1/6/2015
A normal person wouldn’t add a couple miles to an already heavy day of running. But then again, nothing about this trip has been normal. I started the day eager to run down the 30A trail. I think that playing the Visit South Walton Monopoly game the previous night made the area seep into my subconscious. I stepped out of the trailer and saw that cars were already parked in the lot. I only had to run a few minutes before the buildings disappeared. The trees surrounded my path and I was one with nature. Every so often an entrance to the forest called my name. I managed to ignore the beckoning trails until I reached Crystal by Grayton Beach.
I scanned my surroundings but still hadn’t seen the unique lakes I had heard so much about. I continued to run until I saw some trees growing out of white sand dunes. Was this the ecosystem that was unique to only Florida, Madagascar, and Australia? I stopped and stared at the beauty and decided I should take some photos. After snapping a few shots I pushed forward to explore the town of Seaside. The first sight that aroused my curiosity was a gleaming silver dome. It turned out to be an airstream trailer. I realized a row of airstreams were lined on a lawn. Out of nowhere Crystal popped up and said, “This is so cool. All these airstreams have been turned into food trucks.”
Talking with some of the locals, I discovered that one guy owned all the land of Seaside. It looked like a very clean and planned community but he wanted to get rid of the stuff with character. He wanted to get rid of airstream row. That was unfortunate news. Crystal and I took a little hydration break around the corner before taking off.
While I ran, Crystal was having her own little adventure as she jogged on one of the trails in the forest. There she encountered a deer up close and personal. As I approached her miles later she ran towards me with a huge grin and excitement radiating from her being. The scenery continued to be lush, green, and extravagant all the way to the 98 junction. The scenic route had once again merged with the busy 98. It took me to Laguna Beach Florida. It was not as artsy and the Laguna Beach, California community.
On this particular day, I tried to arrange a donation of lunch. With the scent of hunger emanating from my tired body, I got turned down by a Chinese buffet. Luckily six miles away Crystal arranged a donation from an amazing restaurant. The ambiance of Salty Sues was accented with dark wood and nautical embellishments. My fried pickle appetizer combined the tart taste of pickles with a spicy seasoned breading. They tasted great alongside my broccoli, fire roasted corn, and mac n cheese. The nutrient dense meal gave me enough energy to finish off the day. The big stores returned just as I neared the end of my mileage. Even though I had still had sunlight and plenty of energy reserves, I walked the final mile with Crystal so that we could enjoy our surroundings unrushed.
The skyline was an outline of an amusement park. We strolled to the Park Place RV park, under a setting sun, and met with Lina, Nichole, and Chico. They had graciously agreed to host us for an evening. I signed a few books, hydrated, and chatted for a moment before retreating into the trailer. The time had come to unwind with a movie. With over 2500 miles under my feet, I felt good.
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