Friday, November 18, 2022
Panama City Beach's Conservation Park
This morning, we left Destin and drove east on Scenic Highway 30A toward Panama City Beach, at first duplicating yesterday's route along the Timpoochee Trail. In Alys Beach we stopped to admire their large Christmas tree in juxtaposition with the tall palm trees lining the street.
Christmastime in Florida
30A through Alys Beach
Panama City Beach's 2,900-acre Conservation Park was established to preserve an area of wetlands for the enjoyment of bikers, hikers, and nature lovers. There are over 24 miles of trails in the park, including 1.3 miles of boardwalk. All the trails, with the exception of one 1,300-foot section, are unpaved, and some were underwater.
Conservation Park
Last ride of the trip
Surely not!
Underwater, indeed
It was a sunny 60 degrees as we rode through Conservation Park's pine forest and wetlands, constantly on the lookout for alligators. Some of the trails were hard packed and well-maintained and therefore an easy ride. Others were rough, sandy, and/or grass-covered and very slow going. We rode 14.5 miles. There were a few cars in the parking lot, but we only met one other rider on the trail. Awesome! And no flat tire today!
Riding through wetlands
Jana's bike is serving as camera tripod
Gator habitat
But no visible gators
We'd skipped lunch, so we stopped for an early dinner at The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar. The burgers were amazing! Since it was Tom's birthday, we had a couple of extra-sweet imperial stouts for dessert!
Birthday dinner
Lodging: Sleep Inn, Panama City Beach, Florida. Another quite comfy hotel.
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