OMG! Biking the Everglades was something else! The first night I slept behind a deserted building and across the street was a closed restaurant with an ICE MACHINE at my disposal. Does it get any better?
Monday morning I got an early start trying to beat the heat. On the road (with my water bottles all iced up!) at 6:45 a.m. Holy smokes! Headwinds!!!!! Pedaling at 5-8 miles an hour for hours and hours under blistering sun on a road that has all the Interstate 75's traffic rerouted onto it because 75 was closed due to smoke and fires. Think LA freeway in rush hour but there's only 2 lanes and impatient people. Finally I came upon the Loop Road, a gravel road "through" the Everglades. Highway 41 goes east and drops south before going east again. The Loop Road goes south, then east, and meets back up with Hwy 41. It was a treat to get out of the wind, the sun, the traffic, and the noise....back into the woods, so to speak. But the road was like a washboard in spots, had loose sand and holes, so I had to bike slowly and watch out, but....in life take the Loop Roads whenever you can. You'll not be disappointed. I saw large birds, white and black, otters playing in a mud hole, and tons and tons of alligators just off the side of the road. I also saw flowering air plants or orchids...not sure which. It was a beautiful ride. The map showed an Education Center about 2/3 down it and I was hoping to get more water there. (Have to always be aware of my water supply.) When I got there it was closed. I also found out that the mileage of the Loop Rd from where I started only counted to the Ed Center. I had another 8 miles to go before getting back to Hwy 41. So what do I do? Stop the next car I see and "yogi" for water. They didn't have water, but the mother offered her ice tea to me. (How sweet of her!) And the dad filled my water bottles with ice from their cooler! Better yet...colder! After sharing my story and the dad saying he hoped that his daughter and granddaughters were inspired by my tales, I biked on.
My plan for the day was to get all the way across the Everglades, but I hadn't counted on the wind. Pump, pump, pump, pump....and on and on into the wind, careful of the cars and trucks.
A stop at an Indian gift store led to my meeting 2 interesting people from Ohio who drove to FL, rented a Harley, and are on their way to Key West. Diana and Joe. We shared stories for a half hour or so, resting from the sun. I love the people!!!!!!!
From there I went down the road just a bit to the Indian tribe's restaurant where I got dinner, charged my batteries, shared stories with the waitress and talked with friends on the phone. At this point I still had about 20 miles to go and did not know where I would find to pitch my tent.
Let me describe the road at this point. On the north was a wide canal. To the south was a bit of mowed grass and dense (very dense) Florida brush. When there was a gap, they only went back in a short ways and the grass was always coarse, bushy, and not tent friendly. Harsh conditions!
So after filling up my bottles with ice and water, off I went about 6 p.m. From the night before, I knew I needed to be off the road by about 7:30 or I needed to put on my lights. (I have a blinking red light for the stern and my headlamp on my helmet for the bow.) Pump, pump, pump, down the road I go. Every pump painful for the crotch chafing that has made my life pretty miserable. I found this road the went south to the power lines and there was an old paved pathway with grass growing through it. Could I bike on this for a while and avoid the winds and traffic? Let's give it a try. So down it I go. There is FL weeds and brush on both sides as well as growing up through the pavement. I'm pedaling along with my iPod on when I see and alligator! OMG! I forgot to watch out for them! What was I thinking to even go down this road? Ahhh! It's dead...and there's another dead one on the other side. Oh boy, I'd better turn off the iPod and listen up! Pump, pump, pump, oh my god, a black snake in my path. I can't stop. I'm going to hit it. It's scrambling, I'm scrambling, chaos, my legs in the air, a sharp pain in my right thigh. I think it leaped up and bit me!
It doesn't seem to hurt enough to be a snake bit, but it sure look like it leaped at me. Did I scrape a bush? I don't know. If I die back here, no one will ever find me. Better make a video telling everyone what happened in case they do find me...dead. Bike on, for a mile and a half....and....dead end. Darn it. Gotta go back. Time wasted on this attempt. Back to the road. Pedal on.
It's getting dark. Put your lights on. There's a restaurant, closed, perhaps I can find a place to camp there. Nope. Fenced, gated, people across the road fishing in the canal. Just now as I write this, I guess I could have pedaled on for a ways, then when it was dark, come back and set up hoping no one would notice me. Not ideal, but an option.
But on I pedaled. Come up with a Plan B. What are you going to do, girl, if you don't find any place and it gets really dark? You can't bike out here. Too dangerous. I decided that when it got really dark, I would turn off my lights, get off my bike, and walk as far to the right as I could. I'd have been about 10' - 15' from the road. And I walk all night if I had to. What else could I do? This was my only fear coming true. Have faith. Something will show up. At least I had a plan.
Then about 8:15 I spotted an RV park. Yippee! I'm sure I can find a place in here to set up! And I did. I met George, a commercial airfreight loader, who was living out there now (since his company cut their budget and no longer put them up in hotels). He offered me his lawn to sleep on, his shower, food, plied me with liquor, offered me the couch to sleep on if I wanted it, and cooked me breakfast this morning. Just when you think things are at their worst, trail angels appear! He was a delight and cute besides. I love the people!!!!!
