1/31/2015

The sounds from the road have changed slightly from state to state. On my 153rd day on the road, bugs hummed like nature’s engine as I ran along the Tamiani Trail. Birds chirped and of course cars zoomed. As a lady attempted to make an illegal turn, a guy in a large truck screamed obscenities. When I looked around for creatures performing the live soundtrack, I saw nothing. How did such tiny creatures create such big sound?

My first bridge of the day had cyclists racing on the southbound side. I ran against traffic on the northbound side toward Punta Gorda. When I hit the middle of the bridge a large gust blew a chill through my spine yet the sun secretly cooked my skin. The bicycles used as plant holders and decorations gave the town a laid back and organic feel...

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...

1/30/2015

With our final destination of the southern route just a few days away, we slowed down the adventure to enjoy our scenery. After an all American breakfast of eggs and pancakes we lounged in our room until checkout time. We stayed at Bentley’s Boutique hotel as long as we could because our destination was only ten miles away.

There wasn’t a single cloud lingering in the light blue sky when I finally stepped onto the road. The air was clean and my lungs sucked up as much oxygen as possible. I deep green vegetation surrounded me until the town of Venice. I had become accustomed my muscles warming up after several miles so I felt fresh when I turned off the 41 and onto Venice Ave. The street had plenty of shops and unique eateries...