Day 258
Bob
We had a great start to our day, our friendly neighbours Tim and his wife boiled us water again for a morning cuppa, provided milk for our muesli and, as they were flying home that morning, loaded us up with food for the next few days. They were very happy for it not to be wasted and we were more than happy to help out!
We returned to the Withlacoochee State Trail, which would take us the majority of the way to our Warmshowers host for the evening, Bob. The Trail was just as wonderful as yesterday, with perhaps even more cyclists about today. The majority were riding three-wheeled recumbents, a very relaxed way to travel, and maybe kinder to their sit-bones. We were definitely envious! We chatted with so many people, such as Ken Bailey and his mate. Also Tim, who was a great guy, and was slowly building a bike suitable to tour on, if you read this Tim, we so hope you get to do your tour and would love to meet up with you on the road.
We passed through the very pretty town of Inverness, somewhat warmer than its namesake in Scotland. For the first time I really got a feel for how good it must be to retire here. Warm all year round, a 90-mile round trip on a flat trail to keep fit on, stunning views and many fellow cyclists to ride with. I chatted briefly to one guy, a war baby, originally from Wales, he moved as a baby to the US. He and his wife retired to Florida about 12 years ago, but after 10 happy years in Florida she sadly died, yet the love and strength he gets from his fellow cyclists keeps him going. A sad but also inspiring chat.
All too soon we reached the end of the trail, but Florida had another treat in store, the newly created ‘Dunnellon link’. This would save us a good few miles of busy roads, whilst also taking us through the swamp. Bonus, we were back amongst the Big Cypress trees too! We stopped for a rest by a bridge and chatted with a local guy, he recommended a couple of local watering holes. One to swim in, and Swampy’s, to have a drink in! We were tempted, and we know we must slow down, but tired, hot and rather grubby we decided to push on the our WS host for the evening, Bob. I had chatted to him on the phone and I was sure we would get on.
We were welcomed with the words, ‘Mi casa es tu casa’. We felt so at home. Bob and Tom were soon chatted away like old friends. After a fantastic home cooked meal, Bob offered to take us out for ice cream to a local parlour. What can I say, I never turn down an ice cream. Then it got surreal. On this tour, Tom eats his meals with his long-handled spoon. He loves it. He rarely uses a knife or fork anymore, Tom and the spoon are as one. Bob explained that we would get given a plastic spoon, so he would be taking along his own spoon, a twin of Tom’s. Sufficed to say both of them were ecstatic to meet a fellow long-spoon devotee, long live the brotherhood of the long-handed spoon!
The whole experience was fantastic, full of local friends and families indulging in a rather generous helping. We took ages to choose, I needed advice from the staff, boy was it wonderful. So if you’re ever this way, get yourself along to Scoops.
We returned back to Bob’s and sat up late, chatting away about cycle touring, life, the world and spoons. We felt so blessed to have this opportunity to spend time with you Bob, your kindness to us will never be forgotten, thank you.