So this morning after eggs and pancakes, I started on down the road with only 5 miles left to get out of the Everglades. I stopped at a rustic rural store for ice water and info on a possible trail beside a canal that Google Maps was sending me down. I got both. I was also told the Krome Rd, my only other choice, had no shoulder. Ouch!
I got to the canal path and tried it, but the gravel was too rough and loose. Couldn't pedal on that for 20 miles. No way. So Krome Rd it is. God I hope it has a shoulder. Well, it did have a shoulder, but it also had narrow lanes and lots of traffic too. OMG! Tractor trailer trucks went by 3-4 feet off my elbow. Don't waiver. Your job is to keep straight and as far right as you can. Wished I paid more attention to the truck that said "Wide Load".... you know, the lead truck. The wide load almost took me out. I paid closer attention after that.
Bike for a few miles then find some shade. Cool down, get water, rest. Start again. I found that my large water bottle stored down in my black pannier actually stayed coldest the longest. Most of the day. Ice water never tasted so good. One stop was at a fruit and veggie stand. Madeleine picked me out a nice ripe mango and chatted me up. Then when 2 people ordered strawberry shakes, she gave me the leftovers that didn't fit in their glasses. Mmmmm good! Made with strawberries (fresh), milk, sugar, and ice. The real thing.
So on I trucked in to Homestead, FL. I never felt so relieved to be back in civilization in my life. The road got wider. The trucks disappeared. I could breathe easy again.
And then I got to my hostel for the night. Everglades International Hostel in Florida City is just the cutest, funkiest place on this earth! The internal court yard has outdoor rooms, an outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen, a gazebo, and a newly installed rock pool with a waterfall to stroll through. (I saved that for tomorrow. The shower came first.) This place is so cool, I'm afraid it may have Key West beat. I have decided to stay an extra night so that I can zero here tomorrow and enjoy the people and ambiance.
Life is good. I feel like I have new friends everywhere! This bike touring is more fun than I even imagined. And I don't think I'd want to do it any way but alone. I can do anything I want, when I want. And I meet more people alone.
I think I've found the life. Just no more Highway 41's, please.
Loving the life, Bag Lady/Kathryn
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Chillin' with a Key Limeade on Chokoloskee Island
Yesterday I made it 50 miles to Collier Seminole State Park. The ranger, Michelle, was a sweetheart and took great care me finding me ice... love ice! But as far as I'm concerned that was a $20 shower and the worst camping spot I've been in in years! Bugs, worn, dirty sand, and late night partying when I needed to get up early. But the partiers were wonderful neighbors that offered me dinner, drinks, and companionship. It's just that when I need to get some sleep, they didn't. Oh well. I did enjoy sharing my story with them and one of the guys, Tom, is planning to hike the AT with a buddy next year.
Got off early today for a fun day of pedaling on 41 across the Everglades: strong headwinds, lots of cars, rumble strips and raised reflectors on the wonderfully wide shoulder (so I can't use it). Met a fascinating birdman at the Big Cypress Boardwalk and he had a big lens to get up close photos of red breasted hawk nesting, ospry nesting, and alligators. Allen was a treat to meet and walk and talk with. I learned lots, and saw more than I would have alone, that's for sure!
Made the wise decision to go the extra miles out to Everglade City and Chokoloskee Island. The town is small and quaint...just my kind of place. Martin LeBlanc (remember him?) told me about the Triad restaurant and I'm going back there for a late lunch/early dinner. ( I try to eat only twice a day - one in a restaurant or grocery store). While biking through EC, I saw this tall isolated grove of trees popping and burning. Some guy went running into a nearby house and got a fire extinguisher (like that was going to do any good!). I called 911. The fire trucks were there quickly getting it extinguished. There were pickup trucks parked right next to it (fisherman leaving their cars there for the day and couldn't be moved) and houses nearby.
On to Chokoloshee Island to tour around before going back the Triad. While pedaling out here, a woman pulled along side to tell me: 1) I'm getting a bad burn on my lower back, and 2) there's a great place to get key limeade off the main drag, JT's Island Cafe and Gallery. And that's where I am right now. And they have free internet! How grand is that. Feel like I'm on the AT again, trying to get all my internet stuff done. Love that feeling of being on the AT.
This guy just sat down to talk with me about my ride. He's a biker and has gone cross country and all around Europe. So nice to talk to others who have done what I'm doing and get it. He's a kayak guide down here now. What a life! Dean, I still think you should hike the AT. It's your kind of life and people!
It's hot out there, cool (but not air conditioned) in here...so where should I be? The key limeade is delicious, cold, and refreshing. I just checked the menu...there's Greek salad. I may have to have that! I'll get a fish appetizer later at the Triad before heading back to 41 and moving on into that headwind again...to find a place to sleep tonight. My plan is to bike til dark (or nearly so) because the mosquitos and deer flies will eat me alive if I'm just hanging around camp. I'm going to try for a very very very early start tomorrow....like on the road at 5...Thumper would be proud of me! I hate to get up early as he knows. (For those who don't know it, Thumper's a guy I hiked for 4 months on the AT and I credit him with "dragging my ass to Maine".)
