Ok, we are back again on the computer and in a city with wifi and all the other nice things spoiled civilization brats like we two are need to survive. The last few days were extremely nice but also exhausting due to the heat in Florida and us wearing the full bike gear all the time with or without the silk underwear it does not matter it is a sweat shop through and through. We left late the first day and thought we have to make up some time to compensate for it and drove into the night the first day. We passed some wonderful areas around Lake Okeechobee and we continued using back roads all the way to Ocala National forest where we at around 9pm came to a stop. Total trip that day was 250 miles and when you use non highway roads it just take s long time to do that. After we ate we found a nice Motel on the side of the road named "Candlelight Motel". This place got its name from a simple fact - you could only bare the place in dim light condition. Once you went all out and used the full light ensemble available to the room it went down hill bad. We did not know what was worse having a shower or not having one. Now we are worshipping the Flip Flop god!! This has triggered the decision to sleep in a camp ground for the first time. The second day was again a long day of riding with about 250 miles and 6 hours in the saddle but the drive through the Florida pan handle on back roads was very nice. It brought us through some lush forests and endless miles along the coast. We ended up on a little Peninsula and lush had it there was a crab festival going with food etc. Set the tent up took a long and relaxing dive in the pool (yes this is still the campground) and then went out to the festival. Lame it was so we were off to the next local bar with steaks and beer and I had a pitcher of the local wheat micro brew compensating for the lack of water that our bodies needed. The night in the tent was rough to say the least and I am not sure I am into camping anymore. It was hot and humid the air filled with bugs and mosquito's and we were up all night fighting them and drunk party people coming home late and keeping us up with cars running etc. well we had about 3 hours of sleep and were eaten up by bugs. In the morning when we started to pack up we ran into another German couple on motorcycles travelling the world on guess what two BMW's. We shared a cup of coffee and then decided to travel together for a while. With Angie and Holger we started riding on our third day and on the 4th day. The 3rd day brought us to Pensacola Florida along some of the most fantastic beaches I have ever seen. They are so white and the water is blue and green and route 98 flows right alongside it. It was again hot but a beautiful day. I would say the the golf coast of Florida is hard to beat if you want to see white beaches in the US. stayed in Pensacola that night in a normal Motel and after we got some food and did I mention beer went to bed and slept right away until 10am today.
We decided to take the Freeway for the first time and jumped on 10 all the way to New Orleans. the temperatures came down and it was the fastest 200 miles so far on the trip. Now we are here sharing a nice and very sweat little loft with our two riding partners and while everybody is waiting for the shower I have opted to write this update. Zenni and I are going to stay here for a full day to check the city out and this will mark the end of the journey together with our two new friends. Tonight is again the same procedure as every other night so far with food and beer this time. The two will departure to Houston tomorrow and our next big stop will be Austin and then San Antonio. Total miles driven so far - 900. Body condition happy but sore. Bikes are running great and we are developing a routine as we go. People that we meet on the road are all super nice and everybody is asking how we are and where we are from. Sitting on the side of the road reading cards people stop and ask if everything is ok or if we need help. I am deeply impressed by the kindness so far. the drive into New Orleans was a very sad reminder of what a hurricane can do!! The outside of the city is still in a huge mess and houses and apartments are very much still damaged. This is now 2 years after and the region is still far away from recovering. Driving by the stadium when we entered the city was a reality check on its own. tonight we spend some money in the city. that is it for now - until the next wifi point. TZ
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