Another Day, Another Bike Ride!

Laundry and a game of Balderdash comprised the major part of the game plan for the day. After a water run, we made it to shore a couple of minutes before noon. Great, enough time for a two hour bike ride before returning to SUNSHINE for the laundry which we would start at around 1500 hours. Our thinking was that by then, the morning rush would have dissipated. We'd also be on tap for a Balderdash game with Dick & Libby (Tarwathie)and others while attending to the laundry.

We set off to the north into a 15 knot headwind. It was slow going, but being fresh Bach from their tune-ups, the bikes are performing much better. They are easier to pedal and it is much easier to shift gears. Comfort has been greatly improved with the addition of high rise handlebars on my bike. We were pedaling at about 9 mph when we decided to stop at the Island Fish Company Tiki Hut for a bite. Following the stop, we continued north for another 1 1/2 to 2 miles. We parked the bikes near a nature trail in the Curry Hammock State Park. Even though we didn't know the length of the trail, we thought we had enough time to walk it.

As it turned out, the trial was a 2.8 mile loop. The terrain, although flat, was tedious. There were roots, stumps, and dead coral formations all over the place. The footing was treacherous. We were very careful in picking each step, afraid that one wrong move would result is a twisted ankle. The hammock is loaded with poison wood trees. Poison wood is a lot like poison ivy. Touching the leaves or bark, which is very flakey, will result in an itch and a rash. We were careful not to come in contact with it.

Because of our careful approach, it took 50 minutes to walk the 2.8 mile trail. We boarded the bikes after a short rest, and headed back to the marina. The trip back was very quick. It's amazing what a good tail wind can do!

It was near 1600 hours when we returned to the marina. All the washing machines were in use, so we decided to skip the laundry for the day. In the marina, the Balderdash participants were no where to be seen. We decide to watch the Patriots v. Jets football game, but it was chilly in the TV area, so, after a few minutes, we headed back to the boat.