Day 38 - 72.2 miles - Palatka, FL

     Today's first objective is to bike through Gainesville. I am less than 15 miles to the city. Normally I cringe at the thought of biking through a city but today is different. Gainesville has a 20 mile bike trail called the "Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. It was easy to find and an absolute pleasure to ride on. All these trails that I've been taken the last few days, I've known about but never rode on them. Since I've owned the condo in Weeki Wachee, Florida, I have explored many bike trails but not these. This trail had many highlights. I came across a gopher tortoise on the path, as well as a good sized snake. The trail was lined with native Florida flora and had several lakes. It was good to see many others enjoying the trail too. Other bikers, joggers, and walkers were out enjoying their weekend. It's been hard for me to relate to weekends and weekdays now that I've been on the road traveling.

     One woman jogger saw me coming a mile away and stopped me. She wanted to know the usual questions that people ask. She was happy for me and wished me luck the rest of the way. Just down the trail I met another man touring. He was taking a break by sitting in the path, smoking a butt, and drinking a beer. Sorry, not my type of guy (no offense). He stopped me and wanted to talk. I got a weird feeling about this guy, not that I was in any danger. Just a weird feeling. He went on to tell me about his trip. How he had come all the way from Georgia and going to Key West, Florida. He wanted to know my plans, so I told him I was almost through. I was hoping he didn't suggest that we team up and ride together the rest of the day. Then he apologized for smoking his last joint and was unable to offer me any. "Ok, time to go" I said and was off and out of sight before he could get up. I'am all set with that. Each he's own, and tour your own tour, but I had to get out of there. I had a good feeling I would not see him again, and didn't.

     After the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail ended in the town of Hawthrone, I was back on Highway 20 which is off my bike maps again. Another great choice, Highway 20 had 5 foot bike lanes all the way to Palatka. Adventure Cycling wanted me to take some small country road but I had heard that route 20 was a great biking road and went with it. I pulled into the town of Palatka, just after 2pm and had done 70 miles already. I knew St. Augustine was only 40 miles from here and could have pushed it. That's not how I want to end this trip. I want to feel good at the end, with energy to celebrate and not dead on my feet like I would have been if I gunned it for the finish line. Plus, today is Sunday. I need to rent a car in St. Augustine. I need to get to the post office in St. Augustine. Bonnie sent me a copy of my new drivers license. My old one expired on my birthday last week. So it just made good sense to pull up short today and coast my way to the sea tomorrow. Very excited about tomorrow. I have been thinking of the finish for some time now. Many times, thinking it will never come. It is so close, and I will make it. I don't care if I have to walk on my hands, I'am going to get there. Then, and only then will I truly jump for joy.

     Jumping the gun a little, I stopped off at CVS and bought a magic marker and a poster board. I just made up my finishing sign, minus the total miles. This will be the sign I will raise in victory tomorrow along the sandy shores of St. Augustine's beach. I still have some unfinished business to do. 40 more hot, humid, and sticky miles, and I'am going to love everyone of them.

Photos: Welcome to Gainesville, Florida - The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail ( next 6 photos ) - Gator country, University of Florida ( Gators ) - Mural of Palatka in 1900 - The first sign of my finish line, St. Augustine - The town of Palatka - The St. John's River and the bridge I must take tomorrow