Bike Florida: The Fun Coast Tour

Day 1 - Sunday, March 18, 2007

Our trip started two days late from DeLand High School.

We took the 50 mile "farms to spring" route via DeLeon Springs State Park. We saw alligators, manatees, ospreys, and 3 cats.
DeLeon Springs State Park is a year round 72 degree spring, with nature trails and an abandoned sugar mill.
It's home to a variety of Florida wildlife including alligators, herons, osprey, vultures, egrets, kingfisher, ibis and hawks.

Near by Blue Springs State Park is the largest spring on the St. Johns River.
A special lunch was provided by the City of Lake Helen in Blake Park. Historic homes tours available.

Sunrise 7:30 AM.

This guy rode the entire 309 miles with his lab Lucky.

Bubba carried our bags to our hotels at $70/each for the entire week.

Heidi and Diane, first photo.
Diane carried Heidi's stuff, provided SAG support and worked the rest stops.
Rita and I are trying to talk Mom into doing this for us next year.

A photo while I wait for Rita to arrive.

Crystal and I play with our shadows in the spring.

Self-timer under the old oak tree.

An oak tree and some azaleas.

Here comes Crystal.

And here comes, Rita.

We arrive at Blue Spring State Park.

A great blue heron and a cormorant.

A sea turtle.

The spring.

I won't, I promise.

Fresh Florida oranges and pink grapefruits, a delicious rest stop snack.

Rita takes a nap in the car while she waits for me.

Downtown DeLand.
The street sign says "Deland, 125 Years, Welcome Bike Florida".

Rita and I have a nice dinner in town at the Brickhouse Grill, walk around, and go to sleep.