Solo Run

I took a 5 hour cycle trip to Leesburg, which is about 50 miles NW of Orlando. The town is hosting a bikefest, and thousands of bikers came out today. It was a beautiful day for a ride -- low 80's, low humidity, and a nice breeze. Drove on the Florida Turnpike to get out of Orlando, and got down the road quickly. Took a county road north from the Turnpike through Howey-In-The-Hills (love that name!) to the Yalaha Bakery. This is a German bakery that has a loyal customer base because of the great pastries, tortes, breads, and Danish that they put out. I enjoyed a raspberry Danish and coffee in the outdoor seating area.

The numbers of bikes in and around Leesburg was awesome! I got to park in the middle of Main Street; the sides of the street were already full before 10 AM. Lots of interesting bikes; the bikes show the personalities and priorities of their owners.
I took a scenic route back home along the west shore of Lake Apopka. Rode through towns like Astatula, Ferndale, and Montverde -- old Florida, beautifully scenic drive. Under six hours total, 115 miles, great little trip!

Spring Break Trip

We left Monday morning for the West coast of Florida and Cedar Key. This unique little town is on several small islands / keys in the Gulf of Mexico and is part of the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge. Temps were in the low 70's, blue sky, and no wind -- a beautiful day to ride! We had a leisurely ride west on the Kawasaki, staying off the interstate & turnpike. Took US 27 north to Leesburg and then state road 44 all the way to the Gulf and Seven Rivers. We stopped at the Crystal River Archaeological State Park; there are a number of Indian mounds along the river several miles from the Gulf and the tidewater region. Interesting, informative little park. Coming in to the park we saw a couple of wild hogs and their 6 piglets along the access road to the park, and when leaving a bobcat loped across the road! Another 30 miles north and 25 miles west to Cedar Key.

We stayed at a condo rental recommended by our lower division principal, The Island Place, right on the bay. Sat on the porch, read a book, and watched the birds & fishermen for a while. We ate at seafood restaurants both evenings...shrimp, grouper, and clam chowder! On Tuesday we took a 3 hour tour (reminded my of Gilligan's Island!) by boat around the keys to see the birds. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed ithe trip immensely. Saw over 2 dozen different species of birds and I got 12 new ones for my life list. Marbled godwit; Forster, Royal, & Caspian terns; oystercatcher; black skimmer; dowitcher; long-billed curlew;semi-palmated plover; whimbrel; laughing, herring, & ring-billed gulls. As well as many white pelicans, 3 pairs of bald eagles and one young one, and pods of dolphins. Our guide also talked about the tidewater region, grasses, trees, migratory habits of birds, the local multi-million dollar clam industry, and the reason that Cedar Key was first populated -- J. Eberhard Faber harvested the local red cedars for his pencils.
Had about an hour of light rain while coming home this morning, but we were warm & dry by the time we pulled into the garage. Saw deer, wild turkey, a small burrowing owl, and while we were stopped along a road in the Ocala National Forest a Sandhill Crane walked by across the street. 335 miles and 42 MPG!
By the way, we have dozens of flowers on the grapefruit tree, as well as 3 orchids in full bloom -- 2 purple & white phaelenopsis and one Miltonia (with the Calvin colors).

Smaller shore birds & White Pelicans

I caught this dolphin in mid-jump as he was playing in the wake behind our boat.