. I’m terrible about remembering the names of towns I pass through! I just remember it was a fair size town and it had a McDonald’s. This one not only had coffee and wifi, but electric outlets! Nearby I came across a biker pulling a trailer and stopped to see if there was anything I could do to help. Apparently the trailer connection was broken and he needed a metal smith to fix it. I watched his stuff while he pulled first the trailer and then the bike to the McDonald’s parking lot. He was one of the more interesting characters I have met! He is either going to Patagonia, or taking some sailboat to Alaska. It was hard to make sense out of most of what he said.

He was just a little guy but very strong. Can you see the oxygen tank in the trailer? That is in case he runs across an emergency and someone needs oxygen.

He looked like he was wearing a wet suit with knee pads, goggles, a head lamp on his forehead. He had another headlamp around his neck with an assortment of other things dangling and pinned to his vest.

But after a while, my interesting new friend continued on his way, I finished my coffee, and headed back down the road.

The sign said oysters and mussels were being raised in that triangle area. I was high above so the zoomed in picture isn’t as clear as I would like, but I thought it was interesting

By the end of the day I was well into the area of the Dunes National Recreational Area. There were ATVs everywhere! I found a RV park that had tent camping and though it had bad reviews, it worked for my itinerary. It was fine! There were no dogs running loose, all night parties, or any of the other complaints. I had a nice spot across from the park hostess and other than the occasional ATV or RV passing by, it was quiet.

So, that was Friday. I need a break so I’m only planning 10 miles today. Hopefully I will catch up with more photos and posts later today so stand by.