Today was not that spectacular. We didn’t go to any tourist attraction or pay any admission fees or have a once-in-a-lifetime experience or see the rare spork billed crane or anything else. But I will write a short account of this low key day for posterity.
While I spent the first of two mornings at the auto repair shop having the HVAC system repaired the kids got some school work done. After I returned and we had some lunch we decided to ride the bike path that runs along the Cross Florida Canal which is right next to the campground where we are staying. We had to cross the highway then ride on the shoulder for a short bit to get to the trail but we all 5 made it without any issues. The trail was super nice. It was wide and paved as it wound through the trees and skirted next to the canal. We passed several other cyclists out for a joy ride…no carbon fiber frames or aggressive geometeries, everyone out here was just out for fun.
I thought we would just ride a mile or two but we ended up riding till it don’t go no more. There was a covered pavilion with a picnic table where we had a little snack. We watched fish jumping out of the water and found a cute little lizardy thing that we watched change colors…does that make him a chameleon? It was amazing to see him change from green to brown.
After awhile enjoying the view we headed back. I took a turn riding next to each of the kids to chat with them. And on that ride back I realized this IS a spectacular day. I am hanging out with my family in a beautiful outdoor location with blue sky and sunshine…and I’m on a bike!!!! It was just perfect.
Cruising
Nice view
End of the path
Looking for gators
Working hard
Riding along
We rode a total of 12 miles round trip and the kids did great! Brielle and Caden both need bigger bikes, so kudos to them for toughing it out.