Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sorry to abruptly end my last post. The truth is I was down to seconds on the public library's time limit and had to jolt to a finish. I suppose I was at day five when i left off. I finished out the night with a delicious Papa John's pizza and a swell campsite which was offered to me for free and was equipped with laundry, showers, bathrooms, water, and electricity. It was luxurious. I woke up the next morning in a sort of lazy haze, I had slept the best out of all the nights thus far and was not moving very fast. I talked with a guy next to me who was from Ottawa for a good while during the time I cooked breakfast and packed up my things. We both agreed that south Florida was the place to be right about now and were celebrating the sunshine and our lack of depression.
I was soon off towards Orlando. I found a few bike paths and went with the flow, otherwise I was traveling very slowly as I road along bumpy, tedious sidewalk paths. at about 2 I stopped in a vegetarian restaurant for some lunch. I got some vegetable curry with tofu, good, but I wouldn't get it again, which I'm sure I never will.
I got kind of lucky later that afternoon. A woman, named Kat, who owns antique shops picked me up in her dodge ram, all my stuff, the whole bike at once we managed to pick up. We drove around looking for her friend who was about my age, played banjo, and was interested in organic farming. She insisted that i meet him. Unfortunately he was not where to be found, but in the end she let me sleep on her couch, which was very kind of her. We had dinner complete with brussell sprouts and sweet patatoe, a little turkey, and some rice noodles. It was delicious after a long day and we spent a little time drinking tea and conversing about the state of the country and of nutrition. My deepest gratitude goes out to Kat for her wholesome hospitality.
I arose quickly the next morning at about 8 and set into the town of Eustis for some coffee, oatmeal, and directions. I was grateful to find a cool little coffee shop named Olivia's with Olivia right there glad to help me with directions. She lead me right through the Ocala National Forest which was the most beautiful stretch of land I have been through yet. There were beautiful lakes and golden prairies and the gigantic oak trees that were decorated in that Spanish moss you see everywhere throughout the south. IT was pristine. I think yesterdays trip was about 65 miles. As I was coming in I decided to stop at a pier that goes into a natural preserve called Paynes Prairie. Its a neat place where lots of animals including bison are visible. The interesting thing for me was not the landscape, but an old man I met on the pier. He has a strange resemblance to my grandfather, Hugh Sullivan. He looked very much like him for one thing and perhaps thats all, but since I do not remember his personality, it was neat to feel like I could be talking to my grandfather. He had an abundance of history and stories, I just knew, so I did not rush away, but enjoyed his company, as he did, mine.
When I finally arrived to Gainesville, I found some kids playing frisbee and decided I would try and get in. We played and it was a good game, my team barely losing 11-10, but good competition. I soon realized I had a flat tire as I pulled away and decided I need food more so found a nice sushi restaurant and got FED. It was great. I was fast asleep, stealthily.
Today I am thinking of hanging around till the Hare Krishna lunch. It is an Indian religious group that does free meals. They have one in Detroit at the Fisher Mansion. Amazing Indian Food, my favorite. Anyways, Ill most likely be heading out after that to some state park after that, hopefully get about 40 miles in today.
Blessings,
Tommy
I was soon off towards Orlando. I found a few bike paths and went with the flow, otherwise I was traveling very slowly as I road along bumpy, tedious sidewalk paths. at about 2 I stopped in a vegetarian restaurant for some lunch. I got some vegetable curry with tofu, good, but I wouldn't get it again, which I'm sure I never will.
I got kind of lucky later that afternoon. A woman, named Kat, who owns antique shops picked me up in her dodge ram, all my stuff, the whole bike at once we managed to pick up. We drove around looking for her friend who was about my age, played banjo, and was interested in organic farming. She insisted that i meet him. Unfortunately he was not where to be found, but in the end she let me sleep on her couch, which was very kind of her. We had dinner complete with brussell sprouts and sweet patatoe, a little turkey, and some rice noodles. It was delicious after a long day and we spent a little time drinking tea and conversing about the state of the country and of nutrition. My deepest gratitude goes out to Kat for her wholesome hospitality.
