MARCH 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Finally the day has come for me to finish Shell Island! I pack for an overnight stay on the island just in case. I have an extra gallon of water mixed with gatorade, a one-man sleeping tent, my poncho liner and a few other things. I hope to get a ride from the marina at the St. Andrew's State Park early as the shuttle starts at 9 or 9:30 am and I won't get to my jumping off point until after 11 am. Just after daylight, the first boat gives me a ride. It is a new Ranger and the driver was a nice guy. I wish I could remember his name! (If you read this, please email me!) And his buddy was a retired air force officer who worked in intelligence, my field as well. They are quite nice and give me a lift to Spanish Landing, which is where the docks are on the inland side of the island.
It is only a half mile from my starting point. I stow my gear at the base of the shed with a note attached. Then I start jogging. The wind is in my face the whole day. It slowed me considerably. I should have done the 10 miles in three and a half hours at the most. It takes more like five. But I am getting ahead of myself. About five miles down the beach I saw several people. That's odd. There isn't supposed to be people here.
They are from Tyndall AFB! There is a boardwalk connecting the base to the beach. Hmmm... I had stopped at the visitor's center and told them my plans. Airman B_____ sure didn't give me the right scoop! And Google Maps failed me as well. So did the other maps! Well,anyway, it is too late now. I take a break and start off again. The wind is a constant slowing factor. But I have just returned from a month of office work so I am not back into optimum jogging shape either.
Shell Island is beautiful. It has dunes, forests and open sand. I am getting tired but I reach the forest. The forest signifies the end of the island. Not more than a mile or so now! And on Google Maps I had seen a lake at the end. That will be neat to see. Maybe there will be a gator or two there!
The last mile or two is slow going. I stop several time. I am not back in shape enough I guess. At the end, and I see the end, dBy this time I am stopping every 20 yards or so. Finally I reach the end! I beat that island! Then I lie down on the sand at the very tip of the end of the island, stretch out and don't get up for ten minutes! I am completely whipped. I wonder how my heart is doing. Finally, I get up. Now for the walk back. It wi getting on in the afternoon and my gear is stowed 10 miles away. I make a plan and decide get off at the boardwalk at Tyndall AFB and hitch a ride from there. I go through the forest for a while as I kind of wanted to see a rattler. But I was careful and saw nothing. I did pick up a walking stick, though. Wow. This really helps! I will use one from now on when not joging. That extra push really helps.
As the sun goes down I arrive at the boardwalk. I had run through several scenarios in my mind on how to get on base and none of them good. I had an experience at Goodfellow AFB while stationed there that left me a little peeved and resentful. Probably my mistake though. So, I realize this and decide to think more positive. There were just a few guys at the firebox which marks the boardwalk. We chat and they say said I can go right on base and that there are no guards there. Cool. I walk the half mile boardwalk and enter the base. Just off the boardwalk there are restrooms and a parking lot. I clean myself up a little and set out to hitch a ride.
When I leave the restroom there are some zoomies in the parking lot, some in a vehicle a and some going to the beach. I ask for a ride and they give me one. Come to find out they were Marines from Yuma AZ! There is a joint exercise going on and they work on harriers, vertical take of and landing jets (VTOL). Sweet. They take me to the commisary thinking that was the best place to hitch a ride. Now, it has been a very long day and it is still a long way to my van at St. Andrews State Park. One had to go around the bay to get there. The folks were very nice and I offered $20 to any carry- out person if they would give me a lift. That seemed fair. A casher took me up on it. Cool. I had a ride back! Relief! Her name was Mary and she was a widow. She used to have two jobs but several health issues slowed her down. Now she just works one job. Thanks Mary. Back in my van I headed to my favorite hotel (E-250) and sleep very well.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I sign up for a dolphin cruise to Shell Island to get my gear. This seems to be the easiest way to get my gear and though I usually don't do touristy things, this looked like fun. If they don't have enough people they aren't going to go today. I am to call back later and check. So I head to a nearby Home Depot, the same one where I learned about Van Dwellers, and do some work on the interior of my van. Finally at the appointed time I call back and check. Yep, the boat is a go for today! There are a group of 20 or so attending a Couples Retreat and are thoroughly enjoying themselves. There are also some college girls there, a few older couples and me. The conversations are good. But I notice that when things got crowded, like when the deckhand pulls up a crab trap to show us tourists how it is done, everyone moved to the bow to watch, I moved to the stern. This happens a few times before I notice it. I realize I am staying away from the crowd and their energy. I didn't want to use my energy for that sort of busy, unfocused behavior. Strange, huh. (A friend actually pointed this out to me the next day.) When the cruise docks I am the first off the boat and bolt at a dead run through the long boardwalk. We only have an hour and my gear is stashed at least a half mile away plus I want to see the bay side again. The sea urchin skeletons are fantastic, but I keep breaking them!
I find my gear intact, (Sweet) grab it up and take off for the bay side. The small sea urching skeletons are there and I pick up a few. I start back and found some nice shells along the way. I am going to give them to those who hadn't found a good shell because I know what it feels like to vacation in Florida and not find a good shell all vacation long. I pick up one tiny white shell for a baby that is in the group. When I give it to the couple they smile. (That's a nice feeling!) The father is a young, stocky black fellow who always has that 'cool' look on his face. But when we joke his smile lights up the whole area. And that seems to be the real him. Too bad he thinks he has to 'be cool'. The ride back is nice and relaxing. The captain had been a boat captain for 35 years. He stated driving this boat a few years ago. He says the sea will beat you up over the years and this boat fits him nicely now. I give shells to those who hadn't found any good ones.
I go to Buccaneers that evening and find that a Parrot Head party was going on. Well, I am an LA (Lower Alabama) Parrot Head so I join them. We have fun. The music was excellent.Come Tuesday I will find One Particular Harbor and have a Margarita! There are single ladies and dancing so I join in! As we are getting to know each other I find myself and another guy talking to this quite pretty lady who is a teacher. This other guy is rich and is tossing out comments about his boat, his way of having fun, etc. He keeps trying to one-up me even though I could care less. Another lady comes up and voice the dilemma the woman is facing. 'To go with the rich or the very handsome.' is here query, while giving me a very long look. The rich guy blurts out that his a master at sex. Without blinking an eye, I look right at him and then at her and say I am a grand master at sex! He doesn't know what to say. I just keep looking at them. It is a funny moment. And I just have to one-up this fellow. He is so smarmy he is begging for it! She is staring and he doesn't know what to say! But she wants a lot more PDA than I do and she finds someone else. Besides, I am not a one-night type of guy. But the dancing is fun and the music is good.
That night I stay at the Walmart Hilton in Parker.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Walmart parking lot. I am one of the many folks sleeping there. I close off the front and rear windows of my van and I sleep well.
Some motorhomes are there as we as a few cars. I dawn some new duds, go into Wally World use the facilities and then at the McDonald's they have there. There is a group of five or six retired folks having coffee They were talking about the Marine Corps League. I ask to join them and they readily accept me. (I am wearing my USMC cap and I don't smell too badly I guess!) They are retired Air Force men and wives but they like the Marine Corps League bar down the street. One lady asks me if I am a real Marine or just wearing the hat. I don't respond to that. (Zoomies!) They give me some excellent information on reaching the NoName Beach. I hadn't been sure it was possible to access that beach without a sponsor, but they said it is. Cool! The lady again asks I was really in the Corps. I say, "Listen, lady, don't ask me again!" I am in nomood for a zoomie wife to ask me if I was in the USMC! And this was the nicest comment I can think of at the time. She responds, "Yep, with that attitude you are a Marine!" They really were nice folks. If I had stayed in the area I would have gone to the Marine Corps League bar, but I had to move one.
