When we decide to move, we really move! Leaving Florida and heading west, we've gone through 3 states in the last 2 days, all in an attempt to find some warmer weather. We are traveling a southern route on I-10 around the Gulf of Mexico. If you look at a map you can see that we have only gone through a small portion of Alabama, Mississippi and Lousiana so it's not as many miles as it sounds.
Before leaving Florida yesterday we did one last Florida bike ride on the Blackwater Heritage State Trail. North of Pensacola, this is Florida's westernmost rail-trail. A paved 8-mile section passes through rural areas over several streams and then joins the 1.5-mile Military Heritage Trail that is on Whiting Field US Naval Air Station.
Clear Creek crossing on bike trail.
There wasn't much sun on yesterday's ride but it was warm enough that we didn't need jackets. Rain and cooler temperatures were in the forecast but we didn't realize until today how much cooler it would be. Back to wearing long pants and jackets. Since it wouldn't be camping weather for the weekend we decided to keep driving west, spending last night in Mobile, Alabama.
Before leaving Mobile today we made a visit to Bellingrath Gardens, a 65-acre botanical garden and mansion located on the Fowl River in Theodore, a suburb of Mobile. Even in the gray, rainy weather it was a beautiful place to walk through. Because the weather has been mild, the azaleas have bloomed a month early.
River side boat launch area at Bellingrath
Bayou Boardwalk at Bellingrath
Mirror Lake at Bellingrath
Tonight we are in Slidell, Lousiana, not too far from New Orleans. We haven't yet decided how long to stay in the area, but are hoping that the rain is finished and in a day or two temperatures may warm up enough again to do some camping.
Thought I'd catch up on the blogs before church. I just can't keep up with you two! Last time I read, you were just leaving the Emerald Coast and now you're in Lousianna.
ReplyDeleteNice that you saw an old friend in your travels while you were taking in all that Florida had to offer. ..so impressive.
Sure hope you've been able to avoid the terrible weather that's hounding the area.
Glad to know that you turned that poor tortoise over!
Lee,
ReplyDeleteMy brother and sister-in-law lived in Slidell for sevaral years and moved out in 2006. Enjoy your time there. it is a nice town that reminded me of Manassas. Craig.......