I got a phone call last night that my friends in Crescent Beach had to cancel because one of them wasn’t feeling well. I said I understood and hoped they’d be feeling better soon. I texted my friend Doug, and asked if I could stay with him for another night. He said that was fine, so I made plans to get up early and head to his place in St. Augustine. I awoke this morning to a text message from him: “I hate to do this, but I’m going to have to cancel both nights. I am so sorry. I wish you a wonderful and safe trip to Key West.”
I think you can probably imagine how that made me feel. I don’t need to go into detail about it. I will say this, the feelings did not stay with me as long as they normally would have. I hope this means I’m learning to let things go. That would be so cool! I’d be a happier person, I’d sleep better, people would like me better, it could change my whole life! I made a reservation in St. Augustine and one in Flagler Beach. Life goes on. I received a few more donations, which helped a lot and made it possible for me to continue.
The phone calls and arrangements took a while, so I ended up leaving later than usual, and it was pretty hot. I said goodbye to my new friend, Anita. She was a sweetheart and helped me so much. I was freaking out today, because I tried to charge my phone, and it wouldn’t do anything. Anita let me borrow her charger, and it worked, so I went next door and got a new cord at Walgreens. Now I’m good to go. Apple Tech Support was helpful too, and they were very patient with me.
As I left, I noticed my front tire was a little squishy again. Sigh... I stopped at a garage, and the young man who helped me was amazing. We got into a lengthy conversation about my ride, and he said something that many of you are probably thinking. I should have used Airbnb for this trip and done more camping. It would have saved me a lot of money. No regrets though - they don’t accomplish anything. I did what I had to do, and it’s all good. He did convince me to camp in the Keys, especially since the hotel prices there are very high, and there’s not a lot of availability now. Apparently, it’s lobster season, so the hotels are full of divers. My new friend showed me the hammock he uses on his breaks, and it was the same brand as my tent. He likes roughing it though. He said he went to Jamaica and slept in a tent in the woods the entire time. He put some air in my tire and told me I had a slow leak. Not what I wanted to hear. He asked me my name, and as I rode off, he said, “I’m gonna say a prayer for you, Katy Blue!”
Riding through Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Vilano Beach was absolutely gorgeous. I couldn’t see the ocean for much of it, but when I did, it took my breath away. I was able to hear the waves crashing as I rode down A1A. I had a huge bike lane, but I was struggling somehow. I don’t know why. I did have some stomach issues after I ate one of my Clif bars. I had to stop quite a few times and walk around. I was just feeling fatigued, and I couldn’t get the speed I usually have. The 35 miles today took me longer than normal, and I arrived in St. Augustine at 3:00. What a beautiful city. I can’t wait to walk around and explore it. And I will definitely be back to visit someday.
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