Severe weather

Thursday April 27th. Day 52. DeFuniak Springs to Bonifay. 32 miles or 52 km

We left super early this morning (6.40 am) hoping we could get some decent km in. The weather forecast wasn't good. Severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and possibly hail and strong winds.

You could feel the humidity. The clothes I was wearing all felt damp. My glasses fogged up during biking as well. There was hardly any wind and although there was heavy cloud cover, the temperature was good. And my bike was good. No issues whatsoever. 

We made great progress and around 8.45 am we stopped for a coffee and something to eat. 

By the time we got back on our bikes the sky had changed. Jochim was hopeful for another 30 km but Boaz informed us that the rain was closing in on us. We cycled hard with heads bowed but only made it another 20 km before the rain came. Jochim found a hotel about 4.5 km away so we set out to get there asap. 

The hotel looked great and we were allowed to put our bags in the lobby to the side. I thanked the lady behind the counter and all was well.  Until the rain started and David needed to use the bathroom.  No bathroom in the lobby. He asked the manager but was told that none were available. Outside was quite open so David went into one of the motel rooms where the door was open. Big mistake!. The manager grabbed him forceful by the forearm and pushed David outside. An argument followed in the lobby where David apologized at least 5 times. As a punishment we were given that room which is a smokers room or pay $50.00 extra for cleaning the toilet. David was mortified but we all stand behind him and have the outside door wide open to air out the room as much as possible. We will manage.

To stop cycling early was the right choice. Severe thunderstorms with heavy rain and wind rolled through this area.

Not very pleasant. And dangerous to cycle through.  We call it a partial rest day with catching up on napping, answering mail, and having a good time together. Not a bad way to spend the rest of this wet and noisy afternoon.

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