2/5/2015

Before leaving the Trail Lakes Campgrounds in Ochopee, I visited their animal sanctuary with my mother. The very first thing I did was hold a baby gator. The thing was so relaxed and cute. I could see why all the alligators by the road hardly moved. They were just laid back animals. Almost all the reptiles had the same demeanor. The birds however were very outgoing. A tiny, orange bird was very cuddly and friendly. When I stroked its neck, it closed its eyes and its feathers puffed. After spending the morning with Rick and the animals, I resumed the journey. Crystal and my mom stayed behind. I had asked Crystal if she would drop a couple letters at the Ochopee post office for me. I had passed it the previous day and discovered it was the smallest post office in the United States...

2/3/2015

The media coverage continued to build. Crystal had become a well oiled machine; efficient. We ate a large breakfast in a dining area which hummed with activity. I had been informed that we had another interview with the Naples NBC so I would not have a chance for more rest. It took a while to find a running outfit that matched. Just as I put on the gear, the reporter and cameraman arrived. I had become accustomed to the routine and we jumped right into the job.

I gave a quick interview to the paper after the television cameras turned off and then I hit the road. Naples was a beautiful place. I ran past a marina area with many yachts and seafood restaurants. After twelve miles the city began to disappear...

2/1/2015

The scent from the kitchen kicked my morning appetite into overdrive. Cinnamon French toast seemed to be floating in the air. Breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn was fantastic. We were treated to omelets made to order. I shared a spinach omelet with my mother as a starter. I continued to return to the buffet for several different items. Followed my omelet with a light, flakey, custard tart pastry. The pastries were tasty but really I needed something that would provide me with ample fuel for the day. Two large pancakes with butter and syrup gave me that punch.

On the Tamiami trail, I ran from one nicely manicured community to the next. The buildings and communities looked like perfect life size models...