Florida Day 27

March 25

Biked and hiked 8.6 miles

So glad we stayed for another day! It's been beautiful. I wrote the last postings at our picnic table this morning, enjoying the sun and birds and total quiet.

Terry and Paul left. It was nice being with them for a few days.

We decided to ride today and headed out to the Meriwether Lewis memorial. He did so many things: was well-educated, became Jefferson's personal secretary, led the Lewis and Clark adventures and was Governor of the Upper Louisiana Territory. All by the age of 35. Then, he killed himself. Sad. The Park Ranger at the site was so interesting and helpful.

We rode on the actual Old Trace:

and took a hike along the Little Swan Creek:

We noticed a strange phenomenon of a cluster of butterflies, of different types, swarming something, we're not sure what. It appeared to be just dirt, and they stopped and stayed and seemed peaceful. Would love to know what this was:

The wildflowers are lovely, and the little waterfalls beautiful. There is not a soul around. We can't understand why not, since this is very near the booming Nashville, and it's free, and it's Sunday. Great for us.

There was a VERY long uphill ride to end the morning.

After lunch and a snooze, we headed out to the final spot for visiting. The .8 mile coast down foreshadowed the crazy climb we'd need to make back! There was a path to the creek (and a warning of a Big Ole Cottonmouth from some locals...but we didn't see it). After the long walk/ride uphill back, we relaxed and have enjoyed the rest of the beautiful day here in Tennessee.

Here's a view of our beautiful and quiet and free campsite: