December 10, 2016 – Sun and clouds, 60 degrees

Miles Today: 31

Miles to Date: 20,276

States to Date: 48

Daybreak was overcast but the sun made itself known throughout the day, sometimes at a distance, sometimes with a direct shine. I took a morning walk on the beach in Seacrest, the highest portion of dunes along the panhandle.

The bike path on Scenic Route 30A follows a steady stretch down the socio-economic ladder of summer fun from affluent Seaside to tacky Panama City Beach. New Urbanism is eclipsed by drunken consumerism in beach shops that hawk 25,000 bathing suits for $1 each and happy hours that run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. I suppose if you drink that much you don’t know what time is it anyway.

After a long writing break I rode into Panama City proper and met my wonderful host Adam who prepared me a fine meal, played his hand crafted didgeridoo, shared the marvels of the universe.

Then Adam took me to Ms. Newby’s his favorite bar. In true Panama City Beach style, it is open from 7 a.m. until 4 a.m. Adam explained that a few customers just loiter on the beach for those three hours and then return to start their day with a fresh beer. You gotta love this country.