End of the Trail :(

Well, that's all, folks! Kelly came to get Ken and me in Dahlonega, GA, and we returned home. I was beyond sick, unable to breathe, stuffy head, etc. After we got home, I was tested and found out I had COVID-19. I am so tired of the virus and how it has ruined everything for the past couple of years. I hope and pray that we will have another chance on the trail one day. 

Location: Greeneville, TN, USA

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This Week!

Headed to Bradenton, FL

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Why Bradenton? I have a bunch of family in Bradenton! I am going to stay with my cousin, Donna, her husband, Robert, and my Great Aunt Mary (Mary is my maternal grandmother’s Brother’s widow). I saw 3 of Donna’s 5 Children, Amy, Erin, and Robbie. Jessica was away with her husband and Sara lives in Georgia. Hopefully I’ll get to catch up with them soon. (Note: forgot to take pics of Erin, Robbie, and their families and Donna don’t like pictures!). Aunt Mary & Ken Cousin Amy & Ken Today, I woke up early and wanted to attend the early service at St. John’s in Homestead, FL. They advertised a 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist. However, when I arrived at the church at 7:15 a.m. there was no one in sight. I looked at the sign and they had removed the 7:30 a.m. service time and were only offering 10:00 a.m. and Noon (La Missa en Español). So much for the “Episcopal Sacred Cow that is the early service.” Disappointed, I decided to start making my way toward Bradenton. I was looking forward to s...
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Freeport, FL to see more family!

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Today I headed to Freeport, FL to see more family. My cousin Keith (retired COL USAF) and his wife Kim and my uncle Roland (mom’s brother) and aunt Julieanne live in Freeport.  The day started off with breakfast with an old friend, Rusty Burke. Rusty and I attended Frederick together in the 80s (yes, over 40 years ago!). He runs a Karate school in Tallahassee. It was great to see him. The last time we connected was 9 years ago when I came to Florida for a short vacation.  After a short time with Rusty, chatting and catching up, I headed out to Freeport. I thanked the good Lord it wasn’t raining. I believe it’s rained more this trip than it did all of the 2017 trip (but I did have some significant rain days). Anyhow, it was a beautiful trip until the last 10 miles, then rain! 🌧️ I arrived in rain gear, and was greeted by my cousin and his wife. It was great to see them, spend time with them and catch up. We went over to see my uncle and aunt and then went back to their home an...
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Sunday in New Orleans, LA

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I went to worship this morning with Anne & Will at St. Martin’s - Metairie, LA. It was an enjoyable Trinity Sunday and a treat to worship with Anne and Will. The Church was a beautiful and welcoming space. The people at St. Martin’s were very friendly and hospitable.  Magnificent Carved Doors The service was a Rite II Eucharist (Prayer B). I was struck by some of the simple liturgical differences. Good, just different (not my style). They sang some hymnody out of Lift Every Voice and Sing (I love that hymnal!) The sermon was interesting and engaging. Overall, a great worship experience. Anne and Will seem very happy there.  After church we went to the Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art in the park and walked  around. It was a beautiful garden park with awesome art creations on display. Needless to say, New Orleans is hot and humid this time of year and subject to pop-up thunderstorms in the mid afternoon.  Tomorrow, I leave for Texas. It has been a...
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NOLA

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Yesterday (6/12) I left Freeport, FL and rode to Mobile, AL. Nice ride, hot, but no rain! This was a 1/2 way point for me to get to New Orleans, LA to meet up with my friend, Ann and her family. Ann and I were classmates at UNC Asheville, back in the early 2000s. We were both management majors. Since we were the non traditionally aged students, we often paired up for those horrid group projects, knowing we would both pull our weight. We both graduated from UNCA with honors. I was class of 2003, and she was class of 2005 (she took a year off and was at a slower pace to finish). Today (6/13) I rode from Mobile, AL and arrived in New Orleans, LA (after the last 65 miles of pouring rain!) A thunderstorm came out of nowhere and the temperature dropped from 90 degrees to 73 degrees in about 20 seconds. While I much appreciated the drop in temperature, riding in the rain makes me tense. The extra caution, lack of perfect visibility, wet roads, standing water, etc… it just makes things a bit c...
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Up the Florida Cost to Tallahassee!

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It was extremely enjoyable to spend Sunday evening, Monday, and Tuesday morning with my Florida family. I hope that I get to see the missing folks soon. (Shout out to Jessica and Sarah!) Today I headed to Tallahassee, up in the armpit of the panhandle of Florida.  I touched base with the Hills who wanted to meet me for lunch! We enjoyed all-you-can-eat shrimp and fish at the Bayport Inn, near Hudson, FL. Maryanne and Ed attended St. James when they were staying with their son in Greeneville before they moved back to Florida. It was great to catch up with them. The reason that I rode all the way to Tallahassee was to meet an old friend for breakfast in the morning. It will be good to see Rusty Burke (FMA “ghost” class of 86). It’s been a while. The people connections on this pilgrimage have been incredible. Rekindling great relationships that go back my whole life (in my Florida family’s case). Tomorrow I get to see Rusty after 9 years (last time I was in Florida in 2016). We have b...
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Gateway to the Keys & the Everglades

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This morning I woke up in Fort Pierce, FL ready for a “short” ride to Homestead, FL. By short, I mean less than my 270+ mile jaunts that I’ve been doing over the last few days. Today’s ride was 166 miles, and yes, it was hot. As I traveled through the Everglades, it almost felt as if I were looking as the same scenery over and over again. LONG STRAIGHT ROADS and a humid 93°! I learned in 2017 how to ride in the heat, so I had my “cooling towel” which kept my body temperature down, and yes, I stayed hydrated. Some forget that Florida is the home of Gatorade 🐊 which was created by the Univ. of Florida for their football team. (wait, does Florida have a football team?) 🤔 I arrived in Homestead about 1:30 p.m. and cooled off, walked to the nearest store to get some minor supplies, and chilled out for a bit. I plan to stay here 2 nights, and I will ride “empty” (aka free of luggage) to Key West and back tomorrow (200 mile RT) and pray the “First Corner” of the four corners of my sabbatica...
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First Corner! Key West, FL

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Today I road to the first corner (Key West) to pray a litany I prepared for the four corners. Today’s ride was ~120 miles there and 120 miles back from Homestead, FL. The keys were amazing. The weather ranged from 84-93° (warm in the direct sun!) I noticed a few things. One was the amazing colors. The water seemed to be different colors in different places. Another thing that I noticed were the old dilapidated bridges. Some were used as fishing piers and some were just falling down. One actually had a tree growing up in the middle of it. The last thing I want to point out that I noticed were the boats. Hundreds and hundreds of boats. In the water, at the marina, pulled by trucks and cars. All sizes, all shapes, all kinds. I’m starting the feel the clarity and freedom that I feel when I ride. It’s euphoric. Knowing God created all things, I wonder why the wonderful vivid colors were reserved for places like Key West and Key Largo and Long Key… and the multitude of all the key islands I ...
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