I arose quickly the next morning at about 8 and set into the town of Eustis for some coffee, oatmeal, and directions. I was grateful to find a cool little coffee shop named Olivia's with Olivia right there glad to help me with directions. She lead me right through the Ocala National Forest which was the most beautiful stretch of land I have been through yet. There were beautiful lakes and golden prairies and the gigantic oak trees that were decorated in that Spanish moss you see everywhere throughout the south. IT was pristine. I think yesterdays trip was about 65 miles. As I was coming in I decided to stop at a pier that goes into a natural preserve called Paynes Prairie. Its a neat place where lots of animals including bison are visible. The interesting thing for me was not the landscape, but an old man I met on the pier. He has a strange resemblance to my grandfather, Hugh Sullivan. He looked very much like him for one thing and perhaps thats all, but since I do not remember his personality, it was neat to feel like I could be talking to my grandfather. He had an abundance of history and stories, I just knew, so I did not rush away, but enjoyed his company, as he did, mine.
When I finally arrived to Gainesville, I found some kids playing frisbee and decided I would try and get in. We played and it was a good game, my team barely losing 11-10, but good competition. I soon realized I had a flat tire as I pulled away and decided I need food more so found a nice sushi restaurant and got FED. It was great. I was fast asleep, stealthily.
Today I am thinking of hanging around till the Hare Krishna lunch. It is an Indian religious group that does free meals. They have one in Detroit at the Fisher Mansion. Amazing Indian Food, my favorite. Anyways, Ill most likely be heading out after that to some state park after that, hopefully get about 40 miles in today.
Blessings,
Tommy
Monday, February 14, 2011
My Friends
Alright, so I've got a little explaining to do. I'm sure you have all been anxiously awaiting this post of what has happened to me since I took the road a few days ago and no word has been mentioned. SO allow me to start from where I left off. It was a Tuesday night, we were scheduled to have a potluck dinner at the farm with a few of my friends I'd met. It turned out I do not have as many friends as I thought. Robert showed up and that was cool. He made lamb stu and it was excellent with okra. I made a tabouli salad with parsley, carrots, tomatoes, turnips, beets, all from the garden. I added a few other things too. There was hummus and avacado and the best by far was the desert. A black sapote raw pie. I know you wouldnt understand. A black sapote is a fruit you eat when it looks spoiled and overripe, but it tastes like chocolate pudding. My GOD, the best thing I think I have ever had with a crust made of almonds and dates, I was so pleased, I nearly ate half of it. So the night ended with a fire under a clear, yet chilly night at the farm. I just want to say thank you to all my friends at Bee Heaven, for the wonderful time I spent there and making my exodus a celebration. Thank You.
And I was off for the long run. I began at about 9 o'clock headed towards Delray beach. I had few problems and rarely had to look at a map. I stopped at a Lebanese restaurant on the way and told them I was from Detroit and he knew exactly what that meant, it means not fooling around, only the best, this man knows his mediterranean food. I was pleased with the sandwich. I continued on, a long haul of 80 miles, by far the longest of the days since my departure. I crossed the Venetian causeway and took that to South Beach where I picked up A1A and and rode all the way right before Fort Lauderdale where I had to get off the peninsula and then make my way to the beach at Fort Lauderdale. Then I was able to head up about 30 miles and arrive at Kyle's parents house. I was greeted there with a feast of wild caught Wahoo, courtesy of Mr. Nuccilli, wild rice, garbanzos, hummus, chips, desert, and just everything I would want after biking such a long time. I quickly went to sleep, but could not sleep inside very well, and had to move outside.
Day II
I woke up, unsure if I would putz around for the day or leave, I decided I was in it for the long haul, and headed out. Not without some vegetable juice and oatmeal, this was after all, Kyle's house. I was soon enough headed up A1A towards West Palm. When I made it to West Palm, it was not long before a torrential rain lured me in and I was getting drenched. I stopped in at Miami Grill, a fastfood type place, and waited it out. It was a bad rain and I was not feeling like biking. It ended soon enough and I began again. However, it was back on me, but I knew there would be no more stopping this time so I pushed through. I found myself on Juno beach camping in a public park, stealthily, of course. I was lucky to find about an hour of haitus from the rain to set up camp and cook a little dinner. I walked down the beach for a dusk that was cloudy and windy impressions of a chilly night ahead. I was soon in my tent, reading or playing banjo. I did not sleep that well, paranoid of some one that might come. A few times some one did, a little racoon, i presume was inquiring about my food. I shoed him away hastily.
