Cycling the Underground Railroad

 DAY 10: LINDEN TO LIVINGSTON 

The plan was to start cycling today at 8 am, except... it was 38 degrees.   So I pushed back the rollout time to 9:30, when the temp hit the mid-40s (which is still a bit on the nippy side for me, but one has to keep moving).

It is difficult to imagine the freedom seekers of the Underground Railroad trying to make their way to the North, undetected, through the thick, swampy pine and hardwood forests in these hills.  It takes some mental stamina to ride these undulating roads on a modern bicycle during the daytime, but nothing compared to the courage and fortitude it took to escape slavery,  especially when you knew your chances were greater getting recaptured than actually making it.

Rolling terrain with some steep hills was the order of the day.

On the bright side (pun intended) of today's weather, the skies were clear and sunny.  The colors trying to make themselves known in this early Spring season seemed to "pop" today.  (Below: Redbud tree in bloom.)

Red bud trees were starting to bloom everywhere!

I'm beginning to appreciate the beauty of this part of the country, a beauty that belies its challenges.   Here are some examples.

This was a particularly clear and lovely creek, one of many crossed today.

Though most of the water is muddy, occasionally I'll cross a creek where the stream is flowing quickly over rocks, making a energetic sound and beautiful sight.

Black Warrior River, a major waterway in Western Alabama.

Here is the Black Warrior River in western Alabama,  which I crossed over today.  Due to the huge storm last week (which sidelined me for 2 days), the dam on the River can't hold back the water, and everything is at the flood stage.  I've been getting weather alerts for several days about this condition. 

Fan palms on the forest floor, a common sight.

The forest floor here is very wet, and in many places swampy.   I was fascinated to often see these fan palms (?) growing prolifically in many places. 

Flowers were starting to bloom in many places.

As I ride, sometimes I round a corner and get treated to a colorful surprise.   This morning I came across this large yard with pinkish flowers, probably clover or woodland phlox (thanks for the plant IDs, Carolyn).

Today's Mileage:  38.4

Total Distance to date: 353.4 miles