I really had a nice time with Chere and Don. They are so sweet. It was a very fun meeting since only knowing them on Facebook for so long. After a good breakfast, Chere discussed my route south. She was concerned the road after the Causeway wasn't safe enough and offered me a lift off the island. Great! She took me to a Publix Market just a bit further down the Tamiami Trail than where I turned off for Sanibel Island. The wind was blowing at about 15 mph and expected to get much stronger. After picking up some supplies, I said goodbye to Chere and pushed on down the road. There were lots of cyclists riding passed getting in their miles before the winds would get stronger. The thing about a headwind for these guys is it's only going to be for half the ride. They will turn around and get pushed home. I would have to grin and bear it all the way to my destination.
Myrtle enjoying the Naples digs
Even though the winds were blowing, the skies were clear and the sun was warm. I turned off Hwy 41 to Alice Rd and then on to the Three Oaks Parkway which has a good bike lane. Then I rode Livingston Rd due south to Naples. Lucky for me, the wind changed and I had a nice tailwind, woohoo! Naples is another very exclusive beach community. There are lots of RV parks mostly catering to snowbirds. I have an app on my phone called All Trails and it listed a couple of RV Parks on the eastern outskirts of town that accept tents. The first one I stopped at had a tent area but 3 guys pulled in yesterday and it was full. The RV park was very rundown and didn't feel especially safe so I happy to move on. The reception lady gave me the name of another park just a couple of miles down the road. This RV Park wasn't listed on my app but I figured I had nothing to lose by checking it out. As I approached, I could see this park catered to a whole 'nother level of camper. The cars were all very expensive and the RV's were giant coaches. I saw the sign pointing to the camp host and then I saw a couple riding ICE trikes. Oh boy! I turned around and followed the trikers. It didn't take long to be riding along side and, in typical triker fashion, we all stopped to chat. They had just finished their ride for the day and asked what I was doing. I explained about my trip and that I was looking for a place to set up my tent. They didn't hesitate to invite me to camp at their site. How easy was that?!? First, we went to the park office to get approval. The camp host was a very friendly guy who wasn't sure how to make this work. He was optimistic about making it work though. It took some finagling and I think they finally said I was a friend or guest to fit into the camp rules. Then we rode to Paul and Linda's site. Oh my, what a huge RV they live in. It's really a giant coach. Master bedroom with a full bathroom, big kitchen with a dishwasher and living room. It even has a washer and dryer. Paul showed me where I could set up my tent and then Linda poured a glass of red wine. So civilized. We all sat outside in the sunshine and lots of people came by to say hello. There just happened to be a pot luck dinner party that night too. So much good food and I met a ton of people. Linda and Paul introduced me like we have known each other for a long time. I couldn't believe my luck finding Linda and Paul. Trikers are the best!
Camping with trikers Paul and Linda
Paul parking the ICE trikes
Frustrating construction zone
After a good night's rest, Linda made us a healthy breakfast. I thanked them for their generous hospitality and pushed on. Today I would be riding Alligator Alley east through the Everglades. On the map, there are many campgrounds and I planned to ride until something showed up. The wind was very strong and it was slow going. At least the sun was shining and the temps were warm. After Naples, the Tamiami Hwy turns southeast and I was riding into a direct headwind. No bueño! This road has been recently repaved and, unlike years past, now has a shoulder. Between Naples and Miami there isn't much of anything in terms of towns or even businesses. I stocked up in Naples with this in mind. At one point the shoulder was being redone and I had to ride next to the road on a bumpy gravel mess. I was lucky the shoulder wasn't being work on today because there would have been no where to ride safely. I get very upset when road works don't take cyclists into account. I was also lucky the construction zone was only for a couple of miles. The headwind was slowing me down and then the unpaved shoulder slowed me down even more. Ugh! I also saw signs to watch for panthers, yipes.
Snakes, gators and panthers, oh my!
