I'm not sure if you picked up on it, I was trying to be subtle, but Gary did not enjoy Cumberland Island! In his defense, riding bikes in sand is hard. We do not have ebikes. His is a cheap "mountain bike" from Academy and mine is a cruiser.

So I didn't mention the word ‘bike’ for a little while. Last week we did Savannah and he enjoyed it. This week on Thursday I suggested a short jaunt on the bikes in Woodbine on the rails to trails. It was 6 miles round trip and absolutely doable. Yes! A success. So Friday I spent some time mapping out our next adventure. Pam and Jody (I introduced them to you in the “First Friends” article🥰) had gone to Timucuan Trail and enjoyed it. You can access the trail at the trailhead or at Amelia Island State Park.

We move slower now in retired life and Saturday morning was no different. And he woke with aches and pains so I figured we were a no go for today. That's fine. We had the windows open recently and the pollen decided to come inside so I spent some time dusting the interior. At some point he enters and says, "We are all loaded up. I'm ready when you are. "

Oh! Okay! So, I sliced some bread, made some sandwiches, packed some water bottles. He added the beach chairs to the car and off we went.

We paid the $2.00 per person to enter the Amelia Island State Park. We found a parking space, unloaded the bikes and began our journey. This time I remembered to start the MapMyWalk!! We headed north. My goal was Peter Point, lunch at a picnic table and then the beach before heading back to end the day at the beach.

I had a map of Amelia Island bike trails. We started out on a wide path running parallel to A1A. At some point I wanted to cut over to the beach and take us to a more scenic route. It was a little ziging and zagging. Eventually we came to public beach access, we had just hit 6 miles and stopping seemed like a good idea. So we dismounted, strapped the bikes to a job johnny and walked out to the beach. Lunch was lovely. We had a cookie and just relaxed.

Gary mentions DeNucci’s which is our favorite ice cream place in the Island. So, I googled it. I didn't have my reading glasses and it was bright....I said...how many miles?? It was 4.2. I put Google maps on bike. Let it be said this was Gary's idea! And I reminded him of that often. That put us at 10 miles out which means 10 miles to get back!!!!

We headed back to A1A and at some point there was no paved parallel path, we were in a bike lane. I kept checking on him and counting down the miles.

We ducked off A1A to some side streets. In 2021 we had rented an Airbnb on the Island for a week so we knew the back way to the ice cream spot.

I had a milkshake, he had a large swirl cone!!

Then the 10 miles back!!!

Earlier in the day, along A1A, he was annoyed because I was out front. He didn't know what my hurry was. So, on the way back, I let him lead. This way HE set the pace.

Wow. Can I just tell you, make your lives easier. Listen to your spouse. Know what makes them tick.

Here is what I learned:

1. The beach is a great destination.

2. Cookies for snack help.

3. Ice cream is a great motivator.

4. Let him make any changes to the plans.

5. Let him lead.

Now, were we both ready to be done by the time we got to Amelia island State park, oh yes. I've never been on a bike for 20 miles in one day.

But it was a great day

A phenomenal day. The sense of accomplishment was huge! We did that!!! Did I tell you they aren't ebikes 🤣🤣🤣🤣

On a final note, it was hot so I suggested the short walk to the beach to cool off. I do not recommend Amelia Island State Park as a beach destination. First of all, it's not the Atlantic, it's the Nassau River. But it was also a huge party zone....tons of trucks (they can drive on the beach here) and lots of loud music and partying. I am way too old for that.

Still can't steal my joy. It was still a stellar day

💕

I love you deeply. Let me know how I can be praying for you.

A Stellar Day

Journey with Jesus

A Stellar Day

Confession is Good for the Soul

Journey with Jesus