1/30/2015
The design of the Fairfield Inn and Suites was woodsy, modern, and cozy. I walked to the breakfast area and found plenty of other guests dining. The breakfast was similar to many of the hotels in terms of selection but their fluffy scrambled eggs were very easy to eat. The brightly colored fruit gave the dining area life while the ample land around the property gave the hotel a secluded, get away feel.
I asked the ladies to stay behind while I ran. I figured they might as well enjoy the comfort. I passed a few residences on Venice Ave. The properties seemed pretty big. Some had cows but they didn’t smell as much as the cattle in Texas. Perhaps they were a different type of cow. I also passed a couple of planned communities where blue heron basked in the sun. I stopped at a nature preserve for a brief moment to take some pictures of trees and to take a restroom break. A few miles later, after passing a couple of planned communities, I was reunited with the 41. It had been a great path with the exception of a couple poor drivers.
Crystal and my mom passed me then pulled over at North Port. The sun played hide and seek with me up to that point. Every time I took my shirt off it would hide behind a cloud. I felt as if I were constantly chasing the warm light. After North point I was rewarded with steady sunlight. The miles vanished under my feet. As autos sped past me I felt a ping in my stomach. I realized I didn’t eat as much at breakfast as I had planned. I stumbled into the beginning of Port Charlotte famished, so the news of a donated meal from Applebee’s perked my body back up. The GM Nicky was very generous with our meal and made sure we left very full. My mom had the salmon cedar with French onion soup while Crystal chose a curley pasta dish with shrimp. Mango iced tea quenched my thirst while I ate a tried and true favorite. Four cheese macaroni. The service was great and I was again ready to hit the road.
Only a few miles stood between me and a hot bath. My new pair of Saucony’s surrounded my feet like a glove and carried me to Rising Vapors. I met Scott and Darleen at the shop and they offered me a glass of water. The water hit the spot and it gave me another chance to talk about my adventure. I never realized that the Microtel hotel was less than a block away. I said good bye after downing the water and ran into the hotel. Traci greeted me in the outfitted lobby and we chatted for a moment. On the way to my room, the refreshments called out to me. But, for some reason I chose a hot chocolate. It seemed to be an odd choice of hydration. The hotel was newly acquired and all the furnishings felt very crisp. I thought the daybed by the window of the room was an excellent touch. As I relaxed in the room I reheated some of the food from lunch and mentally prepared for the following day’s mileage increase. 
Leave a reply