Pedaling on, Bag Lady
Got off early today for a fun day of pedaling on 41 across the Everglades: strong headwinds, lots of cars, rumble strips and raised reflectors on the wonderfully wide shoulder (so I can't use it). Met a fascinating birdman at the Big Cypress Boardwalk and he had a big lens to get up close photos of red breasted hawk nesting, ospry nesting, and alligators. Allen was a treat to meet and walk and talk with. I learned lots, and saw more than I would have alone, that's for sure!
Made the wise decision to go the extra miles out to Everglade City and Chokoloskee Island. The town is small and quaint...just my kind of place. Martin LeBlanc (remember him?) told me about the Triad restaurant and I'm going back there for a late lunch/early dinner. ( I try to eat only twice a day - one in a restaurant or grocery store). While biking through EC, I saw this tall isolated grove of trees popping and burning. Some guy went running into a nearby house and got a fire extinguisher (like that was going to do any good!). I called 911. The fire trucks were there quickly getting it extinguished. There were pickup trucks parked right next to it (fisherman leaving their cars there for the day and couldn't be moved) and houses nearby.
On to Chokoloshee Island to tour around before going back the Triad. While pedaling out here, a woman pulled along side to tell me: 1) I'm getting a bad burn on my lower back, and 2) there's a great place to get key limeade off the main drag, JT's Island Cafe and Gallery. And that's where I am right now. And they have free internet! How grand is that. Feel like I'm on the AT again, trying to get all my internet stuff done. Love that feeling of being on the AT.
This guy just sat down to talk with me about my ride. He's a biker and has gone cross country and all around Europe. So nice to talk to others who have done what I'm doing and get it. He's a kayak guide down here now. What a life! Dean, I still think you should hike the AT. It's your kind of life and people!
It's hot out there, cool (but not air conditioned) in here...so where should I be? The key limeade is delicious, cold, and refreshing. I just checked the menu...there's Greek salad. I may have to have that! I'll get a fish appetizer later at the Triad before heading back to 41 and moving on into that headwind again...to find a place to sleep tonight. My plan is to bike til dark (or nearly so) because the mosquitos and deer flies will eat me alive if I'm just hanging around camp. I'm going to try for a very very very early start tomorrow....like on the road at 5...Thumper would be proud of me! I hate to get up early as he knows. (For those who don't know it, Thumper's a guy I hiked for 4 months on the AT and I credit him with "dragging my ass to Maine".)
Pedaling on, Bag Lady
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Day 5 - Hoofing it to the Everglades
I'm finally in a library with some internet access to update my blog. I love and hate my new iPhone. There's so much to learn and I get all tangled up but it's not easy to get untangled and I don't want to waste time trying to figure things out. Oh well!
I am having the time of my life. You should see me sailing along on my bike in my bathing suit top (string back to eliminate dorky tan lines) and bike shorts hitched up (for same reason) with rainbow banner waving off the back iPod in my ears, singing away! Every one I talk to cannot believe my age or that I'm doing this alone. Get over it people!
For the last 2 nights I slept on Ft. Myers Beach. It's allowed. The cop and beach patrol said so. Met some interesting people. Walking on the beach, I met Martin LeBlanc about whom the movie Gross Pointe Blank was filmed. He said it was a Hollywood exaggeration of his life. Now I have to see the movie. I met 10 woman "my age" (so said the resort manager) in their 40's, visiting from Kansas. They fed me a steak dinner the first night. Last night I met a woman at the same resort (think quaint, cozy, 50's, 5 unit resort with murals) and she shared her margaritas and cheese crunchies with me while we shared the stories of our lives and loves. I just love the people I meet. That's no different than the Appalachian Trail.
This morning I had an expensive breakfast and a cafe (I didn't think it would cost that much!) and the Mexican waiter ws so cute and interested in my ride and bike. Language was a barrier and gave me the feeling of what riding through Mexico would be like. I need to learn some Spanish! I understand more than I can say. (good project for next winter....or just go to Mexico next winter and learn it...better yet!)
I haven't had to worry about rain, but I forgot about sprinklers! I woke up during the night to the strangest noise hitting my tent and then stopping and then hitting it again. Sounds like rain. Nope, not raining! What's going on? Finally I figured out: sprinklers on! But I forgot to think about my bike. Everything on it got wet. Oh well, we dried out on the lawn of the Holiday Inn around noon time.
Homeless and happy!
The Bag Lady, Kathryn
I am having the time of my life. You should see me sailing along on my bike in my bathing suit top (string back to eliminate dorky tan lines) and bike shorts hitched up (for same reason) with rainbow banner waving off the back iPod in my ears, singing away! Every one I talk to cannot believe my age or that I'm doing this alone. Get over it people!
For the last 2 nights I slept on Ft. Myers Beach. It's allowed. The cop and beach patrol said so. Met some interesting people. Walking on the beach, I met Martin LeBlanc about whom the movie Gross Pointe Blank was filmed. He said it was a Hollywood exaggeration of his life. Now I have to see the movie. I met 10 woman "my age" (so said the resort manager) in their 40's, visiting from Kansas. They fed me a steak dinner the first night. Last night I met a woman at the same resort (think quaint, cozy, 50's, 5 unit resort with murals) and she shared her margaritas and cheese crunchies with me while we shared the stories of our lives and loves. I just love the people I meet. That's no different than the Appalachian Trail.