Day III
I woke up to rain and just decided to wait a little bit and hope it cleared up so I could pack up. It did to my surprise and I was quick to make it work. I was onward again along AIA where I was lucky to find a little homestyle restaurant called the Lazy Loggerhead. It was prime time. Im talking, pristine. I got some french toast, big texas bread, with some cinnamon sugar, some almonds crusted on the top, and just munched. I got out of there within a half hour and was on to US-1 where I found a bike path that set my nerves to ease. I must say one thing about bike paths, if bicycling my religion, bike path its holy book, the guide, the savior, the way, the light, the everything. I was on that for a few days, or so it seemed. I found my self camping out at Vero Beach next to a little garden shed, so as not to be detected. I cooked some quinoa and beans on the beach to a clear night overhead with a gentle breeze. I feel asleep and slept better than the night before.
Day IV
On saturday, I was up at dawn and packing my bags in a chilly Florida morning. I ended up putting on gloves, hat, coat, all sorts of gear. I headed over a mammoth causeway to get some breakfast, nothing, like the day before, but still decent. I headed back over the causeway to a ghastly windy A1A which was just back breaking to pedal through. I made it to the next causeway and got the hell off of that. I was back on US-1 where the wind was still bad as I pedaled about 20 miles up to Melbourne were I was done, finished for the day, discouraged. My knees were killing and I was tired and cranky, not knowing where I would sleep. I met an old homeless guy named Country, he told me of a shelter, His Place. I didn't want to neccessarily stay there, but I knew it was going to be freezing. I rambled around town, a neat old town was Melbourne with a nice community center, old and architecturally impressive, with art gallaries and a auditorium. I decided I would be sleeping at the shelter. I met a few cool guys there, nice friendly, we talked a little bit. There were others who were struggling, drunk wasted, visibly handicapped, but a eye opener.
I am running out of time, but for day V I will say that I got over my discouragement and traveled on to a campsite which I stayed at yesterday. I feel good and will continue on. Peace and Blessings,
Tommy
And I was off for the long run. I began at about 9 o'clock headed towards Delray beach. I had few problems and rarely had to look at a map. I stopped at a Lebanese restaurant on the way and told them I was from Detroit and he knew exactly what that meant, it means not fooling around, only the best, this man knows his mediterranean food. I was pleased with the sandwich. I continued on, a long haul of 80 miles, by far the longest of the days since my departure. I crossed the Venetian causeway and took that to South Beach where I picked up A1A and and rode all the way right before Fort Lauderdale where I had to get off the peninsula and then make my way to the beach at Fort Lauderdale. Then I was able to head up about 30 miles and arrive at Kyle's parents house. I was greeted there with a feast of wild caught Wahoo, courtesy of Mr. Nuccilli, wild rice, garbanzos, hummus, chips, desert, and just everything I would want after biking such a long time. I quickly went to sleep, but could not sleep inside very well, and had to move outside.
Day II
I woke up, unsure if I would putz around for the day or leave, I decided I was in it for the long haul, and headed out. Not without some vegetable juice and oatmeal, this was after all, Kyle's house. I was soon enough headed up A1A towards West Palm. When I made it to West Palm, it was not long before a torrential rain lured me in and I was getting drenched. I stopped in at Miami Grill, a fastfood type place, and waited it out. It was a bad rain and I was not feeling like biking. It ended soon enough and I began again. However, it was back on me, but I knew there would be no more stopping this time so I pushed through. I found myself on Juno beach camping in a public park, stealthily, of course. I was lucky to find about an hour of haitus from the rain to set up camp and cook a little dinner. I walked down the beach for a dusk that was cloudy and windy impressions of a chilly night ahead. I was soon in my tent, reading or playing banjo. I did not sleep that well, paranoid of some one that might come. A few times some one did, a little racoon, i presume was inquiring about my food. I shoed him away hastily.
Day III
I woke up to rain and just decided to wait a little bit and hope it cleared up so I could pack up. It did to my surprise and I was quick to make it work. I was onward again along AIA where I was lucky to find a little homestyle restaurant called the Lazy Loggerhead. It was prime time. Im talking, pristine. I got some french toast, big texas bread, with some cinnamon sugar, some almonds crusted on the top, and just munched. I got out of there within a half hour and was on to US-1 where I found a bike path that set my nerves to ease. I must say one thing about bike paths, if bicycling my religion, bike path its holy book, the guide, the savior, the way, the light, the everything. I was on that for a few days, or so it seemed. I found my self camping out at Vero Beach next to a little garden shed, so as not to be detected. I cooked some quinoa and beans on the beach to a clear night overhead with a gentle breeze. I feel asleep and slept better than the night before.
