| DAY 74 Monday May 13th, 2002 Apalachicola, FL to Carrabelle, FL Mileage: 39.5 miles, total of 2,779.89 Met a lady in the parking lot of Burger King who tells me that she met a fellow 16 years ago who walked around the world. One day she received a copy of his book in her mailbox, she explained after saying that we have the makings for a book here. "Don't take any chances, " she says. Good advice indeed though i certainly wouldn't have a book to write about if I followed that advice. A beautiful ride along the Gulf Coast. Had an 'incident' that required immediate attention and a necessary rest, hence the short day. All is well. DAY 75 Tuesday May 14th, 2002 Carrabelle, FL to Newport, FL Mileage: 49 miles, total of 2,828.2 miles Windy spring-like temperatures this morning. Was told to try the smoked mullet in St. Mark's, "the best smoked mullet in the world." I did not have the opportunity to pove that statement true nor false...perhaps the next time i pass through town. Camped out at the Newport County Campground, alongside a river. Litters of wild kittens everywhere AND racoons. DAY 76 Wednesday May 15th, 2002 Newport, FL to Tennile, FL Mileage: 48 miles, total of 2,876.49 GREAT to wake up to the sounds of woodpeckers at work. Another spring-like morning, conducive to relaxing and getting a late start. After breakfast at the only restaurant in 'town' we took an easy ride to Perry (this included a lift by a very friendly gentleman in his pickup truck when Jay needed a knee rest). Onward to junction 51 and Alt Hwy 27 to the Steinhatchee Campgrounds. DAY 77 Thursday May 16th, 2002 Tennile, FL to Homosassa, FL Mileage: 102 miles, total of 2,978.27 My first Century of the ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A particularly nice ride from Tennile to Cross City. Had my 7th BOB trailer flat today which took my a very loooong time to fix while chit chatting with an employee of the local grocery store on her coffee break. Though i did not intend to ride so far today, I found myself at the Nature's Resort RV Park in Homosassa. More of a state park feel than an RV park, I pitched my tent in the darkness. Certainly not a challenge at this point considering the fact that i have done this many many times. I cannot believe that i am only a day away from Tampa! DAY 78 Friday May 17th, 2002 Homosassa, FL to Brandon, FL (just East of Tampa) Mileage: 48 miles, total of 3,026.29 Another monumental day since i cleared 3,000 miles on this trip. Feeling lethargic today, most definitely a result of yesterdays overachievement. Had a 2 hour revival break at a Dunkin Donuts over a big cup of coffee. I wrote some letters and waited for the caffeine to kick in before I continued this journey. About midafternoon i met up with my dear college freshman roommate Jamaela Cross/Reese and her husband Jeff. What a long loop out of my way to DC, but certainly worth every extra mile to reunite with Jamaela! We spent the entire day reminiscing about the good old days and sharing photos. How good it is to have such great friends. To keep in touch is an art worthy of effort. DAY 79 Saturday May18th, 2002 & DAY 80 Sunday 19th, 2002 Brandon, FL A weekend full of contacting old friends via the internet and telephone, more photos, a tour of Tampa, indulgence at the Cheesecake Factory for you-know-what, meeting of new friends, full viewing of the entire second series of Sex and the City in two sittings, and swimming, food, and more reminiscing... Many thanks to my host friends Jamaela and Jeff and their small zoo and pool and and and... Hello's to sophomore roommate Eva and her husband Rob (currently in Ft. Lauderdale area), suitemate Christine and her two adorable children (one of whom is named Stephanie)(currently in Long Island, NY), good friend Franz De Leon (currently in Quuens, NY). Many hopes to the random phone messages that we left on friends lost through time and were hopefully refound via search engines on the web... DAY 81 Monday May 20th, 2002 Brandon, FL to Bushnell, FL Mileage: 59.5 miles, total of 3,085.94 A final good bye to my riding partner Jason as he headed south (with the wind to his back, lucky him!) and i headed north. A VERY different experience riding with someone. An experience that i shall never forget and miss often. I miss you already Jay! Thankfully we can keep tabs by use of mobile phones. Two repair jobs today to the same flat tire on my back wheel. A very windy day caused me to keep the mileage lower than anticipated and blew me in the Oasis RV Park on Hwy 301 around sunset. What a lucky tenter I was as i was welcomed by nearly every single resident of this park. John, the temporary manager, invited me to stay as if i was a long lost relative. 'Red' and his dog Shilo gifted me the juiciest two slices of watermelon I've seen in a long time. I was invited over for breakfast the next day as well. Art & Shirley invited me over for soup and sandwiches which turned to coffee and apple pie in their home , then again for toast and coffee the next morning. My RV neighbors also invited me for a potpie if i was hungry. I was beside myself with comfort over the coincidence of having found this treasure in the windy central part of Florida. Who knew? And just like that i am contunually reminded of how happy i am to be doing just what i am doing. Phoned my riding buddy and learned that today he completed his first century ( a hundred miles). Way to go Jay! I am proud of you! DAY 82 Tuesday May 21st, 2002 Bushnell, FL to Ocala, FL Mileage: 60 miles, total of 3,145.90 I sure will remember the folks at the Oasis Park! On my way to SW Ocala to visit with my Great Uncle Frank Palau (whom i have not yet met). Slow moving with a detour that i did not want to take and strong winds AGAINST me. At least they must be pushing Jay as he continues south to Ft. Lauderdale. Had more tire problems, this time due to human error. More specifically My error. Luckily I was escorted to a bicycle shop in Bellevue, a few miles up the road where they gave me the supplies to fix myself up and get back on track. Thanks to Ed and his pick-up line/truck. Arrived too late to visit with the family so I camped out at the KOA just off the interstate. Mary, the manager invited me to stay the night. Another kind soul. DAY 83 Wednesday May 22nd, 2002 Ocala, FL to Archer, FL Mileage: 54 miles, total of 3,199 What a nice morning with Great Uncle Frank Palau and Aunt Lucy. We exchanged stories of Ecuador and the Palau family. I had visited his fathers grave in Ecuador, a grave that Frank had last seen when he was only 3 years old. Cycled all the way to Archer where i was told that NO campgrounds existed, so the librarians encouraged me to accept the offer of neighbor/patron Lori, to camp out in her backyard. And that is just what i did. Again, I was invited to stay in side the home, invited to dinner, and a hot shower. Free doglicks were not optional from all three resident dogs. Lori and her family were in the excitement of planning their move to the state of Washington. Good luck to you all! previous page home next page |