Day 5

I left Columbus this morning hopeful that I might drive all day without rain.  The roads were a bit damp but it wasn't raining.  Soon the sun began to come through and I was able to ride in my cool Honda t-shirt. 

For quite a while I was on a divided or limited access highway with very little other traffic.  I felt like I had the southern half of Georgia all to myself.  At some point in my trip I had to decide whether taking the Business or Alternate routes would violate my goal of riding the entire length of the road.  I decided it would still count, as I wanted to take several Bus 27 spurs so as to go through some of the towns I would otherwise have missed.  I enjoyed doing this and always found something different to appreciate. Here are a few typical southern shots from one such town.  

Notice the town square with the gazebo, Spanish moss, war memorials and courthouse with the clock tower that rang out 12 bells just for me.  I've passed through several states now, and the state lines haven't always been indicated like on the Interstates. 

However, this one was special because it's the last state on my map.

This was a long day; I drove 359 miles to get to Ocala, FL.  Perhaps I allowed myself too many leisurely rest stops because it was nearly dark when I arrived about 8:45.  Tomorrow, another long day to Miami, then two days of rest.