I take off down the road to find the access to NoName Beach. I had google mapped it so I have some idea. I pulled off the side of the road when I see a path. The path has a gate across it. So, I put a note on the van and take off down the path to find the beach. About a half mile down I come to the end. It is all grass and reeds, no beach at all. Bummer. Must be the wrong spot. So, I hike back and find another dirt road about a mile down. It too had a gate, but this time I haul out my bicycle and take off. After about a half mile into the forest, the road forks so naturally I take the wrong one. About a half mile down that path I figure it out and turn around. Then I see some scat on the path. Not big enough for bear scat, but that brings me to realize that I was in bear country on a bicycle in the middle of a forest. Time to peddle a little faster!
I come to the fork again and take the right one this time. I find the beach and there are two men there with their trucks. Guess there iss another way. They tell me the name of the beach is Buck Beach and I see there are a lot of trees in the surf. Sure enough, but it very beautiful. One fellow, the young one, shows me some 50 cal rounds he had found over time on the beach. The other fellow, an older gent, the two didn't know each other before then, say he wants to show me something that will, " blow him out of the water?" and proceeds to explain that there is a whole big pile of 50 cal rounds at the turn in the cirlced area where they used to dump them. He says for years his brother had been the game warden there, etc. I wonder. Why is this old guy trying to one-up this other guy? How rude! So I turn to the young guy and start talking about the 50 cal bullets he found on the beach. One-up-manship doesn't faciliate anything but one's ego.
The older fellow pulls out a detailed map and explains that is is called Buck Beach. I ask about the map and he tells me I can get them at the Tyndall AFB Visitor Center. Now, why didn't the zoomie at the visitor center give me that map? I told him what I was doing. Having been to a few military visitor centers I have come to realize the people there don't think if it is something out of the ordinary. Those are now the last places I am going to go for information!
I jog the beach and step around the fallen trees. This is truly a beautiful spot. The beach isn't wide, but the sand is firm and the scenery is some of the best I have seen. And civilians can only go there on the weekends. Today is Saturday. I am very fortunate!
On to Mexico Beach!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday morning came and I had to get cleaned up. I had spent the night in a parking lot (cargo vans are so cool!) But I couldn't find water to
wash up and I hadn't filled my gallon jug. Bummer. So, back I went toward Tyndall AFB and just past that. I couldn't find anything that wouldn't have made me look weird if I used it. So, I turned off at a side road on Tyndall AFB and took out a botle of water I had and washed and rinsed my hair. Man, I felt so much better after that. But by this time I was a half hour late for sunday school. And the first church I went to was a LSD church. (Oops. I meant LDS) I went inside. It was strange in that there were several tiny little rooms.
Finally, I found the Baptist church. Found the sunday school class, apologized for being late and lo and behold! there was a cup of coffee waiting
for me. Now that was nice! Pastor Eddy was leading the sunday school and he taught well and had a good spirit about him. I enjoyed the class. I met Rose there and she invited me over to her and her husband's place to spend the night.
I don't run on Sundays so I took the time to try some primitive fishing. I bought a leader, a sinker, a line and hooks but no rod. The pier
wasn't too crowded and I dropped the line in and waited for the fish to pounce on that juicy, succulent shrimp. And waited and waited. Nothing. Finally, I moved to the end of the pier and still nothing. Then I broke the line and list all my fishing gear! (Maybe that was a good thing!) I went out to view the beach access point at Crooked Island.
Monday, March 7, 2011
I camped the previous night at the parking lot near the beach access at Crooked Island. It gave me a chance to reconfigure my van. I am always looking for more effecient ways to gain space. It worked and now I think I can happily go about my way. I was the only vehicle out there and it was dark. What a good time to pray! I wanted to be up early to walk the five miles out to the end ofthe island and jog back. I woke up around 6 and already a car had pulled up and two hikers got out and were on their way. So, I got up, stowed my sleeping gear, filled my water up, gathered a few figs and headed out. It was a beautiful morming and the beach was wonderfully firm to my feet. In a little less than two hours I approached the end of the island. It was like Shell Island, a small forest and then about a mile of nothing but sand, water and dunes. Beautifully desolate.
At the westeren point of the island I espied the two hikers. Shucks! I wasn't the only one there. They were nice folks, probably an old man and his son having a good time bonding. They were walking off the pont as I was going toward it. I could see Shell Island and it gave me an interesting feeling to see it from the other side. And Buck Island as well. After a 20 minute break I started jogging back. It felt good. About two miles down the beach I passed the pair while they taking a break. We all waved. I found a few sand dollars, the first I had seen on my jogs so I picked up a few, and a few shells as well. Finally I made it back to the starting point. I felt like running some more, but decided against it.
A kind old gentlemen from Wisconsin was fishing and offered a chair. I took it. I sat, he fished and we chatted for a while. I questioned how far it might be to the canal and he ventured about halfway to the Mexico Beach Pier. About half a mile. Hmmm.. It would be nice to reach the canal as it does separate the beaches. So, I took off for a half mile jaunt. Ha! Half mile my tennis shoe! More like a mile and a half! But I had to do it. And with a few stops I did. And then I walked back. Tired. What shall I say to this fellow to led me down the long path? Hmmm... On the way back to the beach access point I met a few people looking for shells. If they didn't find any I would give them what I had found earlier and pocketed. I have enough shells and I remember looking for good shells when I was here for just a week, and not finding any. So, it's fun to make them a little happy.
When I got back to the fisherman, his wife was there fishing too. Both really nice people. They live north of Lake Superior and he runs the local museum about the female doctor in the early 50's and how they got their hospital by a penny drive. Again he offered a chair and I took it. I mentioned that it was a little farther than we thought. His wife was very nice. And a good fisherman too. He had caught four and she three.
I left them on the beach, got to my van and drove in to Mexico Beach to cook lunch. Homefry potatoes (ala VP Quail), eggs mixed together with Korean hot pepper paste. Very good! Then I went to the St. Joe State Park and got my access codes for an early entry. Then I went back to
have dinner with the Bulls. A good day.
Tuesday March 8 2011
Today was a fun day. I spent the night as the guest of Pat and Rose Bull. Two wonderful Christians. Frank Baker and his wife, Alice was there
(Frank is an excellent fish fryer) with Bill and Jerry. (BIll's fish batter recipe was excellent). I met Frank first, he was cleaning a bucket FULL of fish
on Mexico Beach pier and I wanted to observe just in case by the far off chance that I actually catch an edible fish. We started talking and he is a nice, mild mannered and capable man. I asked him about a fishing rig and he explained what to get. And he had invited me to church, too.
I staged my van and rode my bike down to Mexico Beach Pier. The sun gently warmed me as I peddled along waving at the others along the way. I parked my bike at the pier and walked to the canal. I had gotten out of the routine of stretching and push-ups so I decided to reinstitute
in my jog. It felt good. The jog wasn't far and I felt good. It took about 45 minutes to finish the three miles or so. It was still early and I
stated looking out at St. Joe State Park, eyeing the peninsula, wondering if I could and should get that part out of the way on sucha beautiful day. But first I need to wash my clothes. The laundry bag was full. I pulled up at the laundromat and it only cost two dollars for a load of clothes. Cool. No WiFi though. So, while I waited I got out my computer and clicked on my Bible Explorer Program. (a very good program by the way) I wanted to see what the commentaries said about the second half of the first chapter of Collosians. I had my ideas and wanted to compare.
A lady was there waiting for her laundry to dry. We struck up a conversation. She was from Ft. Wayne, IN which is near my townof Bryan, OH. And she had graduated from Taylor University, a school I had attended. She was writing to a family member about a few books of the Bible. Cool. Her, her hubby and their daughter's family were staying on Mexico Beach. We had a good conversaiton and she thought some in her famliy might enjoy chatting. Plus she knew I was living out of my van. So Mary invited me to her cottage. "A small A-frame right next to the public access four tenths of a mile past the county line" as she described it.
But first I had to get some fishing gear. Some money had come in and I wanted to get a pole, etc. Someone told me to go to the Blue Water Outrigger in Port St. Joe, just over the bridge. So, off I went. Just down the road I had to hit my breaks as someone turned in front of me. That's when I saw the pawn shop. I got my pole there and proceeded to the store for the rest of the stuff.
