Gateway to the Keys & the Everglades

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 sabbatical. Sunday after worship, I will head over to see my family in Bradenton, FL! ❤️


I couldn’t help but think about the Israelites wandering around in the “wilderness” after they left Egypt. I can only imagine Aaron asking Moses, “didn’t we just pass that same rock about an hour ago?” The wandering was important for the people of Israel to help them rely on God and to purge them of the Egyptian practices that crept into their life while in captivity. I’ve heard it said that it didn’t take 40 years for the Israelites to get out of Egypt, it took 40 years for Egypt to get out of the Israelites. (40 years in Bible-speak = a very long time!) We learn from this that wondering isn’t a bad thing, sometimes it can be cleansing and help us orient back to the right direction.

Challenge to St. James: Next time you’re out and about and have some time, let your self wander. Go on an excursion to unknown places. Forget the GPS, forget the maps, let the road take you.

Challenge to Self: Continue to wander and clear your mind and your soul. Embrace the unknown ahead of you and let your heart sing out to God in thanksgiving for everything!

Fort Pierce, FL to Homestead, FL
Ride: 166 miles

Still Reading: Jesus and the Powers by NT Wright and Michael Bird
This is a GOOD BOOK!


Location: Homestead, FL, USA

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