I relied on Google Maps to get me out of Cocoa this morning, but I didn’t need to. They took me almost the same route as my ACA map. Sometimes it’s nice, though, to see Google counting down the miles, and saying, “Hey dummy, you missed your turn!”
I went to Waffle House at 5:00 this morning, for the last time I think. The novelty’s worn off, and I eat too much when I go there. They were very nice and gave me a Waffle House hat to take with me (a paper one). I told them that if I was a millionaire, I’d have a replica of a Waffle House kitchen in my basement, and they laughed. I let my breakfast settle, and was on the road by 7:00. I really liked my route today because I wasn’t on Route 1 the whole time. Because it was early on Sunday morning, traffic was very light. There was a huge bike lane, but I really had to keep an eye on it, since it was full of debris. Lots of broken glass and nails and screws. Stuff I don’t want in my tires!
I love this part of Florida, and everyone I talk to loves it too. I passed lots of other bikers this morning, and people out walking their dogs. As I approached one man from behind, I called out “On your right!” and he said, “Thank you so much for doing that! Nobody ever does.” The birds down here are so unusual and interesting. I passed three tall birds (about my height) who were hanging out in a residential neighborhood, and they all started making this crazy noise that was almost like a dog barking. I looked them up on my phone, and they were Sandhill Cranes. There’s an interesting video on YouTube of one knocking on someone’s door with its beak. They don’t seem to be afraid of people (or dogs).
When I got to Melbourne, I stopped at a bagel shop for an iced coffee, and really wished I hadn’t gone to Waffle House. The bagels looked amazing, and a good bagel is hard to find down here! I hung out for a while, hoping to chat with someone. Some people looked at my bike with interest, but no one talked to me. I made a phone call, and then continued to Melbourne Beach. I had another 20 miles to go. I stopped at a place called The New England Eatery for lunch and had a salad. I met a bunch of nice people. One couple was from Connecticut, and they had some fascinating stories. They live down here now, and couldn’t be happier. They said everything they need is close by, and they love being by the ocean. I can relate.
I went to my motel, but the room wasn’t ready yet, so I went back to chat with my new friends some more. After that, I was able to check in, and since the motel was right on the beach, I decided to go in the water. It was a beautiful day. As I’ve mentioned, the ocean really scares me. I’ve been getting a lot of riptide warnings on my phone, and a few people have died down here this year. I was very careful, and didn’t go out too far. I like to swim, but I’m definitely not a strong swimmer. One man went way out with a paddle board. I wished I could do that, but don’t think I would have the nerve to try. I’ve been looking for dolphins, but haven’t seen any yet. I’m happy just to sit there and stare at the waves crashing on the beach. It’s so peaceful. Heavenly.
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