1/20/2015
The days have started to blend together. I tried my best to keep my days straight but, there are days that pass without a spot to post my progress. It is a slippery slope when things aren’t maintained. In an instant the steady road becomes an uphill climb. I’m lucky I like hill work and that things never slipped beyond reach.
Gulf Hammock had no internet, no store, and not electricity. It would have been a complete stretch of wilderness had it not been for the stoplight and post office. Surprisingly a couple people stopped momentarily at the abandoned market’s parking lot. One lady got out of her car and started calling for her cat. As I peered out at the lady, I wondered if her cat ran to the abandoned market regularly and how far had she travelled. During the search for the cat, Crystal informed me that Inglis would be our destination for the day. It seemed like yet another short day for me. My body certainly welcomed the terrain and mileage.
Flat roads, soft ground, croaking frogs, and trickling streams provided plenty of company to Inglis. About a mile before the town, Crystal parked the RV on the side of the road and ran back to join the party. When we reached the support vehicle we agreed to grab lunch at the subway in town. When we got there, one of the regional managers happened to be in. Mike surprised us by donating a subway card. We were beyond grateful as our last subway card was on its final few dollars.
Recharged with food and a topped off subway card, I ran to the River Lodge RV. Resort in a matter of minutes. I had found a DVD on the road and I was ready to kick back and enjoy the entertainment. The lady at the check in desk was very thoughtful. When we asked her if she would like us to sign a book for her, she said, “No, save it for one of the kids at the hospital.” With plenty of sunlight left in the day, Crystal and I began to organize the trailer and prepare some space for the arrival of my mother.
The park was peaceful and the showers were hot. My body seemed to be oblivious to the mileage and abuse it had logged on the journey to date. I was glad the light days would continue until Tampa. It had been a while since our last event. And with the holidays well behind us, it was time to shake off the rust. Crystal had an event booked at the Boys and Girls Club in Homosassa FL. It was very close to Inglis which meant the light days would continue. Our lodging destination was the Homosassa RV resort.
As I ran through the Homosassa River area, signs alerted me that tourists came to swim with manatees. It was like a tropical paradise. The warm weather gave no indication of the winter season. We arrived to a resort with plenty of activities for retired people. That evening they would even have bingo in their community room. Residents commented on the warmth of the swimming pool and everyone smiled and waved as they passed.
I read my most recent book, “Hunter’s Will”, for the first time at the Boys and Girls Club. I figured it was a good idea to start figuring out how I wanted to present it. In the past I had to rehearse my books out loud several times so that I could remember the most powerful way to deliver the material.
Our final stop was Chili’s close to the club. The manager had said, “It’s a perfect time to come in. The dinner rush hasn’t started yet.” Mike and KC made sure we were very comfortable. They encouraged us to try some of the many new items on the menu. So Crystal and I left our comfort zone. The thin flat pizza filled me yet didn’t leave me feeling heavy. The buttery tasting jalapeno cornbread melted in my mouth and the skillet potato wedges gave me the carbohydrates I would need for the next day. It was certain that the last days of the first stage were finishing on a strong positive note. Of course, I was still waiting for my first alligator encounter.
Leave a reply