This morning I had an expensive breakfast and a cafe (I didn't think it would cost that much!) and the Mexican waiter ws so cute and interested in my ride and bike. Language was a barrier and gave me the feeling of what riding through Mexico would be like. I need to learn some Spanish! I understand more than I can say. (good project for next winter....or just go to Mexico next winter and learn it...better yet!)
I haven't had to worry about rain, but I forgot about sprinklers! I woke up during the night to the strangest noise hitting my tent and then stopping and then hitting it again. Sounds like rain. Nope, not raining! What's going on? Finally I figured out: sprinklers on! But I forgot to think about my bike. Everything on it got wet. Oh well, we dried out on the lawn of the Holiday Inn around noon time.
Homeless and happy!
The Bag Lady, Kathryn
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Visiting Nutella and Moonpie and then back to Sarasota
I love having trail friends all over the place. Nutella is a young woman I met in Millinocket at the end of the trail. She "yogi'd" a ride from us back to her hometown in Camden Maine, but we got the best tour of the coast - what a wealth of information she has. Her family is living in Florida now. So when I knew I was passing through, I made a call to her and asked to crash on her couch or floor. Her place in Winter Park is adorable. I small but efficient one bedroom - and so well decorated. I pulled my air mattress, my silk liner, my pillow from the car and made a great bed on her living room floor. I love being able to sleep anywhere. Flexible, I am. We had a great dinner at my favorite chain, Chipotle, and then she drove me out to Big Tree Park where there are two ancient palmetto trees, one 2000 years old and the other 3500 years old. They were massive! Biggest trees I've ever seen next to the California redwoods. Then we toured downtown Orlando. When I think of Orlando, I think of Disney. But, guess what! There's more to Orlando than Disney! There were funky restaurants and art galleries. There were quaint homes on cobblestoned streets. Beautiful place. I could live there! The next day we hooked up with Moonpie for breakfast. He's a young man that I hiked with through New Hampshire and Maine. He saved the day for me at Zealand Hut in the Whites when, after my noticing that I had lost a croc and was moping around thinking how difficult life was going to be without it, he comes tromping it waving a croc about asking if anyone had lost it. Trail magic! I told him I loved him from that moment on!!! Moonpie used to sell cars in Raleigh NC before hiking the trail. After the trail he said he couldn't go back to that job and heard that Disney was hiring. He got a job down here managing their food and beverage carts. I may have to stop back and see him on my way out of Florida because he can get me in to the park for free. I'd love to see Universal studios! We'll have to see... Using my new toy, my iPhone, I found a favorite, funky breakfast spot in Orlando that neither Nutella nor Moonpie knew about: All American Cafe on Ferncreek Ave. Yummeeee! They have a breakfast buffet on Sundays that is to die for! A very rustic but real spot. Check it out if you're ever in Orlando - downtown.
Next stop after hugging my buds goodbye, for now, was to stop and see an ex-Xerox colleague who's moved to Palmetto FL. Laura Meyers is a changed woman. She's lost 50 lbs, hired a personal trainer, met a wonderful man, and is getting married May 2. I wouldn't have recognized her on the street - she looked fabulous!!! She's my mentor now. These extra few pounds have got to go. I want to be a lean, mean, sexy machine when I get back to Fairport. I really only have to work on the lean part, I think...and maybe some sexy lingerie would help. After a short, but sweet visit to Laura and Frank's new home, catching up on the news, sharing photos of the trail, and getting to know Frank a bit (loves the outdoors...my kind of guy!), I moved on down the road back to Kim's house in Sarasota. Here I'll pack my bike, store my SUV and canoe, get my new credit card (yup, right in the middle of this trip Citicards decides it needs to reissue my card to protect me...they did this while I was on the trail, too...thanks Citibank for making my life so easy), get my new battery-driven charger for my iPhone and iPod, and off I'll go, tomorrow. I'm chomping at the bit to get this show on the road. I'm ready for sun, sand, pedals, tents, and freedom - all by myself. I may get to Key West and not leave. Stranger things have happened!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Hanging Out
Not much news to report, just hanging out with my daughter and her roommates. Finally got a couple of short bike rides in around St. Augustine, but have barely begun to condition for this long trip starting next week. Guess I'll just have to get in shape as I go, instead of biking in circles to get ready for it. I may have some short days in the beginning, but I have no time constraints so I can take as long as I wish.
I have also managed to get down to the beach a couple of times: once to catch some rays and walk for an hour or so...then again last night to enjoy the breezes, smells, and sounds. I do love the beach!
Wednesday I'm hoping to hook up with Hammock Hanger who lives in Jacksonville and do some paddling on the intercoastal waterway. Then, at least, my canoe will get off the car and get wet. I also have a place south of here to put in on Thursday. I was hoping to go there tomorrow but they're calling for thunderstorms...not a good time to be on the water in a toy boat.
