Day 26-Mon. Nov. 16, St. Augustine, FL--36 miles

Praise the Lord! I'm finished! I've crossed America on bicycle in 24.5 days of riding after five weeks being on the road! God is so good!
I got a call this morning from Janine that she was called off, so she was going to be able to come down a day early to see me do the last day. Otherwise I was going to take today off and just visit St. Augustine with Dave and Faith. But it was a nice change of plans. Since there was only 31 miles to go to St. Augustine and 36 miles to St. Augustine Beach, there was no rush to get going. So I left around 8:55 on my final ride to St. Augustine. I left Palatka after crossing the bridge over the St. Johns River. I was so elated and I felt so light on that bike that I effortlessly pedaled the last remaining miles to St. Augustine, and got there in what seemed like no time at all--at 10:30. The bike route maps I bought ended at the bay of Matanza right by the market square in front of the old Lions Bridge. But I thought," That doesn't look like the Atlantic to me". So wanted to continue on across the bridge to the wide, vast ocean. So I waited for Dave and Faith to catch up with me about 40 min. later and we went to the old fort called Castillo De San Marcos, built back in 1627 and made of coquina--seashells and sand. Then after lunch Faith went shopping in the quaint historic downtown while Dave and I checked out my final route to St. Augustine Beach--about 5 miles away, then we went to the motel to unload our stuff for the final time in another motel room. By the time we finished that, Janine had arrived at the St. Augustine exit off I95 around 3:30 (She left at 7 am). So we met her at the motel and drove to the point where I left off and to pick up Faith from her shopping spree.
It was a gorgeous day, sunny and 77, and by 4:15 I was off riding for the final time to my final destination--St. Augustine Beach. I rode the bridge over the bay and went down past Anastasia State Park to where there was a public parking lot to the beach. I carried my bike across the sandy parking lot and down on to the sandy Florida beach to dip my tires in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. And yes, the waters were warm as they came up over my ankles. It felt so good! Praise God! He enabled me to accomplish this goal that I've had since I was a boy.
After several pictures, I wanted Janine to take my bike for a quick ride to see what it was like. We went out to the rode and she pedaled off a short way, but the seat was too high, so she found it to be rather uncomfortable. Then we went back to our motel room for me to shower and change, so I could look (and smell) presentable as we went out to eat at a nice Italian restaurant.
I finished just before my 44th birthday, which is tomorrow, Nov. 17. , which was my goal to be able to finish on that day. But having Janine come early was the best birthday gift of all! I love her so much, and even more now after being apart for so long. We will stay here for a short vacation until Thursday, when we'll drive back home. Dave and Faith will problably drive our van back on Tues.
Thank you so much David and Faith for coming along on this trek with me and putting up with me for so long. Thank you David for all your packing and unloading of the van everyday, and keeping track of me on the roads, and doing all that stop and go driving across America. And thank you so much Faith for all your planning and preparing of wonderful meals in the motel rooms, and out of the back of the van each day for lunch, wherever we could find a place to stop and eat. You kept me well fed and nourished to be able to do this ride with no sickness, loss of energy, and probably not any weight loss either. I know I ate more calories per day on this trip than before, well, since I was a growing teenager, at least.
It's been amazing. Despite all the dangers out there on the roads every day, God has been so good and had His angels constantly watching out for me. I came through with no accidents--although I had some very close calls. The people all along the route have been very friendly and helpful. I haven't had a flat tire for the whole second half of the trip, since the middle of Texas. The weather has been great! Only one day of rain (and sleet-in Texas); the other time it rained it was in MS, but I had already planned to stop for those two days anyways, to slow myself down from finishing too early, so that rain from Ida didn't affect my riding schedule. No hazardous incidents with dogs or other animals. No breakdowns with the bike, except six flat tires. Each Sabbath was not only a blessing to stop and rest, but to fellowship with "family" all across the country.
I was able to ride nearly 2700 miles, averaging about 108 miles per day. The highest mileage day was 142, and lowest was today, at 36. My average speed was around 17 mph.
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of me in this endeavor, and for everyone's prayers. They have definitely been answered!
I look forward now to coming home and not having to live out of different motel rooms each night. I'm sure Dave and Faith are just as anxious to be going home and go back into retirement---at least for a little bit--not for long I'm sure.
And next week Caleb gets to come home for Thanksgiving break. Yeah! Can hardly wait to have him home. Too bad Josh won't be able to come home, as he'll be on a trip with his gymnastic team to the Virgin Islands during break. But I look forward to Christmas break when we can all be together as a family!
This is my last blog. And I'm glad its over, however, I'm so glad I did it. I would definitely do it again. Its been a great growing and learning experience, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I plan to continue to keep up with biking when I get back, as it is good exercise. Anyone willing to join me on bike rides in the future would be most welcome.
God bless you all!