Eventually, after 49 miles, I made it to Monument Lake campground. I had hoped to get further. I have a Warm Shower's host to stay with tomorrow with more miles to go than I'm comfortable riding. The wind is expected to be even stronger tomorrow and I'll have a lot of miles to cover to get there. But, for tonight, I got a space in a primitive site along a lake for $7. The wind was so crazy I wasn't sure if I would be able to get my tent up. The campground has rest rooms with hot water but no showers. To make dinner, I stacked my panniers on the picnic table around the stove to make a fort against the wind. It worked! This campground also had 'Be Bear Aware' signs and no bear boxes. I asked the camp host what I should do with my food and she gave me a cooler. Very nice!
Pannier wind fort
I slept surprisingly well considering how the wind howled all night. In the morning, it had died down and I was able to make breakfast without so much drama. The strong wind also meant no morning condensation in the tent which is always nice. Then it was back to Alligator Alley. Maybe today I would actually see alligators. This ride was very frustrating. I was on a perfectly flat, newly paved road going 6 mph. I think the wind was blowing over 25 mph all day. I stopped at a wildlife park to use the bathroom and they had a canal exhibit outside stocked with lots of gators and other animals. Some of the gators were impressively big. This wasn't the same as seeing a gator in the wild but I enjoyed seeing them anyway.
Gator on the side of the road
The day was long! I wasn't able to get to the Warm Shower's hosts home and, instead, made my destination a Casino just beyond Alligator Alley. On my way, I actually saw some 'real' gators. They were swimming in a mangrove. Wow was that exciting. There were lots of companies along the road that take people out in airboats through the Everglades. These boats are very loud. Often I could hear them far away but couldn't see them through the vegetation. Once out of the Everglades, I was back in civilization. The casino was only 2 blocks from the Tamiami Trail but getting there wasn't easy. The 2 lane road had widened to 4 lanes. I needed to make a left onto Hwy 997 and there was a ton of construction. I had to ride over 2 lanes to get to the left turn lane. Traffic was also really backed up so I made eye contact and then rode between the cars waving thanks to everyone. After turning left, the shoulder was a construction zone and I had to ride in the road. No one was happy about this. There was lots of traffic and then I had to turn left again into the Casino parking lot. This was very stressful but I made it.
Good shoulder on Alligator Alley
Giant gator in a mangrove
Huge casino tuna salad
The Muccosukee Indian Casino is huge. I parked outside the main entrance and walked to the reception area to ask about the room rate and where to park my trike. At first, the reception lady said there wasn't anywhere to park the trike. Seriously, even though this place is huge? I really didn't want to find another motel because I would have to go back into that unfriendly traffic. Then another lady took over and let me put the trike in the luggage storage room. Myrtle was safe. I couldn't believe how expensive this place was. Usually casinos are cheap. This one was $170 for a room! But, if I got a players card, which is free, the room rate dropped to $120. OK, that's better but still a lot more than I'm used to spending. I go to the players card desk which also has a long line. The card comes with $30 to gamble with. I went up to my room and got settled. While taking a shower the steam set off the smoke alarm. Oh my! I had to call the front desk to get someone to come turn off the alarm. This guy insisted I was smoking. He tells me he will have to talk to management and there's a big fine for smoking. First of all, there wasn't any smoke in the room and no, I don't smoke! You'd think the guy would apologize for the inconvenience instead of accusing me. After all that commotion, I went to a dining room for dinner. I got a tuna salad that came with half a loaf of french bread for $4. The salad was so huge I took half to go. The room was actually very comfortable but the wifi was also extra. I could hardly believe it. $120 and no wifi. What a bunch of cheap-asses! I have internet on my phone and a mifi router for my laptop, but still... wow. Anything to keep visitor's focus on gambling, huh?
I slept well and after getting packed up decided to try my luck at the slots with the $30 house money on the player's card. It didn't take long and I had won $50. OK, that's better. My $120 room was suddenly $70. That, I can live with. I had called my Warm Showers host last night to ask if I could come a day later. No problem. He suggested I find a different route than taking Hwy 997, the most direct. He said construction made that road too dangerous. The first couple of miles were rough with busy traffic but after that my new route went through quiet neighborhoods. The winds were still strong but at my side for much of the day. At one point, Googlemaps wanted to put me on a dirt road. A patrol car passed me and I flagged it down to see if taking that road was a good idea. These two cops were great. At first, they couldn't comprehend what I was doing. They informed me I had another 20 miles to go and that's just too far on a bike. I assured them I would make it. Then they actually drew me a map and said the dirt road would be fine.
