Perry, Florida

We woke up at 6 am in darkness and started preparing for our 51.4 mile day to Perry. One would think that you could easily do a 50 mile day with all that we've done but there was a bit of a headwind most of the way. The route was straight and flat and pretty much the same view. Go right 8.8 miles and then go left 40 miles with a few different details at the beginning and end of the journey. There weren't many(any) services for most of this road but when we went by a gas station/mini market called Rocky's, we pulled in for a break from boredom and from the bugs.

I did notice some deep standing water along the cypress forests for several miles. I think this is the run off from all the rain they had in this area recently. When you looked into the woods, it looked dark and eerie. The “Creature from the Black Lagoon” could have been filmed there if you could get in there. I had to laugh when I saw a no trespassing sign. Who would want to go in there and how would you get through that water? It was too deep for hip boots and the vegetation and roots were so tangled and too close together for a boat of any sort. Luckily we had some puffy clouds overhead, so that gave an occasional something to glimpse at that was different and kept some of the heat of the day off. I heard MA had temperatures as warm as we had in Florida yesterday.

We are staying at another Hampton Inn. They are in the the midst of remodeling many rooms on the second floor so it's quite a feat to get to the laundry room on the second floor. Most of us have some to do as there were no facilities at the last place we stayed. I think that several people are hoping this is the last load they will be doing on vacation before they head home. Our hotel is providing us with dipped strawberries and free wine at a cocktail time. Boy, are they in for a surprise. We love to eat and drink occasionally.

Here's hoping for a little less wind tomorrow and a roomate that does not snore! (Didn't get much sleep last night!)
Robin