Day 25-Sun. Nov. 15, Palatka, FL-142 miles

Today was my highest mileage day ever, biking 142 miles from Perry to Palatka, FL., a historic town on the St. Johns River. Our motel room, in fact, is overlooking the river. Very beautiful. I felt great during and after todays ride. Not sore or exhausted. I was even able to average a 17.5 mph. I also rode through areas where there are many springs. Beautiful clear, cold water springs. I even saw a dead alligator on the side of the road--about 4 ft. long.
I rode through High Springs, Alachua, Gaineville, Hawthorne and many other smaller towns.
The Lord was with me again protecting me on the road. The roads in Florida have been very good, but today there was a 10 mi. section I didn't have any shoulder and was a little curvy. A semi truck came up behind me and passed me as other cars were going in the other direction, so the truck couldn't move over and I was riding the white line, knowing what was about to pass me. As it did so I was within about a foot of the tractor-trailor, and even felt like I was being sucked in toward the trailer. Was a very close call, and I praise the Lord for His guardian angels that are always with me.
I only have about 46 miles to go to the Atlantic in St. Augustine. I wasn't going to ride tomorrow, because I was going to ride my last leg when Janine could come down on Tues. But I just received a call from Janine and she may be called off tomorrow because of low census on her floor in the hospital. So if she is called off she will come tomorrow, and I'll go ahead and finish tomorrow. I'll know for sure in the morning.
It's hard to believe its almost over. God has been so good to me in keeping me safe and giving me strength to complete this life-long goal I've had.
I appreciate every ones interest in my trip and following my blog. Thank you to all for your support and prayers.
When I get back I have to go see my oncologist for lab work and more treatment on Monday. I'm anxious to see what the results will be. I feel so good and feel like there is nothing wrong with me physically. Maybe all this biking knocked the cancer out of me?! Whatever the case may be I will praise God for the work He has done in my life and know it is only by His Spirit and strength that I have been able to accomplish this arduous journey. And He will be with me just as well through the battle I have to fight against this disease, just like He has been with me day by day during this biking experience.

Day 24-Fri. Nov. 13, Perry, FL--97 miles

What a beautiful, scenic ride it was today. I rode about 20 miles through the Apalachicola National Forest. Then rode through many miles of swampland and many rivers and creeks. The forests were very beautiful. It was neat to see all the various sizes of palmettos growing among the huge live oaks with spanish moss hanging from their branches. I thought this is what it must have looked like many years ago when settlers first arrived.
Quit early today, around 2:40, only putting in 97 miles to spend Sabbath in Perry, FL. There is a small church here which we will attend tomorrow. Faith is hoping for a potluck so she won't have to cook in the motel.
I only have about 175 miles left to go, and three days to do it in. So Sun-Tues will be even shorter riding days. It will seem like a breeze after doing over 100 miles each day for most of the trip.
While riding today I came upon something on shoulder of the road I thought was just some road trash. After riding by this supposed trash, I noticed it was a snake. It was coiled up sunning itself. It looked like 4-5 ft. long copperhead, and I had just rolled past it within 4-6 inches. It didn't even flinch, for which I was thankful. I'd hate to have my journey end by a snake bite to the ankle or leg.
Today I rode out of the panhandle of Florida. Florida is the second longest state I have to ride through, about 450 miles.
Sorry, no pictures were taken today. Maybe will get some tomorrow when we go to some park in the afternoon.
Happy Sabbath to everyone! Really looking forward to seeing many of you next Sabbath, when I'm finally back home in Dunlap, TN.

Day 23, Thurs. Nov. 12, Bristol, FL--124 miles

After riding through Fort Walton Beach and Destin along the gulf coast, I took a turn north to go inland a few miles and rode the rest of the day on hwy 20 through Freeport and Blountstown and ended up in Bristol after crossing the Apalachicola River and riding 124 miles. We also just entered the eastern time zone. I am so far ahead now that I am going to have to take another day off next week. So that leaves me with just three days left of riding. I'll ride Friday to Perry, then Sunday ride to Hawthorne (just east of Gainesville). Then will take Monday off. Then Tuesday I'll only have 65 miles left to go to St. Augustine, as I wait for Janine to come down Tues to join me for the last day of riding. Can't wait!! Five weeks is way too long to apart from ones spouse! But at least with my cell phone I've been able to call her everyday. What a blessing that is.
Well when I first started out I never imagined I would have this problem of arriving too early. I think if I wasn't holding back so I could finish when Janine could come, I could have finished within three weeks--21 days--of riding. But thats fine with me. I'd much rather have my honey be with me as I finish this grand adventure.