Day IV
On saturday, I was up at dawn and packing my bags in a chilly Florida morning. I ended up putting on gloves, hat, coat, all sorts of gear. I headed over a mammoth causeway to get some breakfast, nothing, like the day before, but still decent. I headed back over the causeway to a ghastly windy A1A which was just back breaking to pedal through. I made it to the next causeway and got the hell off of that. I was back on US-1 where the wind was still bad as I pedaled about 20 miles up to Melbourne were I was done, finished for the day, discouraged. My knees were killing and I was tired and cranky, not knowing where I would sleep. I met an old homeless guy named Country, he told me of a shelter, His Place. I didn't want to neccessarily stay there, but I knew it was going to be freezing. I rambled around town, a neat old town was Melbourne with a nice community center, old and architecturally impressive, with art gallaries and a auditorium. I decided I would be sleeping at the shelter. I met a few cool guys there, nice friendly, we talked a little bit. There were others who were struggling, drunk wasted, visibly handicapped, but a eye opener.
I am running out of time, but for day V I will say that I got over my discouragement and traveled on to a campsite which I stayed at yesterday. I feel good and will continue on. Peace and Blessings,
Tommy
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Hello out There!
I know its been a while since my last post. I was ran out of gas, perhaps you were too. Well, the day has come, my last day on the farm and I am off. My plan is to leave here tomorrow morning due north and arrive at Delray Beach tomorrow night. Another long day trip, however, I will be staying there for one or two nights. And then ALAS, to New Orleans I will depart! I am nervous excited, this is a far greater feat then anything I have previously accomplished on a bicyle. I hope to arrive in New Orleans the last days of February or March and remain untill Fat Tuesday and depart Ash Wednesday, after church of course Dad. I looked up the mileage from Homestead to New Orleans and it totals about 950 miles...epic, I know. So I have begun creating a route that goes just south of Lake Okeechobee and the to the west coast in the gulf. From there I will travel the coast, or close by up around the panhandle through Alabama and Mississippi nubs and into the promised land. I plan to do about 70 miles a day and will be staying in an assortment of national and state parks.
On Sunday, I rode out to Key Largo. It was my first day trip in a while. I had plans to head out to camp at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. I road about thirty-five miles south on US-1 through the Everglades with gorgeous scenery of lily filled swamps with exotic birds and bronze fields of tall grass wavering slowly in a timeless daze. I saw families fishing in nearby canals and beautiful sights of the sunset over Lake Suprise. The Florida Keys are one of the most beautiful places I can imagine geologically. The archipelagoe that extends 150 miles into the Atlantic Ocean prides itself on its prosperous fishing and pristine tropical climate. I was fortunate enough to go snorkeling with the encouragement of my friends Kyle and Sadie. We went about 5 miles out into the Ocean and jumped out to an array of turquois, magenta, neon variants, and all sorts of exquisite colors. I was swimming with fish and trying to avoid getting stung by manawar (spelling may be off, but a tentacled air bubbled jelly creature that floats on the surface. I did infact get stung, but it really was not that bad, I think it may even have been a good thing. Apparently, they are filled with anti-oxidants and Kyle came up with the theory that as a result of eating them, Sea Turtles live for 150 years. I thought it believable. Anyways, we finished our snorkling and journeyed over to Kyle's Ocean Reef resort. A luxurious spot with marinas, golf courses, pools, restaurants, grocery store, school, and hospital. It was a different change of pace, one I did infact enjoy. We made some salmon, Indian spiced kidney beans, wild rice, and sweet patatoe for dinner. It was delicious. Eventually, we left the keys and travled back to the farm. I went to bed shortly thereafter. Today, I have been working on my bicycle fixing the breaks, reassembling the front rack, oiling the screeching parts, and testing it out. I have been rather successful and feel confident for my ride tomorrow.
Anyway, the farm is having a little going away potluck dinner for me, so I am excited for that to eat and have a bonfire, but its early, so Ill get some good rest and be out by the early morning.
Well, Bee Heaven's been great, but I'm on to my next leg of the journey home to MICHIGAN!
