Day 33 - 83.5 miles - Crestview, FL

     It's official, I'am a year older now. The problem is, I feel 84 not 44. Well not really, but my body is fatigued. My legs feel super strong, but tired. I'am probably more tired of cooking in this southern sun all day for the last month. It's amazing what the human body is able to endure. Once I'am finished with this tour, I will have plenty of time to rest and recover. Knowing me and my inability to sit still, I doubt I will be at rest for long. When I'am on a bike tour such as this one and all I do is bike day in and day out, I crave other activities such as running, rolling blading, and kayaking to name a few. Those days are coming and my main focus has to be on the present.

     I break down my camp, chomp a quick breakfast, and sing happy birthday to myself. That quick I'am on the road. It's 6:30am and muggy already. My first objective this morning is to get through Pensacola. Traffic was heavy but the city has bike lanes which makes things so much better for cyclists. A beautiful city which sits on the Gulf and Pensacola Bay. I am back on my Adventure Cycling maps and they took me along the scenic coast for much of the morning. To my surprise, today had hills. I haven't seen a hill since Texas. They were rollers and nothing to write home about. To be honest, it felt good changing elevation a little. In the town of Milton, the route uses the Blackwater Bike Trail. The portion of trail I would be riding was only about 7 miles, but some how I took a wrong turn and got spun around. By the time I realized it, I was to far off the route to go back. I just hooked back up to the main road and continued east. I was a little disappointed as the part of the trail I did ride was very enjoyable. 

     Today was a day of equipment failure. First, I noticed 2 holes in my bike shorts near the groin. I only have 2 pairs of bike shorts with me. Second, I noticed the soles of my bike shoes are coming apart. Third, my sunglasses broke in 2 pieces, so I has to replace them instantly. Last but not least, I got my 7th flat of the trip on my front tire. That tube had 5 patches on it, so it was time to replace it all together. I was a metal wire that punctured the tube. At least I'am getting fast at changing tubes. 

     I stopped at the crossroads of Route 90 and the Florida Trail to take a look around. The Florida Trail starts in the Everglades National Park in Southern Florida and travels 1,500 miles to the Pensacola area. The Florida Trail is a National Scenic Trail, just like the Appalachian Trail. Of course, an interest was sparked but one adventure at a time.

     I was pleased to pull into Crestview, FL which is my destination for tonight. It's still early enough to relax a little, do some food shopping, and enjoy the remainder of my birthday. I bought a pumpkin bread to celebrate my birthday. Who knows, I might even sing happy birthday again. "Y-Knot" it's my day isn't it?

Photos: Pleasant Grove, Florida - I-10 over Pensacola Bay - Me cycling on the Blackwater Rail Trail - This is where I took a wrong turn off the Blackwater Rail Trail - The Florida Trail crossroads - My 7th blow out - Glad I didn't need a drink here at the abandoned service station in Milligan, FL