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Nashville
After what was probably the worst day riding I’ve ever done, I landed in Nashville. It was cold and raining the entire trip and, at one point, the circuitry in my heated gloves shorted and started shocking my hands. This will be the furthest north I travel, though, so hopefully warm and sunny days are ahead.
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Little River Canyon Park
On the way up to Nashville, I made a stop in Fort Payne, Alabama, home of the Little River Canyon Park. I saw pictures of the park in Backpackers magazine and decided to give it a shot. On a very cold, 40-degree day, I rode along the scenic drive that runs parallel to the park. There are scenic spots where you can stop and take pictures.
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New Orleans
I actually planned my entire trip around being in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. It was an event I wanted to experience and happening around the time I could begin, so why not make it an anchor. I spent 4 nights in the French Quarter - arriving the day before Mardi Gras and staying two days after. That meant I could experience both sides of the city in one trip.
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Pensacola
The plan was to do tent camping in Pensacola Beach at the Fort Pickens Campground. I arrived during the day when the temperature was a mild 60 degrees. It quickly dropped at night to the 40s, and I was miserable. I ended up only camping the one night and staying in a hotel the next.
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Tampa
I found a hostel in Tampa (Gram’s Place) and decided to give it a shot. I didn’t think there would be much to Tampa and I was mostly right.
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Naples
Naples is basically a giant retirement community. An old boss of mine from Michigan lives here so I stayed the night over his place. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s all old people. There are giant resort-like communities which have everything you need so you never have to leave. It’s a very nice place but I wouldn’t recommend visiting unless you’re going to retire.
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