DAY 11- 46.4 miles- St. Augustine, FL to Palatka, FL – 3 hrs 55 mins in the saddle – Mostly Cloudy
DAY 12- 60.1 miles- Palatka, FL – Gainsville, FL – 5 hrs 34 mins in the saddle – Muggy, Sunny & Windy
Christmas is in the air! We have enjoyed seeing decorated trees proudly framed by pulled curtains in the front windows and the interesting lawn art that adorns the yards of the houses we pass by. We are unsure of where our heads will rest Christmas Eve night, but are counting down the days til our next rest day: Christmas.
Today’s ride from Palakta to Gainsville was a long one. Busy roads with logging trucks, hilly terrain and annoying headwinds (so strong I had to pedal going downhill) made for a pretty unpleasant afternoon. Fortunately, our luck turned around towards the end of our ride when we hopped on a 16 mile bicycle green-way through the woods. This little slice of bicycling heaven served as a peaceful epilogue to a long day.
Some of the hotels we’ve stayed at are not pet friendly so when Ollie needs to go outside I wrap him up like a baby and carry him down the hallway. He does a good job playing the part. I am very grateful that Andy is pulling our furry child on our journey. The trip would not be the same without him.
We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas!
Peace and Love,
Heather, Andy & Ollie
P.S. Thank you Sarah for the Outback Steak House giftcard! We stuffed our faces with steak and potatoes for dinner making the day SO worth it 🙂
Heather and Andy Brown 
Looks like you are having a great trip. Enjoying your pictures. Merry Christmas to you both, and travel safe.xx
By: shirley krenzer on December 23, 2011
at 1:24 pm
I love this blog! It’s so exciting to track your trip and also so inspiring. Happy Holidays and hope to see you guys soon.
By: Divya Mittal on December 23, 2011
at 2:32 pm
Andy and Heather,
We are in Sanibel which has easy bike paths but the park we live in ,no dogs but we would love to have you visit if we could arrange it somehow.I’ll call Helen.
By: Judith davis on December 23, 2011
at 7:53 pm
Andrew & Heather:
You’re all set for the Red Rooster 12/24 and 12/25! Merry Christmas!
Love
Mombo
By: karen brown on December 23, 2011
at 10:27 pm
Hey guys hope this morning is a great ride. Im glad to have stopped and I was able to catch a few cool shots of you guys. You should have them when you check your email. Anyways happy holidays and when you get to N.O please let me know.
Be safe
Ken
By: Ken perry on December 24, 2011
at 12:57 pm
Andy, Heather and Ollie – Love your pictures. Safe Travels to you and Merry Christmas !!
Love Aunt Jill and Uncle Gary
By: Jill Nelson on December 25, 2011
at 4:37 pm