(The unexpected stop location actually had a Woodbine address.)
I expected to encounter rain today. Had packed my rain pants, had an extra white headlight, was fully prepared to get wet. We also had an agreement that thunderstorms are automatic pick-ups. I have ridden before in charged air, hearing lines singing with a sizzle sound. Not my cup of tea for any distance.
The first ten miles was essentially all on US-17 South. It was busier today. Logging trucks, dump trucks, and the usual traffic of a US highway, all 55mph, of course. After I left the highway, it was only about five miles before the first rain shower. Started very light. Then a steady light rain. Enough to soak my shoes, socks, and shirt. Water dripped from my helmet, and my glasses needed frequent windshield wiper fingers. At one point I stopped to clean my glasses, and they fogged up. (One does have to be able to see to ride.) Once I was moving, they cleared up. The evaporation was pleasant; cooling provided when no cool existed. Steamy is a good description of the time just before and after the rain showers. No biggie. I've been in showers plenty of times.
These back roads are meant to keep folks off of these major highways. Back on the highway, though, the first mile's encounter was the Satilla River bridge on US-17. Luckily there wasn't a lot of traffic. The shoulders are not great. But then the ECG curves off into the Satilla Waterfront Park. Public restroom (hip, hip, hooray), nice interpretive signage, and even art!
Here is a view of the boardwalk in the foreground and bridge in the background.
Inquiring minds: Yes, I did take a selfie with the red creature, but I did not like the way I looked. Sorry if I spoiled your day.
The off-road trail that starts with the boardwalk winds around and through town as a paved path. This path is part of the Georgia Coast Rail-Trail. Nice little multi-use path, albeit only 2.6 miles.
Then back onto US-17 for another 5.6 miles. Had a light rain shower towards the beginning. It was then the sky started looking questionable. The drops were beginning again just at the next turn. Then thunder, and the rain was coming down a little harder. I was thrilled to see what looked to be a roadside restaurant coming up quickly. I pulled my bike under a tent just as the bottom dropped out. The rain was hard for a short time, then slacked off, but the thunder in the distant slowly rumbled off and on. I called on DL for our agreed rescue, and within minutes she was there. The restaurant was closed (sad face emoji), but I was still grateful for its presence.
Doo Dad's Seafood.
Thunder as clouds and rain move through at Doo Dad's.
We've had over an inch of rain this afternoon since we've been back at the campground. There may be some showers in the morning and thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon. Looks like an everyday forecast for summer.
Impressed with your continued progress. Rain, humidity, bugs... The joys of the South!
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