Random notes from our five weeks in Florida, as we wait for Texas to thaw out so we can safely travel west to Arizona:

• The weather in Florida has been spectacular, but confirmed to us that we should always seek 75 degrees. The humid days in the upper 80s, while definitely great compared to the New England and Upper Midwest frigid conditions, slow us down.

• We think Florida has more miles of dedicated bike lanes along their two- and three-line roads than nearly anywhere we’ve traveled, but we rarely see any cyclists use them. It’s great that the infrastructure is there, but unfortunately the car  – or in some places the pickup –  is king in Florida.

• There are miles of fun bike trails all around the state. Each one is a little different. This is a great mid-winter place to train and get into better physical condition. We are not missing the snow.

• This may have been the most colorful bike rack we’ve ever seen, and it is educational too!

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• The rustling sound of cabbage palm, or any palm tree, is so distinctive and so different than the wind blowing through a maple tree.

• It seems like it’s really rare in Florida to hear the sound of a babbling brook. There’s lots of water, but not very much topographic relief necessary for the small waterfalls.

• As we moved north in Florida, we saw and heard more song birds. We love the Everglades, and herons, storks, ibis and egrets are majestic, but their guttural noises are not soothing.

• We have not yet met anyone who likes to be in Florida in the summer. Not a ringing endorsement for buying a house/condo here (also see seeking 75 degrees thought above…).

• It had to happen at some point. While overnighting in a private parking lot (with permission) on a Saturday night, an unscheduled concert broke out courtesy of a fleet of souped-up pickups and dragsters in a nearby lot. Our entire van pulsated and our teeth rattled to a booming bass of what we think was hip hop (all you could hear was the bass), revving v-8 engines, and the frequent squeal of tires. After an hour or so the parade of vehicles exited that lot, only to return for a brief (thankfully) encore around 10:30pm.   By 11pm, when security made a sweep of the area, peace was restored and we slept quite well.

• We generally prefer the stowaways that join us here in Florida – a gecko and a frog – compared to the mice that have joined us in Vermont. But, we’re happiest traveling alone.

• Key lime anything is delicious – milkshakes from Robert is Here, pies on Sanibel, and ice cream at Highlands Hammock. How about key lime coffee or tea? Betsy thinks key lime whipped cream.

• Betsy is a favorite food group of any and all biting bugs; Rob is not on their menu.  Now that’s taking one (or more like 70 bites) for the team. (Thanks Mom for the tip regarding Cerave Anti-Itch Moisturizing Lotion. Lifesaver!!)

• Biting bugs in mid-Florida are hungrier than those in the Everglades this winter. Furthermore, the coastal bugs leave bumps; the inland bugs leave welts. There is no such thing as insect repellent at dusk in Florida.  Betsy, just send Rob to photograph the beautiful sunsets.

• With winter water levels being relatively high for the dry season, kayaking was made easier in some waterbodies. Even so, the water depth in many areas of the Everglades is less than a foot.

• Interstate 95 north of Miami had six lanes of traffic in each direction. We were happy when I-95/Rt 128 around Boston expanded to four lanes. Yet, I-95 here in Florida seemed just as crazy as the I-95 corridor between NYC and New Haven, CT.

• Except for four days camping at Lone Pine Key in the Everglades, we have been able to stay connected to the internet using our AT&T service. While it should feel luxurious to be disconnected for a few days, we both felt more anxious without the connection. And we missed watching the Super Bowl, probably for the first time. Our Sirius XM radio did allow us to listen to the game and other news.

• Small gatherings are so worth participating even for two introverts like us. We already miss the terrific bunch of Travato owners we met at Highlands Hammock. It was such a welcome reprieve from the past year. 

• Open your van’s slider door and they will come. We have met some of the nicest van folks in parking lots, usually post-bike ride, often while having a snack or finishing up lunch and just hanging out in the van.  These chance meetings really make our day!