2/9/2015

The Florida Keys reminded me a lot of my native Taiwan. The scent of wild nature growing next to sea water fed me energy. Island culture has always had a laid back feel. Businesses seemed to open late and long haired island dwellers rode their bikes. Of course plenty of majestic houses had been erected close to the road. Yet, they seemed a bit out of reach as they were concealed with coconut trees and other greenery. Every now and then I passed stands filled with coconuts for sale. They only wanted $0.25-0.50. I don’t think the owners of the electrolyte filled nuts even cared if money was left behind.

The highlight of day 161 came when I got word that Crystal had secured a lunch donation from Marker 88. I ran right into the beachside location. The staff was casual and friendly...

2/7/2015

The Boardwalk rv park provided a peaceful place for us to rest our heads. We had a neighbor and she was one of those ladies that fed all the cats in the neighborhood. Some of her litter slept underneath the truck and trailer but didn’t make a peep. The hot, forceful water of the showers at the park washed away all my aches and I drifted into sleep the moment I hit the bed.

Before departing the next day, we had to maintain the trailer. That meant dumping the sewage. But that chore brought us to Rick and Sandy. The nice couple from Pennsylvania gave us a sendoff with a blessing. Every time I have hit the road after a prayer, wind would kick up under my feet.

I tackled the straight road with little support. There was nowhere on the path for Crystal to park the trailer...

2/6/2015

A strong but gentle wind rocked the trailer through the night. We were content with the swaying motion. The best part about the local was that the sound of roaring cars was practically muted. On this particular day I was content to make myself a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as my breakfast. As I ate I thought about how my next day would technically mark my second time crossing a continent. We did quite a few things better the second time around. I realized I had not yet completed the first stage of the run around the perimeter so I laced up and returned to the beauty of the road.

As I ran along the canal, fish jumped out of the water. Perhaps they were trying to eat insects or maybe they were just playing. Either way, it was pretty entertaining...