Headed to Bradenton, FL

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 seeing my Florida family. It’s been about 10 years since I’ve seen everyone.

I went to breakfast at Bob Evans in Naples, FL and tuned-in to St. James and worshiped with them. It was a treat to hear Laura read morning prayer and Casey preach. Casey has been a friend since I came to Greeneville. Thank you, Casey, for a great Pentecost message.

Chewy (Jessica’s Dog)

Squirrel Feeder!

The ride to Bradenton was through the Everglades again. I’ve never been through the Everglades until this trip. I kept looking for alligators, but never saw any. (Of course, I got my fill when I lived in Charleston, SC).

I’m really off my rhythm. I typically take a zero ride day on Sunday in order to intentionally rest and worship. However, my days were messed up since east Carolina, when I rode on Sunday to meet up with my parents for Dad’s birthday.

My thoughts today are about sabbath and rest. It is extremely important, biologically, spiritually, and intellectually to rest. God even thought it was important enough to include it in the big 10. Sanctified rest after the creation of all that is… God rested. Sabbaticals are modeled after this “Holy Rest” with the intentional purpose of a time of rejuvenation, refreshment, and respite. Some folks have been critical about me engaging a motorcycle pilgrimage for a sabbatical, but you would need to understand me and my personality. For me, being on a motorcycle is freeing. It is a real headspace clearer. When I ride, I think, I think about people, God, the beauty of creation, the elements, everything. I’ve been out for almost 3 weeks and I’m already sleeping better, waking rested, and focused.

As an extrovert, I recharge my batteries by my personal connections and being with others. By spending time with my extended family, I am doing just that… recharging my batteries! I’m going to stay in Bradenton and visit with family for 2 nights and have a “no ride day” on Monday. Sabbath Blessings!

Challenge to St. James: How do you rest? How do you recharge your batteries? Do you go for a walk? Do you ride a bicycle? Do you sleep in a recliner? Think about how you might achieve a state of rest, rejuvenation, refreshment, and respite.

Challenge to Self: Pace yourself. Don’t be in a hurry. Remember that rest is the objective to all of this.  

Homestead, FL to Bradenton, FL
Ride: 245 miles
Location: Bradenton, FL, USA

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This Week!

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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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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Sunday in New Orleans, LA

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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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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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