Google dirt road
It only goes about a half mile before asphalt returns. Suddenly, I was passing a lot of farms. Mostly organic. The roads were quiet except for the occasional tractor. I got a bit lost when Googlemaps tried to take me on a dirt road that wasn't much better than a mud pit. I found a good way around it and before too long I was at my Warm Shower's hosts home in Homestead. This is also an organic farm. I called the manager of Paradise Farms and he met me at the gate to walk me in. There were already many cyclists set up in a large grove of palm trees. This farm is really beautiful and peaceful. Much of the produce grown is micro greens and mushrooms delivered to high end restaurants in Miami. Gabriele is the owner, who is also a touring cyclist, and her farm is always open for cyclists to stay. The toilets are composting and solar showers are outdoor. It was cool. I think there were 6 of us cyclists. The farm also has bungalows that are rented out. We all had dinner together. 2 of the cyclists are also chefs who made a delicious dinner using the micro greens, mushrooms and food all the cyclists donated. The mushroom soup was outstanding. Gabriele joined us and she was very interested in everyone's story. She talked to me about riding in Cuba and asked if I would like to join her next fall. Yes, that would be super cool. Let's keep talking about it and see how things work out. Some of the cyclists had been here for many days doing work on the farm. They all seemed very comfortable here. Who could blame them, the place is really lovely.
Sun rays over Paradise Farm
Cyclists camping at Paradise Farm
Outdoor shower
Composting toilet instructions
In the morning, I got packed up, thanked Gabriele and pushed on. She also invited me to stay again on my way back to Miami. Very nice!!! I followed a couple of young gals who were also riding out to the keys but they were, not surprisingly, much faster. The first 20 miles of the road out to the keys is on Hwy 1 and was really busy. It felt like all of Florida was on their way to the Florida keys. I had a front right tire flat. This was the first flat since Del Rio, Texas. There is a big grassy strip next to the road and I had lots of room. I got packed up hurriedly and left my patch kit bag behind. About a mile down the road, I started to think about that patch kit bag and couldn't remember putting it away. I stopped and walked back to find the bag right where I had left it. The winds were even stronger than they had been over the last few days. Again I was riding on a perfectly flat, nicely paved road and I couldn't go faster than 6 mph. At least today I didn't have so far to ride. The last 9 miles to Key Largo were on an established bike path. What a relief to be away from the busy, loud road. I had entered the Conch Republic. My destination was John Pennekamp State Park. I expected that all the state parks in the keys to be full. This is spring break season and the height of the tourist time of year. As expected, the park was full but the ranger lady was very relaxed about it. She let me stay in an open group site that is usually filled with boy scouts. The site was huge with 2 picnic tables and big circles using tree stumps as seats for 10. The area was isolated from all other sites and was very quiet. The bathroom wasn't far and I used the disabled shower to lock the door and then left my electronics there for charging. After dinner, I went back to clean my dishes and met the camp host. Debbie was very sweet. She invited me to stay in her site on my way back to Miami if the campground is full. That was a real relief and I thanked her for her generosity.
Route 1 through the Keys
After my flat
Nice bike path
Coffee break on the ocean
The next morning was warm. I like warm. I packed up and headed back out to the bike path on Route 1. My first stop was for Cuban coffee in Tavernier which I enjoyed at a park next door with a lovely view of the ocean. The Keys are a string of islands connected by one road. The bike path merges onto the road whenever it goes over the many bridges. There's also a shoulder on the bridges with plenty of room. Sometimes the bike path would be on the right side of the road and sometimes the left. It was interesting seeing where this path would go next. Sometimes the path would go over a bridge on the wrong side of the road. The bridges usually weren't very long but it felt weird to be on the wrong side of the road. I, eventually, made it to Long Key State Park. I was in luck as there was a primitive site available. These sites are built in a mangrove in a completely different area from the RV sites. I first went to the RV section to use the shower and then rode to the primitive section. These sites are really cool. They are built on a raised boardwalk above a mangrove next to the ocean. At first, a ranger told me I couldn't ride on the boardwalk but I knew this wasn't true. The entrance rangers told me I could ride to the site. I waited for him to drive off and then rolled to my site. What a surprise to see camper Bob. This is the guy who had let me camp at his site in the Myakka River State Forest where I almost got kicked out. We had camped together a week ago and he couldn't believe how quickly I got here. Knowing how slow I am that sounded funny. He had parked his car in the lot and ridden his bike to the site. The sun was setting and biting flies, no seeums, were everywhere. They were ferocious and unrelenting. This area is completely isolated and there was no wind. I got my tent set up and walked down to the end of the raised path to see the beach. The other campers were complaining loudly about the biting flies too. We all slathered bug spray on but it didn't seem to help. When I got back to my site I discovered raccoons had found their way into my panniers and run off with a big bag of oatmeal. I could see the bag in the mangrove but couldn't reach it. Then I discovered they ran off with something more significant. I had a bladder full of Maker's Mark bourbon I was saving to toast when I got to Key West. Dinner was difficult with all the flies. In the middle of the night I heard raccoons fighting. Probably drunk raccoons fighting over my tasty bourbon.