USS Alabama and Beauvoir--Nov. 9&10

(Written by Faith Kneller)
Hurricane Ida provided us a good reason to hole up in Super 8 motel in Pascagoula, MS, almost to the Alabama line. Fortunately Hurricane Ida had decreased to a tropical storm when it hit MS and AL. Nov. 9 the rain began early afternoon and the wind and rain intensified by late afternoon and was heavy all night long. By Tues. no rain, just wind, but not real high winds.
Mon. we drove to Mobile, AL and went to Battleship Memorial Park where we toured the WWII battleship USS Alabama and the submarine Drum.
The battleship would have 2500 troops aboard to man all the battle stations. When the danger signal sounded the sailors had 3 min. to get to their battle stations. A volunteer told us one sailor had just stepped out of the shower and grabbed his helmet and a towel as he ran up the ladder to his battle station, he lost his towel, and only had his helmet on. The ship could have been in the North Atlantic with temp -10 degrees and he have been out there for a battle that might last 1 1/2 hrs. It would take 140 troops to man one rotating turret that guided the guns.
We saw one of the many mess kitchens for the enlisted men. I was especially interested in the gigantic ten kettles for cooking, 2 huge coffee pots, one at each end of the 10 kettles, several ovens and grills. The bakery wasn't all that large. They made all the bread, rolls, muffins, and desserts for 2500. The volunteer understood my surprise at how small it was, but the bakery was manned 24 hres a day.
Their bunks were 4 tiers high. The officers were 1-2 in a room-tiny-with a small desk, but much better than the enlisted men had.
We toured the air museum of fighter planes. Hurrican Katrina flooded the museum with 10 ft. of water and smashed the planes against the far well and did a great deal of damage that isn't all repaired yet.
Tues. we went to Biloxi, MS to visit "Beauvoir", the home of Jefferson Davis, former president of the Confederacy. Hurricane Katrina did considerable damage as it had 1 ft of water even though it was 10 ft. off the ground. They did alot to restore and repair the damage done. The original furniture is still there. The kitchen which was separate from the house no longer stands, but the pantry, children's dining room and adult dining room are still there. The home overlooks the gulf and has massive live oaks shading it and 2 identical guest houses, one on either side of the main house.
Jefferson Davis was quite poor after the war, for one reason because he put his money into confederate dollars and lost them all after the war. Not too long after his death, his wife and daughter sold Beauvoir for $10,000 to the MS division, United Sons of the Confederate Veterans, and terms of the sale required the home be maintained as a memorial to Jefferson Davis. The 51 acres soon became a confederate veteran soldier's home and during its 54 yr. existence the facility cared for close to 1800 individuals--wives included.
Jefferson Davis wrote his memoirs at Beauvoir. He loved its serenity and beauty and loved to read his Bible under the beautiful live oaks. In addition he also took a great interest in the raising of citrus and grapes on the property. As you can tell we enjoyed our visit to Beauvoir.

Day 22-Wed. Nov. 11, Navarre, FL--100 miles

Happy Veteran's Day! It was neat to see all the flags flying as I rode through town after town. Even saw some veterans outside participating in ceremonies. I am very proud to be an American and am so thankful to all who have served and sacrificed to secure and protect our freedoms.
The wind was very strong today, blowing against me most of the time at 20-30 mph. But was still able to get in 100 miles. Was planning on taking the toll ferry from Dauphin Island to Ft. Morgan across Mobile Bay, and rode down there only to find out they were closed due to the high winds. I should have called first. So I had David drive me around to the other side to pick it up in Gulf Shores. Then rode the rest of the way across AL to FL and through Pensacola on to Navarre along US hwy 98. Driving into FL we did not find a Florida welcome sign. So just took a picture of the Navarre Beach sign to show that we have finally arrived in Florida, the last state through which I have to ride on my to the Atlantic Ocean. I'm still so far ahead, even after taking two days off this weeks because of Ida. So will probably take another day off next week, so I don't finish before Janine comes down on Tues. Less than a week to go, yeah!!
Started biking at 7:15 am and finished by 3:15 pm. Keeping it short so as not get too many miles in.
Along the ride today we met another cyclist with paniers and towing a trailer. He also started in San Diego and is headed to St. Augustine. He's retired from the military.
My bike is holding up very well. Although it is very dirty. Will give it a good cleaning when I get home.
The roads were great in Alabama, and so far they have been good in Florida. Makes me really appreicate good roads and shoulders and bridges after having ridden through Louisiana.
My cyclocomputer I started out with has failed and so had to put on my old one. Fortunately I brought it along as a backup.
Again, to any veterans and all servicemen reading this blog, I want to say a great big thank you for your service and all that you gave so unselfishly, and continue to give. We owe you all so much. God bless you all!!

Rain Delay

Just waiting out tropical storm Ida here in Pascagoula, MS. Went to see the USS Alabama in Mobile today, then afterwards ate out at Olive Garden. It is getting much more windy and heavier rain this evening. Should be done by tomorrow afternoon, so hope to be riding again Wednesday. Still plan to finish by Nov. 17.