Leaving Palatka was challenging. The first 10 miles was on a busy 4 lane road. We could see that a trail was being built to our right, and were so thrilled to be able to get on it eventually. The trail was beautiful and fairly shaded, so we were able to relax and enjoy the next several miles.
Oops! Trail closed ahead! The swamp has overtaken the path, forcing us to backtrack one and a half miles to the last road crossing. Then back on the busy road for about 4 miles until we could rejoin the trail. We encountered another flooded trail later on and risked it, only to have to put down our shoes into ankle deep water when the bikes started to go down. The water came within an inch of our clothing bags, which are waterproof for rain but not for submersion!
The Hawthorne Trail into Gainesville is beautiful, with a canopy of Live Oaks in several places and trails into the Paynes Prairie wildlife refuge. We stopped at a boardwalk trail and hiked out into the swamp ,seeing several tropical birds.But no alligators! We encountered a nice hipster father with his two children explaining the fauna to the kids.We do think the preschool teacher of the little girl will be fascinated with the story she retells of the birds "copulating".
Finally we were personally met and escorted into the swamp and to the beautiful home (with acres of native trees) of Tom Harris and Martha Monroe. Tom and Martha are members of warm showers, a house -sharing website of kindred biking spirits. They were unbelievable hosts, serving a delicious dinner, cocktails, and a gourmet breakfast the next morning.
Total bicycle mileage: 59
Total hiking mileage: 4