Then I found Mary's place and there was a note on the door telling me to grab a chair and come out back (on the beach). I grabbed my beach chair, my fishing stuff and set out. We had a good conversation. Her family is very nice. That nixed my plan to do the first part of the peninsula. Just as good. It was a nice day. Later that day I went to the pier and tried my luck. No luck. LOL Fishing and me are incompatible so it seems.
Later that night I headed out to the state park and slept in my van at the beginning of the trail. Some kids were staying out there and having a blast. They go out there every year. They told me the weather was bad for tomorrow so I decided to check out the peninsula all the way to Indian Pass the next day. Plus I had an interview at 2 pm with Tim Croft of the Port St. Joe The Star.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
I drove down to Indian Pass at the other end of the cape. On the way I stopped a The Rocks, (that's where the hurricane ruined some of the beach and they were shoring up the land with rocks. Just past the rocks I walked to the beach and found it impassible as the trees went right into the water. So, I ventured down the road to the next turn which was the lighthouse, a very nice small lighthouse with a beautiful old house next to it. I walked to the beach and it was still impassible.
(I had mistakenly thought that Kelly had called the media. It wasn't. It was Marie, whose husband Joey, runs the shutle. Marie and Joey are highly spoken of the the Port St. Joe area. I am including the below narrative because that is what I did. I goofed.) PS Kelly is not one to do anyone a favor!
I arrived at Indian Pass where the shuttle to the St. Vincent Island is. I had called earlier and Kelly gave me the price of the shuttle and later she called and asked if I wanted to get some media attention. Indeed I did! So she gave my number to Tim Croft of The Star. And as mentioned in yesterdays journal we had a good time chatting. Kelly wasn't there but Mindy told me the coffee was free and let me sit at the table behind the counter so I could read my daily devotions. I asked about the island, where to go dancing, etc. and she was kind and informative in her answers.
On my way to Indian Pass I saw this fellow walking briskly, and since I had a few questions about the area I turned the van around to ask him a few questions. When I got to him he turned around to start his walk back. So, I turned around again. I wondered what he was thinking! Anyway, his name is Lou and he gave me some good information. He asked what I was doing so I told him. Then he invited me to his place for dinner with his wife and her brother and his wife. Cool!
I went into Port St. Joe to meet Tim Croft, editor of The Star. Come to find out he is a Toledo guy and attended Bowling Green State University just down the road from Toledo. Tim is an easy going, nice fellow with a ready smile and inquistive attitude. His office wall is filled with award plaques for various aspects of his writings. We had a good chat. On leaving I asked him where I could get some wifi. He suggested the No Name Cafe on Reid St. It is a fun place. I had tea, wifi and nice folks. It reminded me of Jin and Jenny's on Anna Maria Island, near Bradenton, FL. Good atmosphere and I hear the food is great. And speaking of great places, out on the cape you need to stop at Cape Trading Post. The new owners have really made it nice. The pizza was delicious and the coffee is a buck, plus they have free wifi! Did I say the folks are really nice? They are!
After meeting Tim, I had some time so I stopped by the Port St. Joe Jetty. The rain was coming down hard and it was cool to watch the bay with the rain. I changed in the van to some nicer duds, and headed out to the cape to Lou's.
He and his wife are a lovely couple. He is a (semi)retired doctor, a former Special Forces and very interesting fellow. She is an accomplished artist, teaches art as a well-known university in the east and is an excellent cook. Her brother and sis-in-law are a nice couple as well. The meal was delicious and the conversation fun and stimulating. Unfortunately I was a little tired and couldn't partake as much as I would have liked. (By the way, Lou, who is Jewish, tells the very best Jewish joke!)
I left and went back to the jump-off point for my next jog.
Thursday, Mar. 10, 2011
I was up early and the rain was coming down really hard. I check the weather on my cell and found that it would pass soon. So, after a breakfast of bologna and peanut butter sandwiches (with chips!) I readied my gear and was off at 7:50 am. The path was stunning. The rolling dunes, the swampy land, all of it was stunning. At the 5-mile mark (posted) the bay came into view. Wow! I hiked around the bay to the end and instead of taking a break, I just started a slow jog. It was about 11 am. The wind was in my face but it was at my back after the turn. That's nice for a change! The sun was pleasant and I saw no one out there. About an hour later I took a break, three feet from the water up on a dune. Man o' man, this was nice. After 20 minutes off I went a joggin' again. After another hour I took another break and lay on the side of a small dune working out the pain in my hip. A hiker passed me. He had started later than me and was in good shape for an old man (lol). Later I found the exit point. I was tired. Now I am at Cape Trading Post enjoying a coffee, some pizza and a chair!
Friday, Mar. 11, 2011
I slept at the St. Joseph State Park last night. For dinner I had a can of collardgreens in which I cut up some onion and hot dogs. Then I added a heap of Herba...? seasoning. Delicious! I woke up, grabbed a shower and staged my bike at the public access about a mile past the park. Then I drove back to the starting point and took off. It was a beautiufl morning with the wind still at my back! I hope to do 8 miles today, but for now I staged the bike about 4 miles away. I got down to the beach, did my stretching and exercises and took off. Wow. It was fun. I guess it is more fun if one doesn't have to hike 7 miles to start jogging!
The jog went quick, only an hour and ten minutes. While I was checking the access point I stopped a the Fire House #2 and met Jim. He told me where the access point was and was I asked him what was going on as there were tables and chairs ready to be put out. He said they are dedicating the new fire house tomorrow with shrimp, etc. and the inmate help wasn't going to be able to help. So, I said that after I finish my run I will help. After the run I rode my bike about a quarter mile back to the fire house. Just Jim was there and there was nothing to do till the others came to help. I asked if at the end of the help I could get a ride back to my van. He took me there immediately. Sweet. In a firetruck too!
I had a bite to eat and returned to the firehouse. Several folks were there, all nice and helpful. Things went well. After things slowed down I thought that I should run that other 4 miles while the wind was still at my back. And I was a nice day. So, I staged my van at the rocks and was going to get the bike out, but thought, what the heck, let's try hitchhiking! Within a minute Julie picked me up. She had a baby on board and was gong to the part to meet her hubby. She asked about me, especially my kids. I told her. She was a pediactric nurse in Atlanta and was interested in my daughter's, Amy, major, Child Care Management. In fact, our conversation was so fun, I missed the beach access and had to walk back.
The jog was slower, but I still finished in 70 minutes. In the car, Julie said she saw a rather large shark in the water along with her friend. She said it was a big as a cow! Now, I don't think she is one to see things. So, while jogging I was looking for the shark. Didn't see one, yet. I arrived at the Rocks and called it a good day. Just miss my kids.
Saturday, Mar. 11, 2011
Spent the night at the Cape Trading Post. I am getting them on the web. They are very nice people, a family owned and operated place. Their motto is, "If we ain't got it, you probably don't need it!" And they are right! They have every thing from fresh cut meat, to beach goods, My Dog Digs T-Shirts, etc. John has even charged someone's battery, plugged a tire and more. Be sure to stop in when you are on the cape. Folks love their pizzas. I went out to "The Rocks" because that is where I left off. Locals call the place to the east of it, "The Stump(s)" Because of all the stumps. Actually down about a hundred yards or so the beach is unaccessible because of downed trees from the last hurricane. But I decided to jog those hundred yards. Hate to do all this jogging and have that piece of beach nagging on me.
Then I went to the old Lighthouse. To the west, the beach was again unaccessible. So, I walked along to the east and found the most beautiful beach yet. Some trees and stumps, but just gorgeous. I hadn't had breakfast yet, so I got my cooking gear, fishing gear, a chair and chow and headed to the beach. I cast my line into the ocean, hoping to get something by 10 am, my cut-off time for starting breakfast. No such luck. Bites, but no catches. So, I cooked some home fries, with bologna and two eggs. And spices. That was good!