So hang tight. I'm hoping the bike trip starts next Monday, or Tuesday at the latest. I'm as anxious as y'all to get started. Once I do begin, I won't have internet access unless I find libraries with connections. We'll just have to see what gives.
I have to say my knee has not been cooperating. It's fine as long as I don't use it. It's had some issues biking because of the torque I have to get it to release my clips...ouch! I was reading about using a foam roller to stretch the IT band and help to release some of the trigger points, so I decided to buy one today. Now, my friends know how frugal I can be. Well, the real foam roller sold to do this (with CD) was $22, BUT they were selling foam roller water shooters for $10! It's smaller in diameter, but does the trick. Hey, $12 is $12, and I didn't need the CD...
I guess that's all the news that's fit to print.
Hugs to all, Bag Lady
I have also managed to get down to the beach a couple of times: once to catch some rays and walk for an hour or so...then again last night to enjoy the breezes, smells, and sounds. I do love the beach!
Wednesday I'm hoping to hook up with Hammock Hanger who lives in Jacksonville and do some paddling on the intercoastal waterway. Then, at least, my canoe will get off the car and get wet. I also have a place south of here to put in on Thursday. I was hoping to go there tomorrow but they're calling for thunderstorms...not a good time to be on the water in a toy boat.
So hang tight. I'm hoping the bike trip starts next Monday, or Tuesday at the latest. I'm as anxious as y'all to get started. Once I do begin, I won't have internet access unless I find libraries with connections. We'll just have to see what gives.
I have to say my knee has not been cooperating. It's fine as long as I don't use it. It's had some issues biking because of the torque I have to get it to release my clips...ouch! I was reading about using a foam roller to stretch the IT band and help to release some of the trigger points, so I decided to buy one today. Now, my friends know how frugal I can be. Well, the real foam roller sold to do this (with CD) was $22, BUT they were selling foam roller water shooters for $10! It's smaller in diameter, but does the trick. Hey, $12 is $12, and I didn't need the CD...
I guess that's all the news that's fit to print.
Hugs to all, Bag Lady
Friday, April 10, 2009
Moving On
After 3 full days in Sarasota, it's time for this wanderer to hit the road again. I'll be packing up my toys (oh yah, I didn't unpack any of them here) and heading on to St. Augustine to spend some time with daughter number 2, Dana. She, her boyfriend Joe, and his friend Carl all share a small house there. I may have to sleep in the back of my SUV or go to the beach and camp if room is really limited... I not sure what the accommodations will be. But Dana knows I can sleep anywhere, so things will be fine.
I'm hoping to hook with a trail buddy, Hammock Hanger, who lives in Jacksonville. We may do some paddling although I don't know where exactly. The story of how we met is a true example of the wonders of the Appalachian Trail. I started my trail journal on line (at trailjournals.com) before I left home and in it I mentioned that I was going to use a hammock. Hammock Hanger read my journal and signed my guestbook. We corresponded a bit. Her plan for the summer was to hike the Eastern Continental Trail, I think it's called. Then, out on the AT, in Virginia, hiking along, didn't our paths cross? She on her trail, me on mine, where her's and mine were one for a while! How serendipitous was that? We hiked together for a couple of days before her trail broke off from the AT. So now we're hoping to hook up again and get our feet wet.
I've been busy planning my bike tour. The one place in Florida that I've always wanted to see was Key West. And now I've decided to bike there. Kim, my friend here in Sarasota, suggested I take advantage of the fast ferry between Key West and Fort Myers, and the plan was born. After checking for the direction of the prevailing winds in the keys, I've decided to bike from Sarasota to Key West, then take the ferry back to Fort Myers and bike back to Sarasota. Distance: about 425 miles. I'm in no hurry and will visit and play along the way. I'll try not to just put my head down and pedal on without seeing the sites. I'll camp mostly - stealth camp as much as I can, but a shower at the end of the day in a campground is also welcome. I'll get a room only when I can't camp.
I'm excited because this will be a blast seeing new sights and meeting new people, but also scared because I don't know what I don't know. And what I don't know could get me in to trouble.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Beat Goes On
The photos are of Yonder spinning a pizza that he then baked in his gas oven on the back of the truck. Hot pizza trail magic!
Oh, well, looks like canoeing is on hold altogether. Okeefenoke was booked, the rivers are swollen, my "toy boat" may be too small for the Intercoastal Waterway and its rough waters, and it's dang cold here in the south this week and all I brought was my 50* bag, so EZ and I decided this was not the time to do this trip. Perhaps towards the end of April we can do it. We'll just have to see how things happen.
Now what do I do? I call my girlfriend in Sarasota, the one I was going to bike from St. Augustine to see and decide to stay with her this week. My daughter, Dana, is working all week so she doesn't want me to arrive there until Friday. Homeless. I'm beginning to feel it. But not friendless!
Now I have to rethink the bike trip. Where to go? Any suggestions? I was originally going to bike from St. Augustine over here to Sarasota and back. Now I should bike to somewhere else. But where? I'll be starting mid week, next week. I've always wanted to see the Keys, maybe I'll drive closer and bike down from there. Hmmm. Flexible. Remain flexible. It will be what it's suppose to be. Can't wait til the Universe fills me in!
