Day 5 and the top case is history

Well, today started out really well. The ride on 19 down to about Palm Harbor was nice but then traffic got heavy and speeds slowed. My side trips to see the coast today were pretty much a waste of time. Seems Florida has sold off the beach to private buyers and there are homes and hotels between the road and the beach. Can't see sh*t. Very disappointing. I think I'll hit the freeway tomorrow and fly down to 41 in the everglades rather than staying on 41 through the populated area. No sense in wasting time.

I wonder if the east side is the same way? Anyone know?

I went over one toll bridge today. It was pretty cool but I had to pay a dollar for the privilege.





The luggage rack broke completely this afternoon. I looked in the mirror and it was leaning at an angle so I pulled over and saw that one bracket was broken completely. The other bracket and the straps were holding it up. I decided to keep going hoping it would hold until I got to my motel. A few miles later I changed my mind. I thought it might cause some damage if it fell so I found a public parking lot where I could remove it and repack the bike. I left the top case there...with the key in case whoever found it wanted it. I have no way to pack it without the luggage rack. (D*mn Cobra crap.) Here's the bike repacked:



I got a sunburn today. I have a flip-up helmet and I sometimes like to ride with it up.



Yeah, the beard is coming in nicely. Tomorrow I go through the everglades then on to Key West.