I continued fishing and napping for an hour or two. I had to be at the firehouse dedication ceremony at 2. And I had to freshen up before that event. So, I quit at 1 pm, but before I did, I cast my farthest cast and caught a 7-inch whitefish! My first fish in Florida on my trip! Yeah! The jinx was over! And I threw it back. No time to catch more for a fish fry. Thanks Whitey!. (Actually I call the whitefish a Louis Farrakan fish 'cause I get he loves to catch them. Say he catches three whitefish. Then he can tell his friends, etc, "I got me three whities today!") Or as a friend said, the fish should be called Little Louie.
The dedication was very well done, with a color guard from the local JROTC, an invocation from the United Methodist pastor and a few presentation handed out. Then the food. Man, it was good! I forget the name of the style, they cook everything together, shrimp, crawfish, potatos, onions, corn on the cob, etc. I had three helpings!
Then I went back to the Cape Trading Post to work on the website. Later that night I went to the Raw Oyster House. Jimmie Mack is the third generation owner. Great food on the inside, great music and fun on the outside. Those folks made me feel right at home. The dancing was fun. The DJ/guitar player played everything from Dolly Parton to the latest rap. And Jimmie played the spoons. It was a girls 33rd birthday and she had brought her friends from Jacksonville, FL. We all danced and had fun.
Sunday, Mar. 13, 2011
I decided to attend the United Methodist Church in Port St. Joe. The pastor who had the firehouse invocaiton preached there and I wanted to check out the church. I attended the early, casual, service. Some of the music reminded me of my church back home and I wished I could call them. The sermon was dry and disjointed. Sunday school wasn't much better. I left about halfway through to attend the other class. (And I never do that!) It was a little better. The leader was a good Christian man, in fact I think he is the shining hope for that church.
After church it was to McDonalds and Piggly Wiggly. I went to McDonalds for my weekly supply of grease in the form of a double cheeseburger, a chicken sandwich and fries. I wasn't dissappointed. McDonald's grease is so yummy! I sat by a good looking lady and we struck up a conversation. She was from Ohio and visiting her girlfriend stationed at Tyndall AFB, who joined us shortly. We all had a good chat. I mentioned the cape and that was where they were headed. They mentioned the Peacemaker, a wooden, two masted sailing ship. Pirate style.
It was at the end of the marina so I check it out. It was beautiful. Wooden and wonderful. I grabbed the newsprint to read about the group. They are a twelve tribe (Christian?) group. I put that in paranthensis because when I read the newsprint they offered it mentioned Christ once, usually using the word Master. So, I asked one of them, a man of about 40 about the group. Why the twelve tribes? "It's a biblical expression." Who is your Master. "We're Christians with a communal lifestyle." I haven't visited their website yet, but I do have a few doubts. Why don't you visit their website and let me know what you think?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
"Beware the Ides of March!" I was planning to take the shuttle to St. Vincent Island but the shuttle didn't run on account of they possiblity of a windy, rainy afternoon. So, that scuttled my plans for the job. Carl, the fellow who is going to pick me up after the end of the run, suggested tomorrow would be a better day. So, today I went fishing, caught a catfish and threw it back, met Lou and his wife and inlaws on the beach. Seems I planted my fishing gear very near their place. Good to see all of them again. His broher-in-law, an avid kayaker, had the kayak out and was having fun. Later Lou joined him. I finished my fishing around noon and went to the Indian Pass Campgroud store and visited with Betty a while. She works there and is a nice lady, good worker and pleasant to chat with. Rob, the gent from Fairhope AL stopped by, as did a few others and the conversations were fun.
A word about Rob. He is a laid-back gentleman who likes to host and fish. If you every need a caterer around Fairhope, I can testify that his food is out-of-this-world delicious! And he is a wonderful host as well. Most nights find him hosting a cookout at his camp site. Last night Jesse was there with his guitar singing songs he wrote. I wish I would have had my recorder. He's got some good songs and sings well, too.
Wednesday. March 16, 2011
Indian Pass. I am up around 8:00 thinking it is 7:00 or so. I thought I had more time to get ready for the jog. The weather was beautiful again. You need to spend just one night there to enjoy the sunrise overlooking the water towards the island just a few hundred yards away. I started getting ready for the jog as the shuttle started at 9 and I wanted to get across ASAP. I stopped by the office hoping to find Carl, but he found me instead. As we looked at the map, he said he was ready to pick me up, just set the place and time. He suggested the marker and I agreed. I wasn't sure exactly where that marker was but I knew where we agreed to meet.I said I was just waiting for the shuttle. He said it was already there. Shoot. Gotta get going. Joey met me at the shuttle. A happy, smart fellow. I got out my wallet and he said to put it away. It was his and Marie's way of helping me along! That was a super nice gesture. Thanks! Off we go.
We get to St. Vincent's. I have the snake pocket guide in my pocket. He wishes me well as he heads back to the other side to pick up more people. I start my exercises and stretching. He is back with a young couple with bikes before I finish. He looks at me like, "Well, what are you doing here? Not jogging yet?" I just smile somewhat sheepishly. Then I turn gulfward and begin. But wait! It seems to be roped off to protect the nesting birds. What? Nah! The birds nest in the dunes not on the beach. So, I still go gulfward and begin. I feel great! I turn the corner and see no one on the beach. Yes! The sun is warm and I feel good, getting into the rythm of the jog.
It is a forested island and very beautiful to look at. I see some strange track while I jog. It looks like something is digging holes in the sand. Not a dog. The tracks aren't right. Cloven hooves. Deer? That would be odd. Not till Carl picks me up do I know they are wild hog tracks. The jog is rooting out crabs and enjoying breakfast. These tracks almost follow the entire beach.
Then I see some folks down the way. Shoot. I guess I am getting spoiled wanting the entire beach all around for miles just to myself. There are a few couples out there looking for shells. I jog by and wave. But I see no snakes. And this lasts for at least a mile. Jogging in and out of areas, through the surf, etc. At one point, where I couldn't go straight but had to veer either left (inland) or right (towards the water), I felt a very strong presence to go right. I seemed to be srongly encouraged to move that way. This happens only a few times in life. An angel, I am postivive. Thanks, Lord. I am convinced that had I gone left, it would have been bad news.
About an hour later I come to a point. Weird, I shouldn't be a a point for at least another hour. Is this the place. I am not sure but I don't think so based on the time. There is a boat of folks fishing off the point, closed enough to see them but to far to shout and ask. So, I just keep going.
The shoreline is different from the map or from my google maps. There are a lot of downed trees going into the water. Sometimes I have to jog in place till I can see the sand in the surf so I don't trip on a root or step on a spiked trunk. I often do a shuffle jog if I can't see the bottom. I could climb up about four or five feet to the beginning of the forest. I even see some kinds of signs along the way. There might even be a road up there. But I don't like snakes and besides, I am here to jog the beaches, no the roads.
Finally the beach is beautiful again. I see a boat in the area. It may well be Carl. Now I can see the marker. It looks to be a solar powered marker on the island. And Carl is heading that way to meet me. It is nice to see that boat! I get on board and he tells me the shoreline has changed over the past few years due to storms. He hadn't known there were so many trees down.
Out around St. Vincent I see another island. It wasn't on any maps. I think he said they call it bird island. It looks to be one or two miles long and very narrow with nary a tree on it. He asks if I want to go check it out. I say no. Besides he has his kids waiting for him. We get back and I thank him and pay him. Later I found out that is was probably the cheapest I could get that ride for. Thanks Carl, I apprecite it.
