I'm not a history buff, but was curious about the development of Miami, the next city I would visit. So here's a bit of history for ya:
Miami holds the distinction of being "the only major city in the United States conceived by a woman, Julia Tuttle, who was a local citrus grower and a wealthy Cleveland native. The Miami area was better known as "Biscayne Bay Country" in the early years of its growth. Some published reports described the area as a promising wilderness. The area was also characterized as "one of the finest building sites in Florida." The Great Freeze of 1894–95 hastened Miami's growth, as the crops of the Miami area were the only ones in Florida that survived. Julia Tuttle subsequently convinced Henry Flagler, a railroad tycoon, to expand his Florida East Coast Railroad to the region, for which she became known as "the mother of Miami." Miami was officially incorporated as a city on July 28, 1896 with a population of just over 300.
I woke up to rain, and although it didn't dampen my spirits, it did prevent me from putting my morning plan into action, which was hitting the beach. When the rain stopped, I rode back up US 1 to Miami. Despite the ride up, seemingly being faster than the ride down, I took much more notice of all the amazing houses along the way. Pastel colored homes with the ocean as their back yard. How nice it would be to have a key to unlock a door to a house in the Keys!
I arrived at my friend Erik's apartment, just as he was getting home from work. Great timing! He took me out to Coral Gables for dinner. I find the architecture and tropical color scheme in Miami quite attractive, almost as attractive as the women, but don't like the overall feeling. You can almost feel the arrogance in the air. Beautiful, well-dressed people with noses stuck well up into the air. "What kind of car do you drive?" she asked. "A 1998 Toyat........." he replied as she began to walk away.
Speaking of cars, Erik's car was dead after dinner. We had to have it towed. Second tow truck this trip. Maybe it's me....
The next day I relaxed in the morning, then rode down to South Beach. Again, dark clouds dimmed the brightness of Miami, but it was cool to see. I didn't spend much time on the beach because it looked like it would rain soon. I drove around a bit more and saw Star Island, which I now know is gated. As I made my way back to Erik's apartment, I got a little wet. By a little, I mean a lot.
Thoughts at this point:
No photos please:
I've noticed that I take less and less pictures with the more miles I ride. Scenery not as picture-worthy? I'm tired? More mental pictures? I don't know.
Get 'er done:
While I am trying to, and still am enjoying the ride, I am so close to my goal. I wanna get it done! At the same time, I'm already getting the post-vacation blues at the thought of it being over.
Butt:
It hurts. My butt really hurts. I used to be able to ride a 100 mile stretch without stopping. The further into this journey I am, the sooner into a day's ride my butt hurts. Make all the suggestions you'd like, but the fact of the matter is, if you sit on your ass this long, for this many days in a row, it's gonna hurt no matter what you're sitting on. Unless it's a fluffy cloud.
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