We’ve reached that funny stretch of the trip where every day is “the last ___day” of the ride. The last Tuesday. The last Wednesday. Eventually we’ll hit Monday, which is the actual last day, and I’m not sure whether I’ll celebrate, cry, or just fall asleep still wearing my helmet. Probably all three.
It’s a strange mix of feelings. On one hand, we’re closing in on the finish of a goal we’ve been chasing for weeks: seeing the country at 15 mph. The perfect speed to get somewhere… but also slow enough to notice things like turtles giving you side‑eye or dolphins doing acrobatics for no apparent reason. On the other hand, it’s almost over, and that’s a little sad. You can’t ride across the country on the southern tier twice for the first time.
Today’s route was mostly highway from Fort Walton Beach to Chipley. If we were just out here to “ride,” we could’ve stayed home and done loops around the neighborhood like normal people. But that’s not why we’re here. We’re here to see the weird, wonderful, unexpected things that pop up when you commit to crossing an entire continent powered by snacks and stubbornness.
And today delivered.
Dolphins — The Show‑Offs
Early in the morning, crossing a bridge, we spotted a small group of dolphins in an inlet. Not the usual “blink and you miss it” fin sighting. These guys were jumping. Full‑on, out‑of‑the‑water, “look at me, I’m majestic” leaps. It lasted maybe 40 seconds, which is exactly the amount of time needed for us to be amazed and also fail completely at getting a photo. You’ll just have to trust us. Or trust the dolphins. They seemed honest.
Turtles — Finally, a Photo
I’ve been trying to get a turtle picture for over a week, but my squeaky brakes keep announcing my arrival like a circus parade. Every turtle within a quarter mile hears me and dives for cover.
John promised he’d get me a turtle photo, and today he came through. He spotted them, stopped, and—miracle of miracles—they didn’t immediately fling themselves into the water. He got the shot. They were adorable. I’m counting it as a team victory.
Alligator — The Florida Edition
We saw an alligator back in Louisiana, but hadn’t checked Florida off the list yet. Today, crossing the very literally named Alligator Creek, we saw one cruising through the open water like it owned the place. Which, to be fair, it probably does.
Everything Else
Boats. Parks. More gulf inlets. A whole buffet of scenery that reminded us why we’re doing this in the first place. At one point we looked around, took it all in, and said—because it’s now tradition— “We are riding our bikes across the country!!” Then we fist‑bumped like two kids who just discovered sugar.
We are so lucky to be doing this. And we know it.
