Toddling with the Tortoises then Trying Traffic - Dunnellon to Zephyrhills

Our ride began with a short jaunt of highway, and then we were on the magnificent Withlacoochee State Trail for 46 miles.  We were disappointed that we did not come across any alligators, but we did see half a dozen gopher tortoises .  We also saw one horned owl and a flock of wild turkeys, and again heard several different songs of birds that we don’t recognize.   It was a great ride - until the last 12 miles of highway 39 with its moderately heavy urban traffic, and sometimes disappearing shoulder.  And somehow, we found the hilly part of Florida, between Dade City and Zephyrhills, but we are pleased to report that Rob’s derailleur held up well. 

Diane prepares a breakfast of hard boiled eggs, cuban rice and beans with brown rice toast - while Rob.....

 goes over the bikes and we then say.....

...goodbye to our house Gecko.

Rolling down the Withlacooche trail....

...by lakes.....

.....advoiding the local traffic ...

....with a break for lunch....

...and other necessities.

                                       

Diane was hoping for the thrill of a gator.

"Could there be one in that swamp?"

But she had to settle for the terror of traffic going through Dade City into Zephyrhills.

Here she is shown fleeing the scene of an accident.

Safely hidden in her room Diane finishs the day by doing a little laundry. Please note her new invention - the hand held drying machine. 

Once again, we are adjusting our route.  Tomorrow we will be riding to Wauchula.  Weather reports say we have a 60% chance of rain, but we are committed to the ride.  The McDaniels are now in the heart of Florida!