May 5: Dauphin Island, AL - 69 Miles... Roll Tide!

Another one (state) bites the dust! We entered Alabama on a roll this morning after leaving the White Sands Campground in Vancleave, MS. Although there was more traffic and smaller shoulders, the terrain was rolling or flat and the weather was perfect... again! A slight head wind required a bit more effort from us all but we were still able to cruise around 14 mph during the morn g and 11 mph during the afternoon.

A group of us stopped in Dees, AL (roll tide) at a local pecan farm. We enjoyed not only our lunch but some special pecan candies and cinnamon covered pecans. I was in search of sno-cones but was unable to connect with Mick to share that delightful treat.

Once we left Dees and entered Grand Bay, the tall pines gave way to short pines and brush, then to the swaying palms as we approached Mobile Bay. We bad not seen large, natural bodies of water since we left San Diego. The aroma of the salty breeze and coolness in the air reminded us that the shoreline and the end of our journey will be approaching soon. Just 11 more days until our dream ride will be over; it will be etched in our hearts and minds forever.

Our last ten miles to the campground on Dauphin Island passed quickly as we climbed the arched bridge (biggest climb since West Texas) and descended onto the island. Several riders scurried to their traditional daily ice cream while others pitched their tents or visited the local fort.

We ended our evening at Barnacle Bills, the locally recommended seafood restaurant. Everyone had a great meal and soon fell fast asleep; some before returning to camp.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry