FLORIDA--

During our recent vacation from the blog we spent a week bicycling, hiking and canoeing in the vicinity of Gainesville, FL as guests of summer cycling companion Ted Kmet. Local bicycling friends Lynn Rush and George Kmet, Ted's brother, joined me on this expedition.

Saturday we will launch a series of stories on that delightful visit beginning with a peek at Spanish Moss which grows in profusion in the Southern US--mostly from Florida to Texas--and, second only to palm trees, causes visions of warm tropical beaches to dance through my consciousness during our long winters.

The above photo was done in Ted's back yard while enjoying the morning's first coffee.

We'll also take a peek at the Suwannee River, Gopher turtles, 'Gators and some spiffy miscellany.

Hope to see 'ya Saturday!