Now remember:
1. I love to sing, but can't carry a tune... even in a bucket. This video even had me in stitches. I know my daughters will really get a kick out of it!
2. I'm new at this blog thing, so lower your expectations. I'm doing the best I can, but I'd rather be doing stuff other than sitting at this computer writing and uploading photos.
Step Lightly,
Bag Lady
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Suwanee Above Flood Stage
Rain in Florida last week has caused the Suwanee River to flood, so we've had to cancel our canoe trip down it. Boo hoo!
I'm here in Atlanta now at E. Z. Duzit's and Marybeth's house. Looks like EZ and I are going to try canoeing the Okeefenokee National Wildlife Refuge together. Thumper's already done it before and wasn't interested in joining us. Marybeth was looking forward to having the week to herself and encouraged us to go anyways. So EZ and I are going to see if we can rent a 2 person canoe and go explore the swamp which is in the southern part of Georgia. Tomorrow we'll make some phone calls and see what trip we can put together for this week.
I've learned long ago that you have to be flexible and just go with the flow. I'm disappointed The Three Snoozes (EZ, Thumper, and me) won't be together floating down the Suwanee as planned, but whatever we end up doing will be fun! We'll miss Thumper, though.
I'm here in Atlanta now at E. Z. Duzit's and Marybeth's house. Looks like EZ and I are going to try canoeing the Okeefenokee National Wildlife Refuge together. Thumper's already done it before and wasn't interested in joining us. Marybeth was looking forward to having the week to herself and encouraged us to go anyways. So EZ and I are going to see if we can rent a 2 person canoe and go explore the swamp which is in the southern part of Georgia. Tomorrow we'll make some phone calls and see what trip we can put together for this week.
I've learned long ago that you have to be flexible and just go with the flow. I'm disappointed The Three Snoozes (EZ, Thumper, and me) won't be together floating down the Suwanee as planned, but whatever we end up doing will be fun! We'll miss Thumper, though.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Giving Trail Magic
I'm too busy to be writing. And I hope to be able to post some photos, but I don't want this journal to own me. I don't think it's going to be a daily blog as it's started out to be.
But today was great fun. Janet, Yonder and I went up to Garenflo Gap just south of Hot Springs and fed 8 hikers pizza cooked in the back of the truck, hot dogs and bratworst, fruit, candy, chips, and soda. We couldn't believe that 2 of the hikers had bear stories! One of them was approached by a bear as he was cooking his dinner. He grabbed his food and ran down the trail to another hiker's site where he hung his food with the other guy's. When he went up later, the bear was gone. The other guy saw a mama and cub come right through his site. He was in his tent and could hear her claw at the tree. She got his food bag down, broke it open and tore through all his food. When he finally got nerve to go out and see what was left, there was nothing left of his food bag, but the Mountain House meals were left behind - not a favorite he guessed!
I can't tell you how much I wanted to just walk off with those guys heading north. And to be able to get just a whiff of hiker funk was a real treat. It's surprising what things you miss.
Off to Atlanta tomorrow to spend the night with E. Z. Duzit, then he's riding with me down to Florida on Monday.
I'm happy to be wandering again. Photos will have to wait until after the canoe trip.
But today was great fun. Janet, Yonder and I went up to Garenflo Gap just south of Hot Springs and fed 8 hikers pizza cooked in the back of the truck, hot dogs and bratworst, fruit, candy, chips, and soda. We couldn't believe that 2 of the hikers had bear stories! One of them was approached by a bear as he was cooking his dinner. He grabbed his food and ran down the trail to another hiker's site where he hung his food with the other guy's. When he went up later, the bear was gone. The other guy saw a mama and cub come right through his site. He was in his tent and could hear her claw at the tree. She got his food bag down, broke it open and tore through all his food. When he finally got nerve to go out and see what was left, there was nothing left of his food bag, but the Mountain House meals were left behind - not a favorite he guessed!
I can't tell you how much I wanted to just walk off with those guys heading north. And to be able to get just a whiff of hiker funk was a real treat. It's surprising what things you miss.
Off to Atlanta tomorrow to spend the night with E. Z. Duzit, then he's riding with me down to Florida on Monday.
I'm happy to be wandering again. Photos will have to wait until after the canoe trip.
The Drama Continues April 3
Well, as if I didn’t have enough suspense yesterday, today I had the usual problem of remembering to get gas. Even after I thought about it, I just as quickly forget that I needed to get it. And I found myself driving through the mountains of North Carolina with the fuel light on (who knows how long) and the needle below empty. Dang it! I’m going to have another catastrophe today. I’m going to run out of gas miles from nowhere. Just keep driving. Keep driving. There’s got to be gas soon. Miles after mile of rolling mountains and no signs of civilization. How long can I go? What will I do if I run out? Is that a sign? Yes. Can I get there? Sputter, sputter as I exit the highway. Keep running. Fumes. I made it on funes. That seems to be a theme for me. I did it 5 times on my trip to Minnesota last fall. The 5th time I ran out. Had to bike to a gas station, buy a gas can and gas, and bike back to my car. Didn’t really want to do that in the mountains.
