Chipley, FL to Crestview, FL
Passengers yelling encouragement (not): 2
Miles: 74
Total so far: 535
We knocked out a chunk of mileage today bearing up against some gusty winds that threatened all afternoon to turn into headwinds. Unfortunately, all our miles today were on State Route 90, a two lane which has a nice enough shoulder, but lacks in the way of country charm and the quiet roads we’ve grown accustomed to. One gets spoiled pretty easily when the pedaling is accompanied mostly by the songs of birds and frogs.
Today we met Jenny from San Diego. Jenny is completing her west-to-east Southern Tier Trans-Am in a few days. She is going to be going out to Wyoming later to join family who have a ranch in Centennial. It just goes to show what a small world it is, Centennial has a population of about 25 people listed on their sign, yet I know the place well.
Jenny is blogging on http://www.upsidedownandbackwards.com.
Jenny - about to complete the Southern Tier
In last night’s post I failed to include mention of a little bit of recreation Sallie and I got after arriving at Falling Waters State Park and setting up our camp. We went for a swim in this spring fed lake and had the place all to ourselves. There was a nice thermocline only about 3 feetbelow the warm surface water where the colder gradient was significantly colder. If you dive through it, it’s not unlike a Swedish sauna interrupted by a splash in a cold stream.
Yes, there are alligators in the area, but they left us alone.
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Tomorrow’s ride is dedicated to Kellie Wheatley
This is a tough one for me. Many years ago when I was still in the Wyoming State Patrol, I was invited to give s keynote address at a function for the Jackson, Illinois MADD group. The invitation came from George and Marylin Murphy who not only opened their home to me, but their hearts as well. They sent me this dedication this week:
An Illinois Tragedy
Twenty four year old Kellie Wheatley, along with her husband and 14 month old son we riding bikes on a beautiful July 4 day in 1984. Unfortunately, a drunk driver was also on the same city street in South Jacksonville, Illinois. At 5:28pm, the driver struck and killed Kellie. Only a miracle spared her husband and child. We mourn her loss and our hearts remain shattered from the most preventable crime in America.
George, Marilyn, and Patrick Murphy — Dad, Mom and Brother
Orville and Christopher Wheatley — Husband and Son
In Memory of Warmer Summers 
George and Marilyn Murphy – warm, caring, wonderful – 2 of my favorite MADD people. I came to MADD IL shortly after they’d lost Kellie and we’d lost Becky and Tim – 1984. I found 2 sets of shoulders to lean on – as have countless other victims these many long years. Special place in my heart for them – and Kellie; for you and Carlie.
Keep safe.
Hi there, siblings ~
I’m paying you very close attention, and relishing all the daily additions. Stay safe, as you seem to be so far, especially given your alligator-repulsion tactics.
The dedications are so powerfully poignant – I wish comfort to all who are following you with their mending hearts on this journey.
Love, Susie
Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
After all these years we are sure your loving memories are still with her.
Kellie will “ALWAYS” have a special place in your hearts.
George and Marilyn, you are two very special people and we are sure everyone loves you so much.
Stay safe and stay active in MADD.
Love to you both,
Dee and Jerry