Welcome to the Conch Republic
Primitive campsite in a mangrove
Camper Bob, again!
The flies were gone in the morning and Bob made me breakfast. Such a nice guy! Who knows, I might be camping with him again before this tour is done. I started down Route 1 finding the bike path again. I had no idea there were so many keys. This was a very fun ride on a beautiful day. The winds had died down and the riding was much more enjoyable. I left Layton Key and crossed over Conch Key, Little Conch Key, Duck Key, Grassy Key, Crawl Key, Little Crawl Key, Long Point Key, Fat Deer Key and Vaca Key before arriving at the Seven Mile Bridge. Yes, this bridge is 7 miles long. The shoulder is wide but it does feel daunting. The road dumps onto the Bahia Honda Key before going onto Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key is famous for the little Key deer that live there. Half the island is a refuge for the deer. They are very cute. I was coming to Big Pine Key to stay with another triker I have been in contact with for many months. I would text Kim along the route to let her know of my progress. She was still at work and gave me directions to a farm that is being restored. Kim works for the county and is a master gardener. Her work takes her all over the keys. She is seeing more and more problems caused by salt water entering areas of fresh water. This is clear evidence of climate change. The farm is a labor of love that she hopes to see restored. The man who originally owned it planted over 100 types of trees. It fell into disrepair during probate and then the next owners neglected it as well. She introduced me to the new owners and people at the estate. Then escorted me to her house riding an Elf. The Elf is an enclosed electric bike with a solar panel on the roof. A friend in Portland also has one and it gets a ton of attention.
Little Key deer
Fishermen on a bridge between Keys
Kim escorting in her ELF
No Name Pub covered in money
I got settled at Kim's house and then we drove to No Name Key to have dinner at No Name Pub. This pub encourages people to write a message on paper money and then staple it to the wall. It's estimated $70,000 is stapled to walls here. We had a nice meal. Kim had a great idea percolating. She suggested I leave my gear at her house and ride to Key West tomorrow. Key West is the end of the Florida Keys. Kim would drive in with a folding bike and ride with me to mile zero. Then we could load up my trike in the car and drive back to her house. Wow, this would not only save me finding a place to stay in busy Key West along with the expense but actually save me a whole day. What a great idea!
Kim at her folder
The next morning, after a good night's sleep in a very nice guest room, I started out riding to Key West. This was a lovely day and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Much of the route was on bike paths. I got messed up at one point and didn't see the path continued across a bridge. Part of the bridge was under construction and a center area was coned off and closed to traffic. There wasn't any construction going on so I took the empty lane getting across the bridge. Once on Key West I rode along the ocean. There were lots of people out playing volleyball and enjoying the beach. I found Kim at a beach bar and she got on her little folder to ride with me to the southernmost point in the US and then on to mile zero. There was a long line of people waiting to get pictures at the southernmost point. Kim offered to take photos. Wow, I was really emotional arriving at these landmarks especially mile zero.What an amazing feeling to have ridden a tricycle from Portland, Oregon to the end of the Florida Keys. It was so fun to have someone to share this accomplishment with. We celebrated at the Green Parrot bar drinking a couple of Yuenglings. The live music was also really good. I left a few Travels By Trike stickers around the bar too.
Mile Zero
Southernmost Point in the US
Celebrating with Kim at the Green Parrot
Myrtle and the folder have a cozy ride back to the house
I had a terrific time with Dyann at her new home in Dunedin. Even though the weather was quite miserable, we made the best of our time together. We drove to a bike shop in the next town to look at their trike selection. Dyann has a 9 year old Greenspeed and is thinking of buying a Catrike. Which was lucky because Catrike are the only tadpole trikes this shop carries. Dyann took me to all her local haunts. She had only lived in this beach community for a short time but already knows a lot of people. Everyone was very friendly. It rained and stormed and we got out to explore the area. It was good to get caught up too. I am very grateful to Dyann for letting me stay for so long. It's a lot to ask to stay for more than 2 nights but the weather kept me there for 3 nights. The wind was just howling and it sure was nice to be inside. Camping would have been tough and motels in this area are very expensive. Your plate is already very full and I wish you all the best in your new home. Thanks girl!
There are lots of wonderful trails all over Florida
Finally, I was able to get my trike loaded up and started on down the road. The wind was still stronger than I was hoping and I had a full day's ride ahead. The sky was clear and the temps were warm. My next big destination is Sarasota to meet up with more trikers. There isn't a bridge or ferry across Tampa Bay so I had to ride around it. I found some nice bike trails to ride on. After crossing a short bridge over the Lake Tarpon Canal, took the Oldsmar trail that was very nice. I couldn't find a path connector from the road so I rode down a steep embankment at the end of the bridge. There were lots of birds and the scene was lovely. I stopped for lunch at Oldsmar park where a squirrel joined me and repeatedly attempted to steal food. We played tug-a-war with a plastic bag filled with a large hunk of bread. This squirrel was bold and not easily intimidated. I finally had to throw some rocks to keep it away and eat in peace. Pphhhewww!
Town and Country trail
Where I started the Oldsmar trail
I used Googlemaps to get through the large city of Tampa. The route was on lots of smaller streets and I had to really concentrate to keep up with all the turns. This route included the Town and Country bike trail which I took to Hwy 580. There was enough room but the road was busy. Eventually I made to the Tamiami Trail which on the map looked like an actual bike path might run next to the road. But no, this is a big hwy that connects Tampa and Miami, Hwy 41. I was so disappointed. Where I picked up the road, it goes through an industrial area with very rough pavement and lots of semis. I had a long way to go on this road and boy was I relieved when the shoulder widened up giving me plenty of room. And, of course, just when I had enough room the traffic died down too. Figures, but I'll take it!
Nice camp site
I made it to the other side of Tampa Bay and pulled into EG Simmons County Park. This is a very nice park and it was full. I have a strategy for camping. Sure, I could call campgrounds before I arrive to make sure there is a place for me. But if they tell me the campground is full, I can't show up expecting them to help me. I don't need much and think even if a campground is full the rangers will be able to find a small space. My experience also says that most people will assume I'm disabled and they will help me. Here again, the gatekeeper generously called a camp host and they let me stay in their site with no charge. The gatekeeper could have sent me away but, instead, he helped me enthusiastically. This has been my experience pretty much everywhere. I took a good shower, had a picnic table to cook at and the site had a big grassy area with plenty of room for my trike and tent. The site also had a nice view of a canal. This was a lovely end to a very long day.
Campsite at EG Simmons where I was invited to stay with RVers
I slept great and temps in the morning were warm enough that making breakfast was comfortable. A got packed up and thanked my hosts for their generosity before finding my way back to Hwy 41 again. I was on this hwy for quite awhile. Today the road was nicely paved with plenty of room. I took off this hwy to get across the Manatee River. Bikes aren't allowed to cross on the Tamiami Trail so I took 8th ave to cross into Bradenton where I rode a terrific river path. I was on my way to stay with friends I've known on Facebook for many years. Mike has done lots of touring on his trike and met me at a restaurant along the river to escort me to his house. Mike and Nancy moved here from Newport Beach, Calif which is my hometown and old stomping grounds. We have always followed each others adventures and I have been looking forward to this since the beginning of my US tour.
