4/13/23 Titusville to New Smyrna

It was wonderful starting our ride, knowing that the mileage would be shorter (45miles), that the wind would be mild, the sun would be out, and we would be meeting new friends and catching up with old friends. 

Over 35 miles of our journey today was on straight, wide, well paved trails that were once railroad tracks. The well maintained path was beautiful, lush, and home to a variety of wildlife. 

This morning we met met a solo cyclist touring from DC to Key West.  Ellen shared with how she is doing the trip without expensive hotel or camping daily. A awesome option is warmshowers.org. 

Since the trail was so separated from everything … when we saw this home set up with drinks and snacks available on an honor system we gladly accepted. We had covered 25 miles at that point on 1 cup of hotel room coffee. 

When the 11:11 alarm signal, Tim was pointing out this turtle munching away.  It’s a gopher tortoise- a keystone species! 

Upon arriving in New Smyrna, we both agreed that today was our easiest day so far. After a delicious lunch in the cute downtown we road a few blocks to be welcomed with open arms by someone we never met but is now much more than a friend of a friend. Bud, my buddy, craftsman, artist and all around great guy that now lives in Angels Camp, used to live here in New Smyrna.  He put in a good word for us… and we are now overnighting at Teresa’s home for 3 nights.  Teresa took us on a new Smyrna roundabout tour… stopping at the a oceandide Tiki bar for a drink. 

This evening we got to meet up with Jenny and Minay (former Murphy’s residents), catch up after 10+ years and Minay’s birthday.  They drove 70 minutes each way from Winter Park to make this reunion happen.