May 14: Andalusia to Geneva, Alabama
Our start and finish today were in Alabama, but we took a small side trip and rode to New Harmony, Florida. Florida is now our thirteenth state that we have ridden through. I admit it was only a small bit of Florida (about 40 miles worth), but it was more than the tiny bit of Texas that we did back on April 12:
I took quite a few pictures while I rode through Florida, including one just south of New Harmony. This picture is taken at the southern-most point of the Dream Tour. After this picture was taken, we started heading north and will continue north until we reach Maine.
Here are some other pictures of Florida. The thing that struck me about this part of Florida is now it reminded me of parts of Minnesota (which is where I grew up). There are parts of Minnesota that have gently rolling hills through land that is part farmland, part forest. And that’s what this part of Florida is like.
There were some differences of course. The types of trees are different and you don’t see many warnings about snakes and alligators in Minnesota.
Oh yes, I don’t ever recall seeing a confederate flag flying anywhere in Minnesota.
It’s a lot warmer in Florida too. OK, so there are A LOT of differences between Florida and Minnesota, but the terrain reminded me of Minnesota.
As I approached Geneva, I saw this interesting store on the side of the road.
I don’t know if “Gettin” is someone’s last name or if “Gettin Place” is the local vernacular for “convenience store”.
Here’s a link to all of today’s photos:
I’m having some minor troubles with nighttime blood sugars again. Last night, I went to bed with a blood sugar of 87. I felt it was a bit low for bedtime, so I had a cookie (9 grams of carbohydrate). Then just after 11 PM, I woke up feeling the symptoms of a low blood sugar. It was low — 55 mg/dl. So, I had another cookie. I woke up this morning with a blood sugar of 168 (6 AM). Despite having a 194 at 7:30 AM (after breakfast), blood sugars were pretty good during my ride:
- 70 (9:11 AM)
- 80 (10:29 AM)
- 133 (11:43 AM, pre-lunch. Had a banana and a bagel with peanut butter. Bolused 3 units)
- 90 (12:49 PM)
- 113 (2:21 PM, after ride)
May 15th, 2006 at 6:39 am
I loved the photo requesting 25 cents for the honor box to swim in the pond/lake. Great photos, as usual. Are you running into more cyclists on the roads now that you’re closer to the east coast?
May 15th, 2006 at 6:45 am
Bee, I haven’t yet seen another cyclist since I rode the Longleaf Trace in Mississippi! That was several hundred miles ago. I haven’t ridden with another cyclist since the Bentonville/Fayetteville, Arkansas area. It’s kind of lonely out here in that respect. However, I’ve heard a couple people talk recently about cycling events going on in the area and also stories about “teams” that come through the area. I’m guessing that must be teams out training in the area for the Tour of Georgia, though I’m not totally sure the people I’m talking to know the difference between a racing team and simply an organized tour.
So, the cyclists are out there, but no, I haven’t seen any myself….yet.
May 15th, 2006 at 7:31 am
Hi Peter:
Your dad added us to your list of folks to receive copies of your daily notes–many thanks! Great news article in the St. Peter Herald about your trip! We’re all pulling for you-all!
Ellis and Janet Jones
May 15th, 2006 at 8:54 am
Hi, Pete and Pat! Sounds like you are having a blast! A question about blood sugar, since I don’t know much. Blood sugar seems pretty cyclical. You went to bed with blood sugar a bit low but then woke up with what seems high. Maybe a quick lesson for those of us not in the know- we want to make sure you’re healthy as well