I stay at the Indian Pass Campground that evening. The folks are nice, but everyone is wary of the owner, a woman with a temper. Get on her wrong side and you are in for it! Too bad, such a beautiful place. But the folks are nice.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Time to get to the next island. St. George Island. I say my goodbye's and made sure I am paid up for using the laundry, etc. Yes, I am. I hug Betty goodbye and head out. The bridge to St. George is five miles long. The view is beautiful. First I drive to the west end, the Plantation. Yep, it is a gated community with guards. I hope I can get on the Plantation because I need to get to Little St. George and jog that island and the Plantation is about five miles long and I really don't want to kayak five extra miles both ways.
Next, I head to the St. George State Park which is located on the eastern end of the island. The island is a narrow, beautiful piece of land. No McDonald's here! All local shops and no highrises! I get to the park, hop out and ask for a early/late entry pass. Also, they have another section on the very eastern end which also has a gate. I get that combination as well. I also have the opportunity to meet Dan, who runs the park. I ask him about little St. George and he says another government entity controls that. He offers to give me the name and number. I decline because I don't want government telling me not to go there. But a little voice tells me to check it out. I don't because I would rather not have government in my life.
Then I drive back into town. I stop at a few places and try to find out how to get on the Plantation. I stop at Journeys St.George Island. Dayle and Lissy really help me out. They tell me that today is Thursday so I am in luck! There is a local wine get-together this evening and many people from the Plantation go there. The folks are nice and surely someone will get you a pass. I thank them and head out to find the place. While looking, I spy a restaurant called Firehouse #9. I stop in and am pleasantly surprised at the ambiance and price. Not gouging the tourists here! The owner is there. He used to be in charge of the vehicles for movies sets, etc. And WWF as well. He likes it here and started this restaurant. he named it in honor of firefighters. It is a relaxed place with good food. I think it is the best place in town.
Even thought it is a narrow island, I have trouble finding it. Finally I do. The folks there are very nice and from all over the island. One couple hears my story and calls the head of maintenance for the Plantation. He agrees and immediately calls the head of security who doesn't answer. Even after several attempts, no answer. He says not to worry.
That night I camp in my van at the end of the island. It is state park territory and I am the only one there. This is one of the most beautiful spots in Florida. I can watch the sun go down over the water and watch it come up over the water. Nice! Very Nice!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Today I want to jog Little St. George Island. It is about nine miles long. I will probably have to kayak the channel, walk to the western end and jog back. Then kayak back over the channel. The channel is called Sykes Cut. It is narrow and man-made. Sometimes the wave get really high and the current is fast so one has to be careful. I go to the Plantation and talk to the guard, Larry. He says there is no pass for me. I ask him to call the Head of Security. He said the boss has odd hours and he won't call him. I tell him my story. He doesn't care. Then he sits back down to watch his Christian TV. Hmm... What to do. I decide to go to the mainland and ask at the Reserve HQ if they have a boat going out.
I meet the Reserve Manager, Erik Lovestrand. He tell me if I would have been there an hour ago I could have had a ride. There is a two-man crew that goes out almost daily to work on the dock out there. But they have already left. I should have listened to that voice! Anyway, back to St. George I go. I need to park my van close to the Plantation. I can't find a place. I see a kind-looking old man walking a dog. I tell him what I am doing and ask him if he know where I can park my van. He says he has the house on the corner and I can park it there. Wow! I do. He and his lovely wife are very gracious.
I get my kayak and other gear and, making sure I have plenty of water, a lighter, etc., I head out. The departure point is about two blocks away. It is around 9 AM and I know it is going to be a long day and I will probably have to spend the night on the island. I start kayaking. The water isn't very deep and once in a while I get out and just walk the kayak.
I am getting tired of paddling. Kayaking is not my forte, for sure, but I have to go one. About a half mile from the cut, I fin appears to my right. Wow, a dolphin, I think. Then i think again! A shark? And me in a tiny, inflatable kayak? Oh, well! It turns out to be a dolphin who plays with my and my kayak for the entire half mile to the cut. They are quite large in person. (in dolphin?). Once he comes straight at me. I get a little scared. This animal could really do me some harm! He goes under by kayak. The turkey! Later, just before the cut, the dolphin flaps it tails once and goes away. I tell it God loves it. And He does. I was tiring before the dophin showed up, but this renewed my energy.
I pass across the cut not sure which way the current is going. It isn't too bad but my aim is off and I mark in the middle of a family on a guided tour. The little ones are hunting hermit crabs in the water. The guide, from Journeys, tell me to put the kayak in the bushes so no one gets tempted. I do. And then I head out.
Nine miles of hiking, then jog back. Time to walk quickly! I make good time and soon am a few miles onto the island. The water is fantastic. There are three to five dolphins playing in the water, the sun is out and there is a slight wind. About three miles down the beach, I see a beautiful large conch shell lying right at the top of the surf. I put it in my pack and keep going. This one is the biggest I have seen by far and I will keep it.
About four miles out I see a gator vehicle come out from the path onto the beach. Two guys are in it and they stop. Good! They introduce themselves and tell me that Erik told them to look out for me. Thank you Erik! They offer me a ride to the end of the island which is about five miles further down the beach. I take it! This is like heaven! They are nice folks and we chat.
They drop me off at the end and I can see St. Vincent just across the water. I take a brake and then start jogging. And keep jogging. It is a rather long way. Finally I see the halfway point, where the old lighthouse used to be. It is now on St. George Island and a tourist attraction. A very nice one, too. I take a break and then keep going. I want to get there and maybe even cross the cut before dark.
I don't think I will be able to do that though. I finally see the jetty and later arrive there at 7:10 PM. I am the only one there and the light is fading. I am not sure about the channel and I am a little tired. So, after finding no other way across, no boat, etc. I decide to make camp there. I have a little water left, my kayak, my poncho liner, a lighter, a jacket and a few other things, so I hope to build a fire.
I decide to camp right by the beach, above the high tide mark. I dig a little depression for the fire and start gathering wood. After a while I think I have enough. I try to start a fire and fail several times. Then I use a pine cone. This works very well! I build my fire and look for more wood. Palm fronds are wonderful for fires. And there is large limbs of trees by the water. I break off some and have enough for the night I think.
The weather is absolutely perfect as night fall. No one is on the island but me, I guess. Across the cut are the very rich houses, over here nothing but palm trees, grass, beach and water. I have my kayak propped up against the breeze, my poncho liner as a sheet and blanket. My jacket in case I need it. I find a half bottle of water on the beach and drink that, saving my little bit for the morning. I doze on and off, feeding the fire. I hear this outboard motor close by. Some guy is going very slow right next to me doing some kind of fishing. He goes and comes back this way and then he is gone (I hope). Towards morning the full moon goes down between a palm tree and a bush over the beach. That is a sight I will not forget for a long time.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Morning comes and I watch the water to see when I can launch my kayak. I finally launch it about 9:30 AM. I make a very wide detour around the mouth of the channel on the bay side. Then I start kayaking and walking. I am tired,but keep on going. I pass the docks, the airport and some more brush and then some docks again. Finally I think I am near the end of the Plantation so I call out Ahoy! when I hear someone on shore. I want to now how soon I can get out of this kayak.
I see a spot, but to tell the truth, I forgot to look back when I left and now I don't know where to land. Finally, someone answers my Ahoy! and tells me I am past the Plantation. I thank him and land. I landed about three blocks too far. So, I carry my gear back to my van and start stowing it.
The old man comes out and tells me in a kind way that I left my lights on and a door unlocked. In this case two negatives do equal a positive! I thank him very much and ask if there is anything I can do for him. He says, he is trying to sell the house. I say I will take pics and put it on my site. He says okay, but not right now. I went back several times but we couldn't connect. Sorry, but I tried.
I head to Firehouse #9 and have a very big breakfast! I stink, too! After this I head to the state park to get cleaned up. I go back into town and stop at an evening spot where I have been before. I have a drink, but soon leave. I sleep at the oyster boat loading area.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
I need to go home to pick up my son for Spring Break. He doesn't want to fly. He has flown to Korea and many other places many times, but would rather not this time. First I want to go back to that Baptist Church on Mexico Beach. I get there and no one is there. So, I head home. Time to pick up my son for Spring Break!
