Up and on the road at daybreak.. We're getting closer and closer to the Eastern Daylight time zone,. We are following US Hwy 90 all day today. When we hit Florida, it will be our fourth state in four days.

Crossed into Florida after about 13 miles on US 90 in Alabama. The Western most county in the Florida Panhandle is Escambia County. Note the Spanish flare. Very green. Most of Hwy 90 had a dedicated smooth bike lane along the driving lane, but there really isn't much traffic. Long distance motorists would tend to use the I-10, which runs parallel.

We skirted North of Pensacola, and continued East towards Crestview. Passed through Milton where 13 years ago, I had to have my rear wheel rebuilt at a bike shop called "Truly Spoken'." That was during the Bike for the Cure 2000 when I rode with Scott Springer. Found out that ownership of the shop was transferred earlier this year.

After Milton, there was a stretch of the 1921 old brick road bed that parallels US Hwy 90. It reminded me of a portion of the original Route 66 in Illinois. We arrived in Crestview, which is in Okaloosa County. It's name was chosen because of its location on a peak of a long woodland range between the Yellow and Shoal Rivers which flow almost parallel on the east and west side of the city. Crestview is one of the highest points in the state, at 235 feet above sea level. It receives the second-most amount of rain of any city in the state of Florida. It was once known as "the icebox of Florida," since it has the coldest winters in the state. Its more modern nickname is "the Hub City" of Northwest Florida. Having experiened a population growth, about 6 years ago, it became the largest city in Okaloosa County. It is anticipated that Crestview will continue to experience further growth because of the presence of Eglin Air Force Base six miles South of the city.

We are staying in a house which is used by the local Catholic Church. I loved the 50's vintage bathroom tile (lavender and cream).

A few of the riders went to Mass, then 6 of us went out to dinner at The Olive Tree restaurant. We did our laundry at The Round House laundromat during dinner. Worked out well.

Another day under our belts. First full day of riding in Florida. I rode 25 miles in 3 hours. Found 63 cents in "road change."

Sorry this Daily Message is a bit short, but I am trying to get caught up when I can.

With love from the road,
Marie