We awoke again in Josh’s spacious home to a beautiful and breezy day. He graciously made us breakfast smoothies as we packed up and we were on the road again by 9:00. The ride today was nice but somewhat boring and devoid of many memorable stops or interactions.
I haven’t ridden with my headphones in much this trip until today. I decided catching up on my podcasts and listening to some music would be a nice change of pace and it was. The roads were fine, mostly very quiet country highways, and the drivers all gave us plenty of space.
At one point, we thought we may have to double-back about three miles when a small restaurant we were looking for was closed to remodel, but when the guy working there saw us in the parking lot he came out to chat and apologize for being closed. He told us of a gas station a few miles ahead and we pressed on in search of food. We found it, but it was marginal and not worth recalling.
We had passed a few signs for a place called Bee City Zoo, and our friend Basil had recommended it as a great stop. A few miles further we arrived but were disappointed to find it closed. We did make use of their picnic table and shade, and while we sat and ate I spied what I’m fairly certain was a capybara. One of the neighbors stopped by on a carryall and had a friendly chat as well.
Back on the road, we passed what we thought was a small wildfire. We got in to our destination relatively early, maybe 3:00. Sadly, the pool was closed. Good thing I got two nice days of swimming in while in Charleston! We rolled over to a Walmart next to the hotel for more sunscreen and I picked up another brass bell for my handlebars.
I suspect the remainder of our route will be less interesting than the coast, but the roads are safe and our final destination is now in sight. And you never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll come across along the way. I suppose only time will tell.