Finally the day has come for me to finish Shell Island! I pack for an overnight stay on the island just in case. I have an extra gallon of water mixed with gatorade, a one-man sleeping tent, my poncho liner and a few other things. I hope to get a ride from the marina at the St. Andrew's State Park early as the shuttle starts at 9 or 9:30 am and I won't get to my jumping off point until after 11 am. Just after daylight, the first boat gives me a ride. It is a new Ranger and the driver was a nice guy. I wish I could remember his name! (If you read this, please email me!) And his buddy was a retired air force officer who worked in intelligence, my field as well. They are quite nice and give me a lift to Spanish Landing, which is where the docks are on the inland side of the island.
It is only a half mile from my starting point. I stow my gear at the base of the shed with a note attached. Then I start jogging. The wind is in my face the whole day. It slowed me considerably. I should have done the 10 miles in three and a half hours at the most. It takes more like five. But I am getting ahead of myself. About five miles down the beach I saw several people. That's odd. There isn't supposed to be people here.
They are from Tyndall AFB! There is a boardwalk connecting the base to the beach. Hmmm... I had stopped at the visitor's center and told them my plans. Airman B_____ sure didn't give me the right scoop! And Google Maps failed me as well. So did the other maps! Well,anyway, it is too late now. I take a break and start off again. The wind is a constant slowing factor. But I have just returned from a month of office work so I am not back into optimum jogging shape either.
Shell Island is beautiful. It has dunes, forests and open sand. I am getting tired but I reach the forest. The forest signifies the end of the island. Not more than a mile or so now! And on Google Maps I had seen a lake at the end. That will be neat to see. Maybe there will be a gator or two there!
The last mile or two is slow going. I stop several time. I am not back in shape enough I guess. At the end, and I see the end, dBy this time I am stopping every 20 yards or so. Finally I reach the end! I beat that island! Then I lie down on the sand at the very tip of the end of the island, stretch out and don't get up for ten minutes! I am completely whipped. I wonder how my heart is doing. Finally, I get up. Now for the walk back. It wi getting on in the afternoon and my gear is stowed 10 miles away. I make a plan and decide get off at the boardwalk at Tyndall AFB and hitch a ride from there. I go through the forest for a while as I kind of wanted to see a rattler. But I was careful and saw nothing. I did pick up a walking stick, though. Wow. This really helps! I will use one from now on when not joging. That extra push really helps.
As the sun goes down I arrive at the boardwalk. I had run through several scenarios in my mind on how to get on base and none of them good. I had an experience at Goodfellow AFB while stationed there that left me a little peeved and resentful. Probably my mistake though. So, I realize this and decide to think more positive. There were just a few guys at the firebox which marks the boardwalk. We chat and they say said I can go right on base and that there are no guards there. Cool. I walk the half mile boardwalk and enter the base. Just off the boardwalk there are restrooms and a parking lot. I clean myself up a little and set out to hitch a ride.
When I leave the restroom there are some zoomies in the parking lot, some in a vehicle a and some going to the beach. I ask for a ride and they give me one. Come to find out they were Marines from Yuma AZ! There is a joint exercise going on and they work on harriers, vertical take of and landing jets (VTOL). Sweet. They take me to the commisary thinking that was the best place to hitch a ride. Now, it has been a very long day and it is still a long way to my van at St. Andrews State Park. One had to go around the bay to get there. The folks were very nice and I offered $20 to any carry- out person if they would give me a lift. That seemed fair. A casher took me up on it. Cool. I had a ride back! Relief! Her name was Mary and she was a widow. She used to have two jobs but several health issues slowed her down. Now she just works one job. Thanks Mary. Back in my van I headed to my favorite hotel (E-250) and sleep very well.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I sign up for a dolphin cruise to Shell Island to get my gear. This seems to be the easiest way to get my gear and though I usually don't do touristy things, this looked like fun. If they don't have enough people they aren't going to go today. I am to call back later and check. So I head to a nearby Home Depot, the same one where I learned about Van Dwellers, and do some work on the interior of my van. Finally at the appointed time I call back and check. Yep, the boat is a go for today! There are a group of 20 or so attending a Couples Retreat and are thoroughly enjoying themselves. There are also some college girls there, a few older couples and me. The conversations are good. But I notice that when things got crowded, like when the deckhand pulls up a crab trap to show us tourists how it is done, everyone moved to the bow to watch, I moved to the stern. This happens a few times before I notice it. I realize I am staying away from the crowd and their energy. I didn't want to use my energy for that sort of busy, unfocused behavior. Strange, huh. (A friend actually pointed this out to me the next day.) When the cruise docks I am the first off the boat and bolt at a dead run through the long boardwalk. We only have an hour and my gear is stashed at least a half mile away plus I want to see the bay side again. The sea urchin skeletons are fantastic, but I keep breaking them!
I find my gear intact, (Sweet) grab it up and take off for the bay side. The small sea urching skeletons are there and I pick up a few. I start back and found some nice shells along the way. I am going to give them to those who hadn't found a good shell because I know what it feels like to vacation in Florida and not find a good shell all vacation long. I pick up one tiny white shell for a baby that is in the group. When I give it to the couple they smile. (That's a nice feeling!) The father is a young, stocky black fellow who always has that 'cool' look on his face. But when we joke his smile lights up the whole area. And that seems to be the real him. Too bad he thinks he has to 'be cool'. The ride back is nice and relaxing. The captain had been a boat captain for 35 years. He stated driving this boat a few years ago. He says the sea will beat you up over the years and this boat fits him nicely now. I give shells to those who hadn't found any good ones.
I go to Buccaneers that evening and find that a Parrot Head party was going on. Well, I am an LA (Lower Alabama) Parrot Head so I join them. We have fun. The music was excellent.Come Tuesday I will find One Particular Harbor and have a Margarita! There are single ladies and dancing so I join in! As we are getting to know each other I find myself and another guy talking to this quite pretty lady who is a teacher. This other guy is rich and is tossing out comments about his boat, his way of having fun, etc. He keeps trying to one-up me even though I could care less. Another lady comes up and voice the dilemma the woman is facing. 'To go with the rich or the very handsome.' is here query, while giving me a very long look. The rich guy blurts out that his a master at sex. Without blinking an eye, I look right at him and then at her and say I am a grand master at sex! He doesn't know what to say. I just keep looking at them. It is a funny moment. And I just have to one-up this fellow. He is so smarmy he is begging for it! She is staring and he doesn't know what to say! But she wants a lot more PDA than I do and she finds someone else. Besides, I am not a one-night type of guy. But the dancing is fun and the music is good.
That night I stay at the Walmart Hilton in Parker.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Walmart parking lot. I am one of the many folks sleeping there. I close off the front and rear windows of my van and I sleep well.
Some motorhomes are there as we as a few cars. I dawn some new duds, go into Wally World use the facilities and then at the McDonald's they have there. There is a group of five or six retired folks having coffee They were talking about the Marine Corps League. I ask to join them and they readily accept me. (I am wearing my USMC cap and I don't smell too badly I guess!) They are retired Air Force men and wives but they like the Marine Corps League bar down the street. One lady asks me if I am a real Marine or just wearing the hat. I don't respond to that. (Zoomies!) They give me some excellent information on reaching the NoName Beach. I hadn't been sure it was possible to access that beach without a sponsor, but they said it is. Cool! The lady again asks I was really in the Corps. I say, "Listen, lady, don't ask me again!" I am in nomood for a zoomie wife to ask me if I was in the USMC! And this was the nicest comment I can think of at the time. She responds, "Yep, with that attitude you are a Marine!" They really were nice folks. If I had stayed in the area I would have gone to the Marine Corps League bar, but I had to move one.