Mike and Nancy at Anna Maria Island for a fabulous brunch on a gorgeous day
Chef Mike
Oh my goodness, what a crazy, world wind stay. Mike and Nancy have a large and beautiful home and I stayed in a swanky guest room with a private bath. They are both avid trikers and love good food. Mike has a blog dedicated to his two passions, www.recumbentgourmet.com. The next day we went to Anna Marie Island for a very nice brunch right on the beach. It was a picture perfect day too. We did a driving tour of the area and then returned back to the house. They decided to invite some cycling friends over for dinner and made an amazingly fancy dinner. Nancy went out and picked up a bunch of lobsters. Lobsters!! Steve and Abby arrived with a mobile margarita station. Oh my were these delicious and highly potent drinks. Mike cooked up an terrific lobster pasta meal with a fabulous bottle of pinot noir (Sea Smoke!!). Holy moly, what a meal and wonderful evening!
The next day Mike had to fly to New York for business and I got packed up to head on down the road. Mike had printed out detailed directions for the safest cycling route to Venice. I found a campground for my destination and Mike gave me a great cue sheet. I got to ride through many quiet neighborhoods. There were lots of turns which slowed me down but I really enjoyed the ride. Mike's directions took me right to the Legacy Trail which I followed to Oscar Scherer State Park. The main entrance to the park is on the Tamiami Hwy but I found a small paved bike path that goes in the back way. While I was riding in, I met a couple on bikes and asked them where to check in. Without hesitation, they invited me to stay in their site. They gave me the site number and said to make myself at home. How nice is that?
Great visit with Gourmet Recumbents, Nancy and Mike
Pat and Howard
I got myself set up and showered before Pat and Howard returned. They are so nice and invited me to dinner. I had to decline because I was going to meet Nancy for dinner in Venice. The entrance to the park was far enough from the site that I rode my trike and then we put it in the back of Nancy's SUV while we went into Venice. We had a great sushi meal at Fins with a view of the ocean and sunset. Wow, was that a good meal. I love good food but rarely go out by myself while on tour. Thanks Nancy for meeting me, that was really fun!! When Nancy dropped me off we discovered the campground gate was locked and I didn't have the code. Oh my! We didn't have to wait long before a camper showed up. Their suspicions were allayed when I gave them my card while explaining my story. Pphheeww!!
Camping with Pat and Howard
Venice sunset
Riding the Legacy Trail
Pat and Howard were happy to have me stay another day so I could check out Venice. They even made me breakfast. What cuties! On my list of places to visit, I wanted find the Schlitter's recumbent shop. John manufactures highly coveted recumbents and Jacquie is a speed demon famous for taking on some of the toughest races our sport has to offer including RAAM. I got back on the Legacy trail and quickly made my way to Venice. This is very nice town but, once off the bike path, isn't exactly bike friendly. I arrived in the middle of tourist season and the roads were busy. Sometimes I took sidewalks when the road simply didn't have enough room. The Schlitter's shop is in the historic and quaint old town. It was great to finally meet these cycling legends I've only known on Facebook for many years. We yakked and took pictures. Then a cycling groupie came by and invited me out to lunch. It was very nice afternoon and then I made my way back to the campground through hoity toity Casey Key. Pat and Howard were there and busy making dinner. They enthusiastically invited me to join them. This couple was so full of life even though they were close to 80 years old. I sure hope to have their joie de vivre when I'm their age.
With Legends John and Jacquie Schlitter
Busy path
The next morning I broke camp and got packed to head out. First, I let Pat and Howard take the trike for a spin. They, of course, loved it. I really enjoyed staying with this lively couple. I didn't have far to go and took my time letting my tent fully dry. Then I got back on the Legacy trail under beautiful conditions. Bright sunshine and little wind. I took Hwy 776 south to Englewood where I stopped for supplies and then got on Hwy 777 east. My next big destination was Sanibel but this is a 2 day ride around the Gasparilla Sound Charlotte Harbor.
