After our usual morning prayer, we got on the road a little after 6:00 am. Gary led us out, on a different way. Got to US 90 once again and continued our trek East.

When I was riding, I spotted a 2 x 10 with a nice Florida license plate attached, but I did not have a screwdriver to pry it off. I try to find license plates from different states, and I give them to our older son Kevin to display in his workshop.

Very green, with lots of pine trees. Somewhat rolling hills. A little more hilly than we had anticipated. Passed through DeFuniak Springs. DeFuniak Springs was established as a final-destination resort, and the developers enlisted the cooperation and aid of the Chautauqua Movement. The Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, an auditorium seating 4,000, was constructed on Lake DeFuniak in the center of town. Seminars, classes, and the like were held in the Hall of Brotherhood building for people on vacation. I also think that DeFuniak is a stop on the Adventure Cycling Southern Tour routing across America. Only about 62 ft. elevation.

Crossed across the Choctawatchee River. Love those Native American names! Stopped in a C-store which sold weapons as well as local veggies (5 cucumbers or yellow squash for $1). A random woman parked at the C-store saw our magnetic signs and donated $4!!! Had real hard time starting the van. Finally it did start. Something is wrong with how the chip keys work in the ignition slot. Passed through Chipley. Kept passing throught one county after another. I think we passed through part of about 7 counties. What a contrast to Arizona, which has 13 counties in such a big state. Passed though Cottondale ("the Crossroads of the Panhandle").

The weather began to change as we approached Marianna. Rain was threatening. Oh oh. Sherri and Mary Ann still riding. Hoping they don't get dumped on like they did earlier in the ride (Day 3, I think).

Marianna is located in Jackson County. Marianna's official nickname is "The City of Southern Charm." Marianna was founded in 1828 and named the county seat the following year. There was a minor Civil War battle in Marianna. Florida Governor John Milton was a staunch Confederate and stated that he would rather die than see the Confederates reunite with the Unionist states. In Spring of 1865, as Federal Troops were preparing to take control of Tallahassee, Governor Milton received word that the Civil War had ended and that Florida would, once again, be part of the United States. After receiving this news, Milton died of a gunshot wound. Historians relate that Milton committed suicide because he could not stand the thought of slavery ending and Florida rejoining the Union.

Chipola College, home of the Chipola Indians, is located in Marianna. It is a 4-year state institution.

Found the church, First Baptist, pretty easily. Huge buildings on a large complex. We are staying in a carpeted youth room, with it own kitchen, showers, etc. Tried all evening to send a Daily Message, but the tablet I use wouldn't connect properly, so I will have to wait until tomorrow to send the message, probably from McDonalds which has free wi-fi.

Some went out to dinner with Gary (on Father's Day) Some of us had dinner salads from Wendy's.We all turned in pretty early.

I rode 19.24 miles in 2:25:03. The total route today was 90 miles. Sherri rode the whole way herself!!! So far our cumulative total mileage is 720.9 miles.Found 24 cents in road change, bringing the total to $3.64.

This was our last day on Central Daylight Time. Tomorrow we cross over to Eastern Daylight time.

With love from the road
Marie