I enjoyed a good night’s sleep except for a 2:30 am battle with a tiny spider (I think I won!).

After checking my weather apps, I knew that it would be a challenging day bicycling into the wind. My goal was to bike 100 miles to a campsite in Key Largo but I knew that this was overly aggressive given expected winds.

After loading everything on the bike, I headed out.

First stop was a hardware store to pick up fuel for my mini-stove for camping.

Second stop was the Mile Marker Zero sign:

Third stop was the buoy marking the Southernmost Point in the Continental United States where a kind tourist snapped this photo:

And then I was off to the Overseas Highway.  I enjoyed a smooth ride north until the wind picked up towards noon as forecasted.

Biking along the O’Seas Highway requires keen focus–it’s not a straight shot.  Cyclists must cross the busy highway a few times to connect to pedestrian bridges or bike trails.  This was a bit unnerving even for this experienced cyclist because of heavy traffic, the lack of crosswalks, and the two pedestrian bridges unexpectedly closed for construction.

Some of the bike trails along the route are lined with trees and vegetation that served as a much appreciated wind break.

Here’s a picture of one of the pedestrian bridges, which are very nice, and often populated with individuals fishing (with pelicans perched on the rails as bystanders):

Bicycling the Seven Mile Bridge was a hoot!  Beforehand, I stopped at Veterans Memorial Park for a rest break. As I approached the bridge, I put my head down and keep peddling into the wind.  I suspended any thoughts about “when is this going to end?” Here’s a view from the bridge toward Marathon in the distance:

Before long, I entered Marathon.  By this time, it was mid afternoon and I was tired after biking into the wind. I still had 50 miles to go to my destination.

I decided to stop at Coast Guard Station Marathon to take a break.  After appropriate security challenges, I was granted access and met by the Officer of the Day, Machinery Technician Second Class Karol Fonseca.

We talked about our families and career experiences. I was uplifted by Karol’s leadership, character, professionalism, and dedication. My interaction with him reinforced the main reason why I am fundraising for Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.

Here’s a selfie that Karol took with me:

When I told Karol about my intended destination for the day, he said, “Admiral, I advise you to stay off the roads as dusk approaches.” He talked about recent drunk driving incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. And I had noticed more than a few roadside memorials as I headed north. He informed me about a resort next door to the station that caters to Coasties.

While I didn’t need a lot of convincing, I heeded Karol’s wise advice and headed off to the resort.  Unfortunately, it was booked up for the night.  So I got on the phone and, after a few online “not available” notices, I found an available resort 15 miles north. I stopped for a fast food dinner. Then I headed off to Duck Key, arriving there with plenty of daylight to spare.

The resort was very nice, and very pricey.  But it was worth it to me to stay safe and get a good night’s rest.  I’m sure I looked out of place walking through the hotel in my cycling attire while carrying my panniers. 

I got cleaned up, revised my itinerary, and turned in for a good night’s sleep.  Tally for the day: 65 miles.

Here’s a photo I took of the view from my room the next morning.  These resorts are really nice but I had miles to go and no time to enjoy the amenities.