Camphost John cooking up bacon
I made my way to the Myakka State Forest to a primitive campground. I had to take a dirt road to the office where I was told there were no available sites. Hhhhmmm... The ranger lady suggested I go down to the campground and talk to the camp host. Maybe he could help. I continue down the dirt road to find the entrance is locked. I couldn't see anyone or any of the sites and didn't know what to do. Suddenly, 2 people, who were clearly campers, walked up. I explained that I needed to talk to the camp host and asked them for the lock code. They refused. I said they didn't have to tell me the combination and I'll relock it when I get through. They acted like I was very suspicious and again refused saying they didn't know anything about unlocking the gate for anyone. Here I am an older woman obviously traveling alone. More surprising, they didn't seem to think I was disabled as most people do. I couldn't understand what they were suspicious of. They walked off and I couldn't believe their reaction. I said 'Really? I'm obviously traveling alone and need a place to camp and you can't help me? Wow!'. Well, I left my trike outside the gate and walked through the narrow gap and easily found the camp host. John is really nice and immediately offered space in his site. He also gave me the lock code so I could roll my trike in. There wasn't a shower and only a porta potty for a toilet. At least there was running water. The campground was small with only 4 sites. One site was still empty but reserved. I was sitting in my trike taking care of internet/phone stuff for quite some time. After awhile, the ranger boss came by and had a private conversation with the camp host. The boss left and the camp host informed me that I couldn't stay after all. The nasty people I met at the gate had complained about me to the office. I was being kicked out. What? Are you kidding me? It was late in the afternoon and even getting dark. I hadn't unpacked so just turned the trike around and started pedaling.I didn't know where I was going to stay but started down the dirt road to the main road.
Very nice camper Bob
I remembered seeing a picnic area and figured I could try setting up in there. I rolled into the picnic area and it had everything I needed. In fact, I think this unused picnic area would be even more comfortable. It had a covered picnic table with water and there was a porta potty that was much more conveniently located than at the camp host's site. No sooner had I picked out a good site than I heard John, the camp host, calling my name. Here I thought I was being stealth and he found me so quickly. Well, he had another chat with the ranger boss who changed his mind. There was another guy camping and John made arrangements for me to camp at his site. I think if I was a guest of a camper allowances could be made to let me stay. Pphheww! Camper Bob was waiting for me back at the entrance and escorted me to his site which was right next to the camp host. John has lived in this campground for a long time and his site had a ton of stuff. It was a tight fit for me to set up my tent. Without all the stuff, there was lots of room. Bob was very nice and acted like I was his guest. He made me dinner and we chatted the night away. Bob is from Michigan and is car camping his way around Florida. He also has a bicycle. I was very grateful that Bob generously shared his site. But, wow, what a strange place!
In the morning, after Bob made us a very nice breakfast with coffee, I said goodbye to the camp host who also invited me to breakfast. He was bbqing 2 full packages of bacon on a large grill. Oh my, that was a lot of bacon! He also reminded me to pay on my way out. I took the dirt road farther on past the campground to a back road. John gave me the code. He never uses that gate and hoped the code was correct. It was. I left money in an envelope and then started out through a neighborhood. It was only a few blocks back to the Tamiami Trail, Hwy 41. The roads through the neighborhood were very quiet. Boy was I surprised when a couple of really old geezers passed me in a pick up. The passenger yelled at me to get off the road. What was really weird is I was riding in a bike lane. What a grumpy old man!
Not fun rumble strips!
Today's ride wasn't very interesting. I was on Hwy 41 which had a good shoulder except for a couple of miles that had terrible washboard rumble strips. What a relief when the road became smooth again. I was on my way to a friend's house in Sanibel but it was too far for one day. I saw an RV Park about halfway and my app showed they accept tents. RV Parks can be very sensitive about tents and I'm always unsure when I arrive. This RV Park is amazing and there was nothing to be unsure about. As soon as I rode in I could tell the place had a fun vibe. First of all, everyone rides trikes. Sun delta trikes. A couple of trikers introduced themselves and then escorted me to the office. This is a 55+ community that has a small section for traveling campers. At first, they showed me to a very nice grassy area but then, spontaneously, they decided to upgrade me to a mobile home. At the same price. A storm was forecast over night and I was very grateful. The mobile home had everything. A comfortable double bed, full bathroom, kitchen and wifi. Just as I was getting set up a group of trikers showed up to introduce themselves. They all gave me a hug and then invited me to participate in a lighted trike parade later. How cool is that? I had met my tribe.
