12/27/2014
The sound of thunder startled me out of bead. I crept over to the window and peered outside. It was a far different picture from the previous day. I went downstairs and enjoyed French toast, eggs, and oatmeal with blueberries and strawberries. I filled my tummy with plenty of nutrient dense foods. The grey clouds blanketed the entire sky. With only twelve miles to run I waited for a dry window of opportunity to make a dash.
My chance came in the afternoon. I hit the road with an oversized garbage bag protecting my body. It was supposed to keep my clothes dry but somehow the plastic wrapping only added a loud rumbling in my ear. A few minutes into my run the rain began to pour. When I looked towards the gulf on my left, my obscured view only saw dark clouds. I splashed in puddle after puddle. Even though my muscles didn’t have the blood flowing through them, I ran strong. My vision had been blurred by the water in my eyes but on the plus side the rain tasted fresh. The sleeves of my sweatshirt hung out of my poncho. Each article of clothing grew heavier and heavier but I felt good running in the rain. Perhaps it was the knowledge that I wouldn’t be stopping for a break that kept me pushing forward. There were plenty of sights that I wanted to capture on film but I didn’t want to take off my plastic poncho and pull out my electronic device in the rain. The hard rain lightened up every couple miles but it always managed to pick back up in full force.
Without a single photograph for day 118, I ran to the trailer parked at The Best Western Oak Manor. I found no one. I wanted desperately to get into some dry clothes so I went to the front desk to check in. Apparently Crystal had already completed the process and was waiting for me in our room. I ran up and immediately soaked myself in a hot bath. I wanted to feel warm and dry to enjoy the city of Biloxi.
Neon lights glowed as Crystal and I walked into the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi. My dry clothes had dampened at the bottom of the pant legs, but at least the rest of me was dry. I enjoyed browsing the rock and roll memorabilia but I didn’t enjoy smelling like an ashtray. At least they played classic hits.
It didn’t take long for my stomach to take command. Crystal and I decided to search for a place where we could get a very good dinner. I had passed a place called Shaggy’s near the beginning of town and suggested we try it out. I knew seafood was the house specialty but the restaurant gave off a laid back beach vibe. We went in and told the staff and management about our adventure and asked if they wanted to help us make our way around the states. The assistant manager Damien helped us out for the evening. They even had a wonderful vegetarian option for me. I dined on a crisp eggplant dish and a side of hush puppies while Crystal enjoyed a creamy pasta. With the hunger silenced we headed back to the Best Western Oak Manor for an early rest. Another evening with a comfortable bed and warm sheets was in the cards.
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