I left Bayou La Batre around 6:45am and I was treated to brand new pavement, smooth as ice. I told you it was going to be a good day. After 15 miles I reached where the Mobile Bay meets the Mississippi Sound, which I crossed using the Gordon Persons Bridge. Another wonderful bridge, with huge shoulders to cycle on and just amazing views of the bay. I notice a sign for the ferry I must take to get across Pelican Bay. First ferry departs at 8am. It was 7:40am and I had a few miles to go. I started to push the pace but had to stop myself. Hold on, what am I doing? It's beautiful here and I'am going to race to catch the first ferry? No way, I slowed to a crawl and enjoyed this section like I said I was going to first thing this morning. I'll just catch the next ferry, which was at 9:30am. That's what I did, and was pleased with my decision. On the far side of the bridge was Dauphin Island. A beautiful small island connected by the bridge on one side and the ferry on the other side. I arrived at the Mobile Bay Ferry dock with time to spare so I continued biking to the far east of the island to visit Fort Gaines Historic Site. I biked back to the ferry and just minutes after the boat pulled in. This ferry takes vehicles as well as walk-ons. The ferry takes about 30 minutes and only cost $5 for me and my ride. Cars were $25.
I really enjoyed the ferry ride. It was a beautiful day, gorgeous views of the bay and I was getting plenty of wind on my face without putting out any effort. That's a first. The ferry drops you off in Fort Morgan which is just across the bay. There is another Fort on this side as well, called Fort Morgan Historic Site. History has it that between these two Forts, they where supposed to keep the bay safe from attack. Today's ride just kept getting better, and more scenic with the Bon Secour Bay to my left and the Gulf of Mexico to my right. Pretty hard to beat a combination of those two.
I noticed a loaded cyclists coming my way on the opposite side of the road. As we neared each other I pulled across the street and stopped. I met Stefen, from St Petersburg, Florida. He started out a little over a week ago and is heading for Washington State. We both had lots of questions for each other. I really hope Stefen is going to be ok going across Texas as late as he will be. I know how hard it was for me, and I just hope he plays it safe as the temperature will only rise. Stefen is young, has lots of energy and I am sure he'll be fine. He did say this was his first tour. That's a pretty long first tour. I wished him well and pushed on. At least Stefen had a tailwind, as I battled another day of east winds.
I took a short hike in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The trail ended at the Gulf of Mexico, where I just stood and looked out at the beauty. I arrived at Gulf Shores, Alabama which is an extremely popular white sand beach. Thousands of beach goers lined the vast beach. This beach is so wide, it didn't matter how many people were using it. I parked my steed and took a walk to the waters edge. All kinds of beach activities were going on all around me. People skim boarding, playing frisbee, tossing a ball, or just lying under an umbrella. It was a little to busy for me as was the road I was biking. The good part is that I had my own bike lane for miles, which made cycling this hectic area a breeze.
Not long after Gulf Shores, I pedaled into my 8th and final state "Florida". I can't believe I am in Florida. Don't get me wrong, I know I still have over 500 miles to cycle in this state so I wasn't jumping for joy yet. It has been a long time awaiting this moment and it has arrived. I started reflecting back to my first day of this trip in San Diego, California. Now I'am in Florida, this is crazy but a good crazy. I was all excited the rest of the afternoon. I pulled into Big Lagoon State Park where I am camping tonight. The ranger didn't charge me the $26 dollars it normally cost campers because I was biking across the country. That was very nice of "Mike" the ranger in Big Lagoon. I didn't even set up camp, I made a bee-line for the lagoon. I took a swim in the lagoon and it was just right for cooling down my overheated body. I like this place already. After my swim, it was the showers to clean up and ate my dinner which I bought at a store a few miles before the park. Most parks don't have food, so I knew to be prepared. Now I am a well fed and squeaky clean happy camper. Time to set up the tent. I am starting to get bit by these deer flies. A think it may be a good night for a movie. I downloaded movies to my IPad before if left home and haven't watched one yet. Maybe tonight's the night. I already know tomorrow going to be a great day. It's my 44th birthday! Happy Birthday to me, and I'll be doing what I love to do. It doesn't get any better then that.
Photos: Gordon Persons Bridge - Looking out towards Dauphin Island - Welcome to Dauphin Island - Me on the Mobile Bay Ferry - The ferry loaded up - Stefen, biking to Washington State - The white sand beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama - Heading over the bridge to Perdido Key, Alabama - The Gulf State Park - Beach goers in Perdido Key - My 8th and final State, Florida - Big Lagoon State Park, no swimming and my swimming spot
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