Atlantic Coast Tour
April 10th, Nova Family Campground to St. Augustine KOA

The coconut trees are gone, but the palm trees remain. We are riding through Daytona Beach, home of the Daytona 500. It is quite the tourist Mecca. There is a cheerleader convention going on. Girls with bows in their hair, matching outfits, and cell phones attached to their ears walk around in groups. Retired folks ride their cruiser bikes past them on the sidewalks. Huge high-rise hotels line the ocean.

Soon it all gives way to miles of beach broken up by expensive homes. Private and public landings and stairways get people to the water. The sand is a most interesting color of orange, pink, and cream. People play in the water and lay about on the sand. A few surfers bob in the waves.

The road is lined with yellow, orange, and blue wildflowers. The cacti sport big yellow blooms. Big pelicans fly past on beach patrol. We find a shaded bike path that meanders in and out of a strand of trees. It feels so good to be out of the sun.

Louie finds us the most incredible lunch. It is amazing that after being on the road how wonderful some foods taste. We had this sweet, juicy orange. Then Louie got us all the fixings for some sub sandwiches with lunch- meats and cheese. He was able to get some mayonnaise and mustard from the deli counter. After a week of peanut butter sandwiches for lunch, this is heavenly.

We have high expectations for our campground since the last KOA was so nice. When we arrive, it costs us almost as much as a room at a cheap motel. They have us in the dirt, sandwiched between two families who are taking up all the picnic tables, have a TV, and kids running all about. While Bec takes her shower, Louie negotiates with the office staff. We get moved to a grassy spot next to the pond with no neighbors on either side. For what it costs us we should have a lot more, but we are tired and hungry so this is home for two days. Another cyclist comes in, all hot and sweaty. Louie tries to find him to invite him to dinner, but he is nowhere to be seen.

We have to do laundry tonight. Things are starting to get very ripe. Water is coming out of the bottom of the campground washing machine. When we put our clothes in the dryer it takes our money but will not start. The campground host tells Louie to press in the bottom with his foot, turn the knob, and press the start button all at the same time. Finally after these gyrations the thing works. Our clothes never completely dry. But this is life on the road, all to be expected.

Tomorrow we plan to explore St Augustine, the oldest city in America, so say the pamphlets. Tonight we rest.

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