If Ever Up North - Way Up North.....

Great diner in Anchorage, Alaska. Been thinking about Alaska a lot lately. Random items keep happening that bring me back. Our last trip, we happened to be scrounging for breakfast, and spotted this business, the City Diner. Now I'm ruined, since I live in central Florida...and the City Diner had the best breakfast I've ever had...forever spoiling me for breakfast as none have compared since...I keep trying....

History Abounds! - Ft Ogden

US 17, south of Arcadia, before you get all the way into Cleveland...and to I-75.

Established 1841, in support of the Seminole Indian War. Another historical waypoint in a largely forgotten major US conflict.

Yankeetown

Near Inglis, Fl...US 19 and CR40. Yankeetown. Go west to the water. Nice little boat ramp area there.

Cool history of the area includes no less than Elvis Presley being there filming a movie. Pretty cool being on the same little bridges and sandy spots where Elvis filmed years ago. Follow That Dream Elvis!

Turn of the century history giving the place it's name. So many northerners came for the fishing and weather...

Another small town gem in west central Florida.

Ahh, Minute Maid

Minute Maid Rd. Crosses the Florida Turnpike and hits CR 68 which is Orange Ave in Ft Pierce. Go west on 68 from the I-95 Orange Ave exit, heading towards 441.... somewhere around 10 miles (maybe more or less) out you get to Minute Maid Rd, turn right (north) and take the bumpy dirt road slowly...eventually you'll be rewarded with an awesome Over The Turnpike View. Go back down to CR68 and return to Ft Pierce, or run west to 441, north is Yeehaw Junction, south is Okeechobee...both are stories for another day!

History Abounds! Dade Battlefield - Bushnell

Located in Bushnell, the Dade Battlefield State Park, super awesome. The park is small, and the museum building is right on the grounds of the battle. Reading the description of the battle and the roster of names, both sides - quite a few places throughout Florida carry these ancestors names. The Seminole Indian Wars were the most involved and costly for the US and the history of this long running conflict has been largely overshadowed by the western expansion story. The park offers a quick immersion in the battle and events of that day... and it's proximity to Orlando and Tampa makes it an excellent short day trip candidate.

She Still Sells Sea Shells

What a great attraction. Been going there since the late 70's...changes over the years and they are hanging tough. North of the Caloosahatchee River on US 41 in Ft Myers. Worth the ride by, lots of Florida Kitsch, new stuff, old stuff, the 9 million tee shirts and beach towels, SHELLS GALORE and of course, PIRATE SCHTUFF.

West Orange Country Club

On CR 545 south of Colonial. Just a short half-mile, the old entrance to the original West Orange Country Club stands on the west side of the road in the historic Tildenville location.

Surprised it's still there now with all the recent Turnpike construction (it's very close to the turnpike overpass.

A remnant of a failed effort back in the 40-70's I think. Makes for a nice picture and story still.

Slow Down For Ferndale

On the way to Sugarloaf Mountain (one of the ways anyway), if on 455, NE of Montverde....you'll ride through a little town called Ferndale. 

 Just a few side streets and a post office... the post office makes for one of my favorite cycle shots..... next time through, slow down and take yours!

There is a newer recreational area, the Ferndale Preserve that looks pretty nice also!  Ferndale Preserve

 

Bayport Is The Right Port

Head west to the end of route 50....go past Weeki Watchi and run 50 all the way to the end... You'll be rewarded with a little spot called Bayport. The road terminates in a roadside park boat ramp area, complete with picnic tables and a pier to walk out on or fish from...

I've been out there a lot and have never been disappointed, the view is always nice.

Chilly Days In South Town

Chilly days - can be some of the best days riding. Bag the NO, try it and look for the adventure! Get the gear to make it right...baclava, good thick gloves with gauntlets, thick pants, layered coat, thick socks, good boots.

You'll know in the first few hundred yards as you pull away if you have covered ankles, wrist, neck and chin critical areas. If there is no wind leaking through...head on out!