Toto, We're Not in Calgary Anymore

It was a long but uneventful journey from Calgary to Fort Lauderdale yesterday.  Left the house in the dark and arrived at the hotel just as dusk was settling in.  I flew from Calgary to Montreal, Montreal to Fort Lauderdale.  The magnitude of the trip started to settle in as we flew due south from Montreal, with the map of the eastern states forever on our seat-back screen.  It made me realize just how little I really know about the geography of the area and am so looking forward to exploring by bike.  

As soon as I stepped out of the air-conditioned airport the wave of heat and humidity hit me, even after 7 in the evening.  This is going to take some getting used to!  Although - going on a little hike in search of the cheapest transportation option with all of my luggage strapped to my back and carrying my bike box may have added to the perception of heat.

Due to darkness, I didn't really see anything from my room last night.  I woke up to this (the picture below) this morning and thought - Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore!  So, apparently "Toto" will be my bike's name for the remainder of the trip.  Speaking of the bike...  Today's task will be to get it out of the box and see if I can get it together (and hope the airline was gentle with it).

If you're looking for a stock tip today, might I recommend Garnier, the maker of my trusty Ombrelle sunscreen; I think I might be using a boatload of it this trip!

I got out for a very long stroll by the never-ending beach today.  Lovely, but I gotta' say "why"?  I just don't have the personality to lie in the sun all day and do absolutely nothing (other than think about how hot I am and do I really have enough sunscreen on to avoid a very painful burn).  But then, if they even noticed us go by on bikes I'm sure they would also think that we were a bit cuckoo.  There was a pretty strong wind from the south which would be lovely if it were still there next Wednesday to help push us out of town.  Other sights today - rooftop windmills, turtle crossing, pelicans (no picture), all manner of ocean rescue vehicles & devices.  

Got the bike together OK, but took it across the street to the bike shop to have them adjust the derailleur.  Seems they have 15 other WomanTours bikes for assembly waiting for pickup.  Apparently I'm the first to show my face.  Very friendly, helpful and interested in our trip.    My roommate arrives tonight - from Australia via a cruise and flying in from Dallas.  Hope the Texas weather doesn't delay her.