I take off down the road to find the access to NoName Beach. I had google mapped it so I have some idea. I pulled off the side of the road when I see a path. The path has a gate across it. So, I put a note on the van and take off down the path to find the beach. About a half mile down I come to the end. It is all grass and reeds, no beach at all. Bummer. Must be the wrong spot. So, I hike back and find another dirt road about a mile down. It too had a gate, but this time I haul out my bicycle and take off. After about a half mile into the forest, the road forks so naturally I take the wrong one. About a half mile down that path I figure it out and turn around. Then I see some scat on the path. Not big enough for bear scat, but that brings me to realize that I was in bear country on a bicycle in the middle of a forest. Time to peddle a little faster!
I come to the fork again and take the right one this time. I find the beach and there are two men there with their trucks. Guess there iss another way. They tell me the name of the beach is Buck Beach and I see there are a lot of trees in the surf. Sure enough, but it very beautiful. One fellow, the young one, shows me some 50 cal rounds he had found over time on the beach. The other fellow, an older gent, the two didn't know each other before then, say he wants to show me something that will, " blow him out of the water?" and proceeds to explain that there is a whole big pile of 50 cal rounds at the turn in the cirlced area where they used to dump them. He says for years his brother had been the game warden there, etc. I wonder. Why is this old guy trying to one-up this other guy? How rude! So I turn to the young guy and start talking about the 50 cal bullets he found on the beach. One-up-manship doesn't faciliate anything but one's ego.
The older fellow pulls out a detailed map and explains that is is called Buck Beach. I ask about the map and he tells me I can get them at the Tyndall AFB Visitor Center. Now, why didn't the zoomie at the visitor center give me that map? I told him what I was doing. Having been to a few military visitor centers I have come to realize the people there don't think if it is something out of the ordinary. Those are now the last places I am going to go for information!
I jog the beach and step around the fallen trees. This is truly a beautiful spot. The beach isn't wide, but the sand is firm and the scenery is some of the best I have seen. And civilians can only go there on the weekends. Today is Saturday. I am very fortunate!
On to Mexico Beach!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday morning came and I had to get cleaned up. I had spent the night in a parking lot (cargo vans are so cool!) But I couldn't find water to
wash up and I hadn't filled my gallon jug. Bummer. So, back I went toward Tyndall AFB and just past that. I couldn't find anything that wouldn't have made me look weird if I used it. So, I turned off at a side road on Tyndall AFB and took out a botle of water I had and washed and rinsed my hair. Man, I felt so much better after that. But by this time I was a half hour late for sunday school. And the first church I went to was a LSD church. (Oops. I meant LDS) I went inside. It was strange in that there were several tiny little rooms.
Finally, I found the Baptist church. Found the sunday school class, apologized for being late and lo and behold! there was a cup of coffee waiting
for me. Now that was nice! Pastor Eddy was leading the sunday school and he taught well and had a good spirit about him. I enjoyed the class. I met Rose there and she invited me over to her and her husband's place to spend the night.
I don't run on Sundays so I took the time to try some primitive fishing. I bought a leader, a sinker, a line and hooks but no rod. The pier
wasn't too crowded and I dropped the line in and waited for the fish to pounce on that juicy, succulent shrimp. And waited and waited. Nothing. Finally, I moved to the end of the pier and still nothing. Then I broke the line and list all my fishing gear! (Maybe that was a good thing!) I went out to view the beach access point at Crooked Island.
Monday, March 7, 2011
I camped the previous night at the parking lot near the beach access at Crooked Island. It gave me a chance to reconfigure my van. I am always looking for more effecient ways to gain space. It worked and now I think I can happily go about my way. I was the only vehicle out there and it was dark. What a good time to pray! I wanted to be up early to walk the five miles out to the end ofthe island and jog back. I woke up around 6 and already a car had pulled up and two hikers got out and were on their way. So, I got up, stowed my sleeping gear, filled my water up, gathered a few figs and headed out. It was a beautiful morming and the beach was wonderfully firm to my feet. In a little less than two hours I approached the end of the island. It was like Shell Island, a small forest and then about a mile of nothing but sand, water and dunes. Beautifully desolate.
At the westeren point of the island I espied the two hikers. Shucks! I wasn't the only one there. They were nice folks, probably an old man and his son having a good time bonding. They were walking off the pont as I was going toward it. I could see Shell Island and it gave me an interesting feeling to see it from the other side. And Buck Island as well. After a 20 minute break I started jogging back. It felt good. About two miles down the beach I passed the pair while they taking a break. We all waved. I found a few sand dollars, the first I had seen on my jogs so I picked up a few, and a few shells as well. Finally I made it back to the starting point. I felt like running some more, but decided against it.
A kind old gentlemen from Wisconsin was fishing and offered a chair. I took it. I sat, he fished and we chatted for a while. I questioned how far it might be to the canal and he ventured about halfway to the Mexico Beach Pier. About half a mile. Hmmm.. It would be nice to reach the canal as it does separate the beaches. So, I took off for a half mile jaunt. Ha! Half mile my tennis shoe! More like a mile and a half! But I had to do it. And with a few stops I did. And then I walked back. Tired. What shall I say to this fellow to led me down the long path? Hmmm... On the way back to the beach access point I met a few people looking for shells. If they didn't find any I would give them what I had found earlier and pocketed. I have enough shells and I remember looking for good shells when I was here for just a week, and not finding any. So, it's fun to make them a little happy.
When I got back to the fisherman, his wife was there fishing too. Both really nice people. They live north of Lake Superior and he runs the local museum about the female doctor in the early 50's and how they got their hospital by a penny drive. Again he offered a chair and I took it. I mentioned that it was a little farther than we thought. His wife was very nice. And a good fisherman too. He had caught four and she three.
I left them on the beach, got to my van and drove in to Mexico Beach to cook lunch. Homefry potatoes (ala VP Quail), eggs mixed together with Korean hot pepper paste. Very good! Then I went to the St. Joe State Park and got my access codes for an early entry. Then I went back to
have dinner with the Bulls. A good day.
Tuesday March 8 2011
Today was a fun day. I spent the night as the guest of Pat and Rose Bull. Two wonderful Christians. Frank Baker and his wife, Alice was there
(Frank is an excellent fish fryer) with Bill and Jerry. (BIll's fish batter recipe was excellent). I met Frank first, he was cleaning a bucket FULL of fish
on Mexico Beach pier and I wanted to observe just in case by the far off chance that I actually catch an edible fish. We started talking and he is a nice, mild mannered and capable man. I asked him about a fishing rig and he explained what to get. And he had invited me to church, too.
I staged my van and rode my bike down to Mexico Beach Pier. The sun gently warmed me as I peddled along waving at the others along the way. I parked my bike at the pier and walked to the canal. I had gotten out of the routine of stretching and push-ups so I decided to reinstitute
in my jog. It felt good. The jog wasn't far and I felt good. It took about 45 minutes to finish the three miles or so. It was still early and I
stated looking out at St. Joe State Park, eyeing the peninsula, wondering if I could and should get that part out of the way on sucha beautiful day. But first I need to wash my clothes. The laundry bag was full. I pulled up at the laundromat and it only cost two dollars for a load of clothes. Cool. No WiFi though. So, while I waited I got out my computer and clicked on my Bible Explorer Program. (a very good program by the way) I wanted to see what the commentaries said about the second half of the first chapter of Collosians. I had my ideas and wanted to compare.
A lady was there waiting for her laundry to dry. We struck up a conversation. She was from Ft. Wayne, IN which is near my townof Bryan, OH. And she had graduated from Taylor University, a school I had attended. She was writing to a family member about a few books of the Bible. Cool. Her, her hubby and their daughter's family were staying on Mexico Beach. We had a good conversaiton and she thought some in her famliy might enjoy chatting. Plus she knew I was living out of my van. So Mary invited me to her cottage. "A small A-frame right next to the public access four tenths of a mile past the county line" as she described it.