I had a technology breakdown. I got this gadget that plugs in to the lighter and provides a household outlet for charging all my "things", but when I went to use it....nada, nothing, no power! Found out here at Janet and Yonder's that my lighter doesn't work and it's not a blown fuse. But, aha, this gadget also clips to the battery and charges stuff, but I have to be stopped and sit around while it does its thing. That's not as efficient as I was hoping, but it does keep me powered....and that option does work.
The drive today through the rain was quite beautiful. I saw my first blossoms in WV. The woods and mountains were tugging at my heart. I do love them so. So many trail memories came flooding back. And as I looked at those mountains that I hiked through, even I couldn't believe that I had hiked 2175 miles two years ago. It just seems so formidable.
I had a technology breakdown. I got this gadget that plugs in to the lighter and provides a household outlet for charging all my "things", but when I went to use it....nada, nothing, no power! Found out here at Janet and Yonder's that my lighter doesn't work and it's not a blown fuse. But, aha, this gadget also clips to the battery and charges stuff, but I have to be stopped and sit around while it does its thing. That's not as efficient as I was hoping, but it does keep me powered....and that option does work.
The drive today through the rain was quite beautiful. I saw my first blossoms in WV. The woods and mountains were tugging at my heart. I do love them so. So many trail memories came flooding back. And as I looked at those mountains that I hiked through, even I couldn't believe that I had hiked 2175 miles two years ago. It just seems so formidable.
An Auspicious Beginning April 2
Got the car packed, the house cleaned, and the food from the fridge delivered, and the return trip to the house to fetch a forgotten item completed, I was now on the road. It was a good drive east towards Erie, Pa, then south toward Pittsburgh and beyond. I had great new music and audiobooks on my iPod. I was all set. And it felt so good to be traveling again. New adventures! I’m most myself when I’m traveling, on the road to somewhere new.
The canoe strapped to the top of the car is rumbling and humming. The bike on a rack on the back is rocking to and fro. The interior of the car is filled to the brim. I think I have enough stuff to be gone 6 months to a year, not just 6 weeks. Well, maybe....
It got dark, and now I couldn’t see the canoe but I could hear it being noisier than usual. I was so scared that my overpriced new toy was going to go flying off the car. Were the straps tight enough? Did it matter if it started to twist off center? What’s it doing now? I can’t see it. So stop. Leave your lights on, it’s dark out here. Grab your headlamp to see the straps. Push the button to unlock all the doors. Close the driver’s door. Open the back door to step up and check the straps. Locked? Locked! Driver’s door: locked, too! Shit! What have I gotten myself into? I’m standing here in the dark, on the side of Interstate 79S, in only a t-shirt and pants with a headlamp. Everything else is locked in my car. I’m screwed...royally! What do I do now? Only thing I can do, try and get someone to stop and help me. Start waving my arms while standing near rear of car. 1...2...3...4...5...6...7... cars pass. They even move over to outside lane so as to not hit me, I guess. Move to the front of the car so the headlights might make me more visable. Keep waving. 8...9...10...11...12...13... and 19...20...21 Where’s a cop when you need one? What’s behind me? Oh, wonderful! Someone stopped! I’ll be all right now. Gregory, a plumber from West Virginia. Thank you, Trail Angel. Call 911 on his cell. Oh, the police can’t help me. Do you have AAA? (and I thought several times about getting it before I left mostly for the maps....sure could use it now!) No. So how are you going to help me get off the side of your highway? I can’t stay here. Call a tow truck. Where are you? I don’t know. Gregory and I try to remember what signs we might have seen recently. I think we’re 20 miles north of Morgantown WV. Greg thinks he saw a sign for Kirby. It will be 30 minutes. Greg says he’ll wait with me til they arrive. I”m sure glad because his truck is warmer than outside.. He just built a house. I hiked the Appalachian Trail. He loves his grandkids. I don’t have grandkids. And on, and on. Where is that tow truck? We call. They can’t find us. We tell them what we know. They’ll keep driving further up the highway. Finally! And $50 bucks later I’m back on the road.
Just like on the Appalachian Trail (AT), there are good people who help you when you need them. Trail Magic. It’s still happening. The world is a good place. Please believe it.
So on I drove another hour to a rest area to spend the night. It was getting quite late by now. A special friend kept me company on my cell phone while I got to where I was to spend the night and settled in. I felt safe, connected, appreciated, and free.
The lights were sure bright, but post it notes properly placed on the windows blocked the direct lights. Comfy mattress, my own bed pillow, and a sleeping bag. Zzzzzzz. Nightie night.
Oh yeah, as suggested by someone dear to me, I’m now wearing my extra key around my neck. Not going to have that problem again...I’ll have a different one, I’m sure.
The canoe strapped to the top of the car is rumbling and humming. The bike on a rack on the back is rocking to and fro. The interior of the car is filled to the brim. I think I have enough stuff to be gone 6 months to a year, not just 6 weeks. Well, maybe....