Sunseeker RV Park upgrade
Lighted trike parade
After getting cleaned up and making dinner, the trikers all showed up ringing their bells. It was time for the lighted trike parade. Oh my gosh, this was so fun. We stopped by other mobile homes to pick up more trikers. Everyone rang their bells to announce our arrival. By the time we got going the parade was 20 trikes deep. We rode all over the park and ended the ride at a hoedown. I couldn't believe how good the music was. This RV Park was truly an amazing find. These seniors were probably going to be dancing until the wee hours but I needed to go to bed and said good night to my new friends.
Myrtle is all wet after a night in the rain
I woke up to rain and delayed my start. Wow was I happy to be inside and not camping. Once the rain stopped, a couple of campers escorted me to the entrance and out to the road. So sweet! Today I would be riding through Fort Myers to stay with another recumbent riding friend in Sanibel. Chere and I have been in touch since the beginning of my tour and I was really looking forward to this stay. There are 2 bridges next to each other across the Caloosahatchee River. I missed a turn and started to go over the wrong bridge. There is no room on this bridge and bikes are not allowed. I stopped to check the map and saw my mistake. I couldn't turn around and had to flintstone the trike backwards with my feet to where there is more room. I went a couple of blocks over to get on the right bridge.
Found the right bridge
No charge for bikes
Lots of room on the Causeway
View from the Causeway
I never saw one. Too bad!
Chere's video as I roll up.
Chere and Don
Once across the bridge, I was in Ft. Myers. There was a nice path along the river and then I had to ride on the sidewalk through a very beautiful neighborhood. I went passed the tourist estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. There were some very impressive homes on this route. I took Sumerlin to Gladiolus to McGregor. Here I almost got into a collision with a car that crossed over many lanes of traffic pulling right in front of me as if I wasn't there. I was yelling and the woman looked right at me as if to say 'what is your problem?' Oh my! McGregor turns into the Sanibel Causeway and I took the long bridge onto Sanibel Island. This is a tollway with no charge for bikes. The bridge has a very wide shoulder and lots of cyclists were out enjoying the day. The bridge goes quite high and offers a great view. It also has the most climbing I've done in awhile. I made my way to downtown Sanibel where I see Chere waiting on her Bacchetta Giro. She is taking video of my arrival. It is so fun to finally meet Chere. She has made arrangements to meet with the Chamber of Commerce. We stop in and get introduced to lots of people. Pictures are taken and then Chere and I continue down a terrific bike path as we start our way to Chere's house. Sanibel is a long island and I'm surprised how long the ride is. We finally make it and her husband Don is outside waiting. He made space for Myrtle and warmly welcomed me. They have a very beautiful home on a lagoon. It is so peaceful and the view is really lovely.
Chere escorting me to her lovely home
The next day I slept in, did laundry and got caught up on internet stuff. Before I arrived, I asked Chere if we could do a girl's spa day. It was time for a massage and she knew the perfect place. Sanibel is a very upscale island and I was happy to indulge. Then we headed back to the house and made a delicious dinner. Chere and Don's house is very comfortable and I had a relaxing time. I left there feeling refreshed and like I had made some good friends.
My time in Florida has been so friendly and surprisingly social. I felt like I was getting passed from one recumbent friend to another. It's been great fun!
The day was long! I wasn't able to get to the Warm Shower's hosts home and, instead, made my destination a Casino just beyond Alligator Alley. On my way, I actually saw some 'real' gators. They were swimming in a mangrove. Wow was that exciting. There were lots of companies along the road that take people out in airboats through the Everglades. These boats are very loud. Often I could hear them far away but couldn't see them through the vegetation. Once out of the Everglades, I was back in civilization. The casino was only 2 blocks from the Tamiami Trail but getting there wasn't easy. The 2 lane road had widened to 4 lanes. I needed to make a left onto Hwy 997 and there was a ton of construction. I had to ride over 2 lanes to get to the left turn lane. Traffic was also really backed up so I made eye contact and then rode between the cars waving thanks to everyone. After turning left, the shoulder was a construction zone and I had to ride in the road. No one was happy about this. There was lots of traffic and then I had to turn left again into the Casino parking lot. This was very stressful but I made it. 
