Left Hendersonville, NC rather late, around 10 I think. Weather forecast was for scattered thunderstorms so I was thinking it would be another rainy day. I ran diagonally down to charleston south carolina hoping I could skip around the showers. It worked, managed to keep ahead of the front the whole way then scoot south before it reached the area. Now that I am at sea level its a lot hotter. In the mountains I needed the leather jacket with a sweater under it and jeans under my riding pants in the morning and evenings. Now I think I will move the sweater and leathers to the bottom of my luggage and just use the mesh gear for the foreseeable future.
Got to historic downtown Charleston around 2. The architecture there is really something else. As someone who has enjoyed the study of the classics, its was neat to see houses with classic revival influences mixed with southern style. Also a mix of well dressed locals and horribly dressed tourists. Didn't park and walk, just weaved around on my bike. Much easier, though no photos.
Drove straight through Georgia. Stopped only once for gas. Kinda of a boring state. Lots of signs advertising every conciveable dish involving peaches. Was tempted to try peach syrup, but didn't think it would make for a good afternoon snack. Feel sorry for all the road crews working in hot weather on hot ashphalt, seemed like all the roads were under construction, but didn't impact travel time as there wasn't any traffic.
Drove into florida and jumped back out to the coast. Thought I would stay on amelia island, as it looked geographically interesting on the map. Drove on 1A1 south and Amelia parkway. Turns out the island is a mega rich area, lined with golf course and gated mansions. Oh well, nice area to drive through and I even left the GPS clipped to bike instead of bringing it in with me when I went in to pay for gas. I didn't think the dude driving the Maserati or the other guy in the SLK would steal it. I am great at finding places I can't afford to stay. Just guessing but the cheapest was probably the ritz-carlton, the rest all offered private villa's on the water. Definitely no motels.
Pushed on to Jacksonville, was driving trying to find a balance of cheap enough to stay in, but nice enough that it would have clean sheets. Passed on the King Inn for 29.99 a night, with bars on all the windows in the area. Further down found the "scottish inn", for 42 a night. Seemed marginally safer, like It would actually be okay to stop and pull over. Is still plenty shady enough that I felt I had to bring the bike into the room with me though. I've been informed that it was the right call as online reviews say its a dangerous area. Sheets are clean, shower is hot, but still wouldn't recommend as cars apparently get vandalized on occasion. With the bike safely tucked in the room with me, I don't have any concerns though. Next up, The Florida Keys.