Left the Pirate Haus early (0635) hoping to avoid some of
the heat. Neither arriving at nor departing The Haus was easy because of the
steed stairs leading up to the accommodations. For the price, the Haus is
ideal. For a loaded touring bike it is less than ideal. The ambiance was
appealing and fortunately the two kids who were there with mom were
delightfully mannered.
Anticipated getting breakfast somewhere along A1A, but
discovered that there is nothing but miles of vacation and luxury housing. The
Adventure Cycling route does show off Ponte Vedra in its best light if you want
to see million dollar homes, Porsches and families with multiple Mercedes. They
are courteous to bikers, too.
Made good time, but it still got damn hot. Drank all my
water before reaching a McDonald’s in Jacksonville Beach. Refilled bottles with
store brand water at a Kangaroo and drank a bottle of Gatorade. Guess I believe
the commercials.
The route (A1A) crosses the St. Johns River at Mayport. It
was a brief and pleasant trip made more interesting my two Italian families who
visit Florida annually and tour widely. I seemed to be as fascinating to them.
Arrived at Ft. Clinch State Park ad was able to get a camp
site among the RVs for less than $17 because I am an aged resident. I cannot
say anything about people who spend money on mega-RVs so they can sit next to
them and shoo mosquitoes considering my obsession with cycling. Less money.
Just as weird.
Made my first meal using the MSR burner. The Navy Bean soup
tasted wonderful despite being slightly undercooked and burning of some of to
the bottom of the titanium pot. Shower room was spiffy clean.. Kids were
moderately bothersome but quiet long before I went to sleep. The real downside
was being in and RV area. The area was not the best for a tent and I would have
done better in the tent area. Heavy rain after the tent was up made the ground
very ugly and the black sand stuck to everything. I did manage to wash cycling
shorts. Slept fitfully and awoke very stiff.
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