We were driving down to Miami Beach, planning on getting off the Turnpike at Fort Lauderdale and driving the Sunshine 1200k route, but hunger set in and we got off at Boca Raton. We found something to eat and then opted to continue to the coast -- A1A - and drive the route from there.
From Boca to Pompano Beach the route is wonderful. Mostly two lane but with a good shoulder, it looks like easy riding. From Pompano south the traffic gets heavier and the road widens mostly to four lanes. I don't see any significant problems, but again, for many riders, this is a whole lot more urban than they'd normally ride.
It was slow going, as you might expect, and we got to the hotel after 4pm. Once checked in, we took Abby for a walk as it was getting dark. We walked along the beach path that runs between the hotels and the beach -- what a neat area -- joining everyone else. The "path" in this case is a slightly meandering interlock brick path that's about 15' wide.
We opted to eat in the hotel, too lazy to look for something else. Overpriced and so-so, that's probably the best description of mine; Sandy ended up sending hers back and getting another version of burned perogi. The chef obviously had his own definition of how they should be cooked.
Night goes by ...
Day again, and I headed out before 6am giving Abby a long walk. We headed south on the path. We got as far as 9th (hotel was between 17 & 18) and walked back. There were some joggers but not much else.
Sandy was up, had mis-read the time. In due course we left Abby behind and went for breakfast, walking down to that same area. It's kind of a Cuban enclave, the "art deco" area of South Beach. We had a good breakfast, reasonably priced. On the walk back, going by the big hotels, the same breakfast could be had for double the price -- what a deal !
It was almost time to checkout so we dutifully texted for the car and called for the bellman. You can't use the luggage carts yourself in these hotels. Not normally one to do it this way, I just gird myself for all the tips and close my mind to the stupidity of it all.
Checked out, checked with the valet ... they didn't get our text. Everyone was checking out at the same time and the traffic was jammed. The car park is a few blocks away and by the time all was said and done, the car took almost an hour from when we first sent the missed text.
People were upset; I was nonchalant. I joked with the valet guy, what can you do. Getting agitated wasn't going to make the car come faster.
Off and driving, we stopped at a Panera Bread close to Hamid's and had lunch, arrived at his place about 1:45 p.m. We chatted for a while and then Hamid and I went for a short bike ride. 18 miles later we were home; he did well but he needs to do it more. He has more of a mental problem now than physical; worried that he could need help due to a flat tire or something and therefore not going out by himself. He needs to get over that hurdle. It's too bad that we don't live closer; I'd have him out every day.
He was hurting later but took some of his pain meds. Two other visitors for dinner, friend and relative, plus their son Ali, and we chatted until almost 10pm.
I just fed Abby ... 7am now ... have to take her outside to do her business.
Onward !
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