I know its been a while since my last post. I was ran out of gas, perhaps you were too. Well, the day has come, my last day on the farm and I am off. My plan is to leave here tomorrow morning due north and arrive at Delray Beach tomorrow night. Another long day trip, however, I will be staying there for one or two nights. And then ALAS, to New Orleans I will depart! I am nervous excited, this is a far greater feat then anything I have previously accomplished on a bicyle. I hope to arrive in New Orleans the last days of February or March and remain untill Fat Tuesday and depart Ash Wednesday, after church of course Dad. I looked up the mileage from Homestead to New Orleans and it totals about 950 miles...epic, I know. So I have begun creating a route that goes just south of Lake Okeechobee and the to the west coast in the gulf. From there I will travel the coast, or close by up around the panhandle through Alabama and Mississippi nubs and into the promised land. I plan to do about 70 miles a day and will be staying in an assortment of national and state parks.
On Sunday, I rode out to Key Largo. It was my first day trip in a while. I had plans to head out to camp at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. I road about thirty-five miles south on US-1 through the Everglades with gorgeous scenery of lily filled swamps with exotic birds and bronze fields of tall grass wavering slowly in a timeless daze. I saw families fishing in nearby canals and beautiful sights of the sunset over Lake Suprise. The Florida Keys are one of the most beautiful places I can imagine geologically. The archipelagoe that extends 150 miles into the Atlantic Ocean prides itself on its prosperous fishing and pristine tropical climate. I was fortunate enough to go snorkeling with the encouragement of my friends Kyle and Sadie. We went about 5 miles out into the Ocean and jumped out to an array of turquois, magenta, neon variants, and all sorts of exquisite colors. I was swimming with fish and trying to avoid getting stung by manawar (spelling may be off, but a tentacled air bubbled jelly creature that floats on the surface. I did infact get stung, but it really was not that bad, I think it may even have been a good thing. Apparently, they are filled with anti-oxidants and Kyle came up with the theory that as a result of eating them, Sea Turtles live for 150 years. I thought it believable. Anyways, we finished our snorkling and journeyed over to Kyle's Ocean Reef resort. A luxurious spot with marinas, golf courses, pools, restaurants, grocery store, school, and hospital. It was a different change of pace, one I did infact enjoy. We made some salmon, Indian spiced kidney beans, wild rice, and sweet patatoe for dinner. It was delicious. Eventually, we left the keys and travled back to the farm. I went to bed shortly thereafter. Today, I have been working on my bicycle fixing the breaks, reassembling the front rack, oiling the screeching parts, and testing it out. I have been rather successful and feel confident for my ride tomorrow.
Anyway, the farm is having a little going away potluck dinner for me, so I am excited for that to eat and have a bonfire, but its early, so Ill get some good rest and be out by the early morning.
Well, Bee Heaven's been great, but I'm on to my next leg of the journey home to MICHIGAN!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Dashing through cracks of cars in downtown Miami, I spot two touring bikers. I know their touring from the panniers, or saddle bags, on the back of their bikes, and their long scruffy beards and short rimmed hats. I immediately ride next to them and inquire about their trip. For fifteen years they've been cycling around the country, no job, no home, just the two of them, Ezera and Macaia. Ezera is medium height with a orange beard that jogs to the bottom of his neck. He looks about 35, wrinkles around the eyes, its hard to tell if the lifestyle has made him appear younger or older. Macaia has a fuller black beard with a few noticeable grand strands and is about the same height as Ezera. They begin giving me the low down on their philosophy and let me in on their love and allegiance to Jesus. I am slightly discouraged by them at times when Eastern religions are called "idolators," but at the same time interested when they tell me of their mindsets towards the road. I ride with them to South Beach where they help me work on my bike. Naturally, they are expert bike mechanics and notice that I am clearly not in the shape to ride to New Orleans with my present state. I work with them for about an hour as we alternate our conversation from bikes to spiritual realms frequently. We are both in agreement that giving one's self up to vulnerability on the road makes a space for God. We both made observations about routine and the paralyzing effects that adjoin it. Our main complaints circling around television, cell phones, and the internet that they hold an ability to hypnotize and dilute our consciousness. I will still continue to use the internet, but I think they gave me a good perspective to maintain an unattatchment to it. It was cool to meet like minded people, that think trips like this are worthy of the risks and encouraging as well.
I left the guys and made my way to swimming in the beach, nearly ecountering a jelly fish that was floating on the surface of the water. I had a delightful day, and will talk about today, probably tomorrow. Expect a good story coming your way.
Tommy
I left the guys and made my way to swimming in the beach, nearly ecountering a jelly fish that was floating on the surface of the water. I had a delightful day, and will talk about today, probably tomorrow. Expect a good story coming your way.
Tommy
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