1/28/2015

As with any endeavor, commitment can take you far. It is necessary to know when to call it quits and when to keep pushing forward. Priorities aren’t right or wrong, they are just what a person values. Every time the thought of stopping the journey entered my mind, I gathered my focus and figured out my priorities. The dark moments and obstacles consumed me at the time, but with a little patience and perseverance, the adventure propelled me forward.

The Hampton Inn by the Sarasota airport had a French influenced décor. The earth and green colors kept me calm. Steam rose from the breakfast items fresh from the kitchen. I chose to start off with yogurt and fruit though...

1/27/2015

On day 147 we enjoyed the city of Tampa. We made sure the trailer was spotless and washed all our laundry before the arrival of my mother. In between preparing for another passenger in the trailer we managed to have a tasty lunch at Chili’s. The manager Amanda was very intriguing. We discovered she volunteered for a local animal shelter. She attended to customers with the same watchful eye. All was delicious as usual but the skillet toffee fudge brownie was an extra special treat. The meal kept me satisfied until we picked up my mother from the airport. Our room at the Marriott connected to the airport. The arrival gate was only two minutes from our room. This included the wait for the elevator. It was a happy reunion and it signaled our proximity to the tip of Florida.

My mom...

1/24/2015

If there is one thing the road has taught me, it’s that sweet kind people are everywhere. Gusts of wind whipped through the Big Oaks RV resort while we said good-bye to Ray and the friendly folks of the park. Large clouds blocked the glowing ball of heat in the sky but, the warmth persisted.

On day 145 there wasn’t much notable in terms of obstacle. There was a man riding a bike on the same path as me that spoke to himself in a loud voice. Racial slurs and profanity left his mouth every few blocks. We exchanged positions every so often. The points on the road where I passed him or he passed me, he said, “Hello Sir”. This interchange continued for several miles into the town of Lutz.

The highlight of the day came when I walked into Skipper’s Smokehouse...