Across Continents

Ken's Blog

Big Silver Bird

February 4th, 2012

Dull and grey. Thirties semis below. Partly obscured by wisps of cloud. West London. Soon to be on the ground. Flight over had been tolerable. Aroused from my dozing by a mediocre breakfast. As dull as dinner the previous evening. The cabin crew were pleasant enough. Mature. One, I thought, resembled Rolf Harris. But the whole thing lacked sparkle. But I didn’t doubt the coffee was freshly brewed. From old socks.

The final few days across Florida had been hectic. Unrelenting rain on the final hundred mile push to the coast. But a little kindly respite once I’d reached the finish. Intersection of the 206 and the A1A. Not a photogenic spot I’d admit, but I’d not really cared for that. Just glad to be able to head off a short way to find Ron and Nancy, with whom I’d be spending a couple of nights. Hot shower beckoned.

I’d deliberately pushed hard towards the end. Eager to have a whole day off the road to sort out my trusty steed and all the kit, preparing it for the rigours of the baggage handlers. And a chance to have a sociable evening with Ron and Nancy. Mark the end of my fourth continent.

Next morning I’d started in earnest. Rental car. Free upgrade to something more practical. Thrift shop for a couple of cheap suitcases. Nancy had already found me a cardboard bike box from a local shop. It’d be tight, but I was sure I’d be able to fit my loyal companion in. She’d be in pieces of course. Lots of them.

Five hours sleep. Then the three hundred mile sprint south to Miami International. They’d said six hours. Made it in five. Including lunch. Two and a half litres and an Interstate had been fun. I’d half expected dramas dragging everything to Check-in, but in the end a few helpful souls from the rental car company had lent a hand. Soon where I’d wanted to be. Drinking coffee close to the departure gate. Three hours to kill.

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Staying awake

February 3rd, 2012

Ken resorts to a final strong coffee to make sure he doesn’t miss his flight out of Miami and a return to the UK…

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Heading south

February 2nd, 2012

Ken heads south down the I-95 interstate to Miami.. Not all plain sailing, even with 2.5 litres under the bonnet..

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Crescent Beach

February 2nd, 2012

Ken finally gets to glimpse Crescent Beach, on Florida’s Atlantic coast, in daylight… before plunging south in his rental car to Miami, and a flight back to the UK…

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Packed up

February 2nd, 2012

Ken’s finally got his trusty steed cleaned and boxed up… And the rest of his equipment? Suitcases from the local thrift shop

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Hospitality for the soggy cyclist

February 1st, 2012

Introducing Ken’s hosts in Crescent Beach, on Florida’s Atlantic coast…

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End of the road

January 31st, 2012

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End of the road… in North America. Over six thousand miles on from Anchorage, Alaska, Crescent Beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast

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In the bag

January 31st, 2012

Ken reaches Crescent Beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast, completing a six thousand mile traverse of North America. Fourth continent in the bag.

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Still raining

January 30th, 2012

Almost there.. Ken stops at a gas station in Hastings. Just sixteen miles left to Florida’s Atlantic coast…

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Bit damp

January 30th, 2012

Final day on the road in North America… and a bit damp…

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