It got dark, and now I couldn’t see the canoe but I could hear it being noisier than usual. I was so scared that my overpriced new toy was going to go flying off the car. Were the straps tight enough? Did it matter if it started to twist off center? What’s it doing now? I can’t see it. So stop. Leave your lights on, it’s dark out here. Grab your headlamp to see the straps. Push the button to unlock all the doors. Close the driver’s door. Open the back door to step up and check the straps. Locked? Locked! Driver’s door: locked, too! Shit! What have I gotten myself into? I’m standing here in the dark, on the side of Interstate 79S, in only a t-shirt and pants with a headlamp. Everything else is locked in my car. I’m screwed...royally! What do I do now? Only thing I can do, try and get someone to stop and help me. Start waving my arms while standing near rear of car. 1...2...3...4...5...6...7... cars pass. They even move over to outside lane so as to not hit me, I guess. Move to the front of the car so the headlights might make me more visable. Keep waving. 8...9...10...11...12...13... and 19...20...21 Where’s a cop when you need one? What’s behind me? Oh, wonderful! Someone stopped! I’ll be all right now. Gregory, a plumber from West Virginia. Thank you, Trail Angel. Call 911 on his cell. Oh, the police can’t help me. Do you have AAA? (and I thought several times about getting it before I left mostly for the maps....sure could use it now!) No. So how are you going to help me get off the side of your highway? I can’t stay here. Call a tow truck. Where are you? I don’t know. Gregory and I try to remember what signs we might have seen recently. I think we’re 20 miles north of Morgantown WV. Greg thinks he saw a sign for Kirby. It will be 30 minutes. Greg says he’ll wait with me til they arrive. I”m sure glad because his truck is warmer than outside.. He just built a house. I hiked the Appalachian Trail. He loves his grandkids. I don’t have grandkids. And on, and on. Where is that tow truck? We call. They can’t find us. We tell them what we know. They’ll keep driving further up the highway. Finally! And $50 bucks later I’m back on the road.
Just like on the Appalachian Trail (AT), there are good people who help you when you need them. Trail Magic. It’s still happening. The world is a good place. Please believe it.
So on I drove another hour to a rest area to spend the night. It was getting quite late by now. A special friend kept me company on my cell phone while I got to where I was to spend the night and settled in. I felt safe, connected, appreciated, and free.
The lights were sure bright, but post it notes properly placed on the windows blocked the direct lights. Comfy mattress, my own bed pillow, and a sleeping bag. Zzzzzzz. Nightie night.
Oh yeah, as suggested by someone dear to me, I’m now wearing my extra key around my neck. Not going to have that problem again...I’ll have a different one, I’m sure.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Night Before I Leave
It's the night before I hit the road. I'm taking off for 6 weeks, driving down to Florida with all my toys. I'm taking my bike, my canoe, and my backpack for what I'm calling the Southeast Trifecta. Someone else suggested it was a triathlon. I like that better. My plan is to canoe 4 days on the Suwanee River with friends from my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2007 - Thumper and E. Z. Duzit. Then I'll head over to St. Augustine to visit with my daughter, Dana and her boyfriend, Joe. When they get tired of me and kick me out, I'll hop on my bike and pedal over to Sarasota to visit a dear friend, Kim. It's about 250 miles across the state and this will be my maiden voyage of a solo loaded bike tour. I'm excited and scared. It's been nearly 20 years since my last tour and I was not alone. But I feel like I can do anything after hiking from Georgia to Maine! My only concern is finding a place every night to set up my tent, but I guess I'll figure it all out once I get biking. After spending a few days in Sarasota (friends and fish smell after 3 days), I'll bike a different route back to St. Augustine. I'm also hoping to hook up with another trail friend, Hammock Hanger, who lives in Jacksonville. We're planning on paddling the Intercoastal Waterway some, maybe a couple of days if we can work it out.
I forgot to mention that on the drive down to Florida I'm going to be staying with other trail friends, Janet and Yonder, who live in Asheville, NC. Then I'm driving to Atlanta to stay over with E. Z. Duzit and his family. It's really fabulous the wonderful friends I made while hiking the AT and I love the fact that we've been able to keep the friendships going. The friendships were made easily out there, bonding quite quickly. And long times can pass, but a quick phone call and the close connection is made again. It's so special to me to have these dear friends all over the country.
Then after the canoeing and biking and visiting with Dana, I'm going to mosey up to Virginia and hike from north of Damascus down to Trail Days (hiker reunion) with Thumper and E. Z. Duzit. If I have extra time, I may hike a few days alone and catch them closer to Damascus...just cuz I can! Might as well enjoy this free lifestyle.
And thank goodness for a dear friend back home who is caring for my house, yard, plants, and mail. Bonnie, you are a godsend.
So all I have left to do tomorrow is get everything loaded up, fret about what I've missed, perhaps get one more CrossFit workout in (I'm going to miss that place), and clean the house. All this while not pissing off my left knee which has been a bit irked lately. It prefers resting, stretching, and icing. I'll try and accommodate it as much as possible.
Well, I'll try and use this blog to keep everyone up to speed on what I'm doing. Now I won't be writing every day like I did on the AT. For one, I don't have the same device with me. I'll do the best I can when I get to a computer.
Enjoy the spring!
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