But first I had to get some fishing gear. Some money had come in and I wanted to get a pole, etc. Someone told me to go to the Blue Water Outrigger in Port St. Joe, just over the bridge. So, off I went. Just down the road I had to hit my breaks as someone turned in front of me. That's when I saw the pawn shop. I got my pole there and proceeded to the store for the rest of the stuff.
Then I found Mary's place and there was a note on the door telling me to grab a chair and come out back (on the beach). I grabbed my beach chair, my fishing stuff and set out. We had a good conversation. Her family is very nice. That nixed my plan to do the first part of the peninsula. Just as good. It was a nice day. Later that day I went to the pier and tried my luck. No luck. LOL Fishing and me are incompatible so it seems.
Later that night I headed out to the state park and slept in my van at the beginning of the trail. Some kids were staying out there and having a blast. They go out there every year. They told me the weather was bad for tomorrow so I decided to check out the peninsula all the way to Indian Pass the next day. Plus I had an interview at 2 pm with Tim Croft of the Port St. Joe The Star.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
I drove down to Indian Pass at the other end of the cape. On the way I stopped a The Rocks, (that's where the hurricane ruined some of the beach and they were shoring up the land with rocks. Just past the rocks I walked to the beach and found it impassible as the trees went right into the water. So, I ventured down the road to the next turn which was the lighthouse, a very nice small lighthouse with a beautiful old house next to it. I walked to the beach and it was still impassible.
(I had mistakenly thought that Kelly had called the media. It wasn't. It was Marie, whose husband Joey, runs the shutle. Marie and Joey are highly spoken of the the Port St. Joe area. I am including the below narrative because that is what I did. I goofed.) PS Kelly is not one to do anyone a favor!
I arrived at Indian Pass where the shuttle to the St. Vincent Island is. I had called earlier and Kelly gave me the price of the shuttle and later she called and asked if I wanted to get some media attention. Indeed I did! So she gave my number to Tim Croft of The Star. And as mentioned in yesterdays journal we had a good time chatting. Kelly wasn't there but Mindy told me the coffee was free and let me sit at the table behind the counter so I could read my daily devotions. I asked about the island, where to go dancing, etc. and she was kind and informative in her answers.
On my way to Indian Pass I saw this fellow walking briskly, and since I had a few questions about the area I turned the van around to ask him a few questions. When I got to him he turned around to start his walk back. So, I turned around again. I wondered what he was thinking! Anyway, his name is Lou and he gave me some good information. He asked what I was doing so I told him. Then he invited me to his place for dinner with his wife and her brother and his wife. Cool!
I went into Port St. Joe to meet Tim Croft, editor of The Star. Come to find out he is a Toledo guy and attended Bowling Green State University just down the road from Toledo. Tim is an easy going, nice fellow with a ready smile and inquistive attitude. His office wall is filled with award plaques for various aspects of his writings. We had a good chat. On leaving I asked him where I could get some wifi. He suggested the No Name Cafe on Reid St. It is a fun place. I had tea, wifi and nice folks. It reminded me of Jin and Jenny's on Anna Maria Island, near Bradenton, FL. Good atmosphere and I hear the food is great. And speaking of great places, out on the cape you need to stop at Cape Trading Post. The new owners have really made it nice. The pizza was delicious and the coffee is a buck, plus they have free wifi! Did I say the folks are really nice? They are!
After meeting Tim, I had some time so I stopped by the Port St. Joe Jetty. The rain was coming down hard and it was cool to watch the bay with the rain. I changed in the van to some nicer duds, and headed out to the cape to Lou's.
He and his wife are a lovely couple. He is a (semi)retired doctor, a former Special Forces and very interesting fellow. She is an accomplished artist, teaches art as a well-known university in the east and is an excellent cook. Her brother and sis-in-law are a nice couple as well. The meal was delicious and the conversation fun and stimulating. Unfortunately I was a little tired and couldn't partake as much as I would have liked. (By the way, Lou, who is Jewish, tells the very best Jewish joke!)
I left and went back to the jump-off point for my next jog.
Thursday, Mar. 10, 2011
I was up early and the rain was coming down really hard. I check the weather on my cell and found that it would pass soon. So, after a breakfast of bologna and peanut butter sandwiches (with chips!) I readied my gear and was off at 7:50 am. The path was stunning. The rolling dunes, the swampy land, all of it was stunning. At the 5-mile mark (posted) the bay came into view. Wow! I hiked around the bay to the end and instead of taking a break, I just started a slow jog. It was about 11 am. The wind was in my face but it was at my back after the turn. That's nice for a change! The sun was pleasant and I saw no one out there. About an hour later I took a break, three feet from the water up on a dune. Man o' man, this was nice. After 20 minutes off I went a joggin' again. After another hour I took another break and lay on the side of a small dune working out the pain in my hip. A hiker passed me. He had started later than me and was in good shape for an old man (lol). Later I found the exit point. I was tired. Now I am at Cape Trading Post enjoying a coffee, some pizza and a chair!
Friday, Mar. 11, 2011
I slept at the St. Joseph State Park last night. For dinner I had a can of collardgreens in which I cut up some onion and hot dogs. Then I added a heap of Herba...? seasoning. Delicious! I woke up, grabbed a shower and staged my bike at the public access about a mile past the park. Then I drove back to the starting point and took off. It was a beautiufl morning with the wind still at my back! I hope to do 8 miles today, but for now I staged the bike about 4 miles away. I got down to the beach, did my stretching and exercises and took off. Wow. It was fun. I guess it is more fun if one doesn't have to hike 7 miles to start jogging!
The jog went quick, only an hour and ten minutes. While I was checking the access point I stopped a the Fire House #2 and met Jim. He told me where the access point was and was I asked him what was going on as there were tables and chairs ready to be put out. He said they are dedicating the new fire house tomorrow with shrimp, etc. and the inmate help wasn't going to be able to help. So, I said that after I finish my run I will help. After the run I rode my bike about a quarter mile back to the fire house. Just Jim was there and there was nothing to do till the others came to help. I asked if at the end of the help I could get a ride back to my van. He took me there immediately. Sweet. In a firetruck too!
I had a bite to eat and returned to the firehouse. Several folks were there, all nice and helpful. Things went well. After things slowed down I thought that I should run that other 4 miles while the wind was still at my back. And I was a nice day. So, I staged my van at the rocks and was going to get the bike out, but thought, what the heck, let's try hitchhiking! Within a minute Julie picked me up. She had a baby on board and was gong to the part to meet her hubby. She asked about me, especially my kids. I told her. She was a pediactric nurse in Atlanta and was interested in my daughter's, Amy, major, Child Care Management. In fact, our conversation was so fun, I missed the beach access and had to walk back.
The jog was slower, but I still finished in 70 minutes. In the car, Julie said she saw a rather large shark in the water along with her friend. She said it was a big as a cow! Now, I don't think she is one to see things. So, while jogging I was looking for the shark. Didn't see one, yet. I arrived at the Rocks and called it a good day. Just miss my kids.
Saturday, Mar. 11, 2011
Spent the night at the Cape Trading Post. I am getting them on the web. They are very nice people, a family owned and operated place. Their motto is, "If we ain't got it, you probably don't need it!" And they are right! They have every thing from fresh cut meat, to beach goods, My Dog Digs T-Shirts, etc. John has even charged someone's battery, plugged a tire and more. Be sure to stop in when you are on the cape. Folks love their pizzas. I went out to "The Rocks" because that is where I left off. Locals call the place to the east of it, "The Stump(s)" Because of all the stumps. Actually down about a hundred yards or so the beach is unaccessible because of downed trees from the last hurricane. But I decided to jog those hundred yards. Hate to do all this jogging and have that piece of beach nagging on me.
Then I went to the old Lighthouse. To the west, the beach was again unaccessible. So, I walked along to the east and found the most beautiful beach yet. Some trees and stumps, but just gorgeous. I hadn't had breakfast yet, so I got my cooking gear, fishing gear, a chair and chow and headed to the beach. I cast my line into the ocean, hoping to get something by 10 am, my cut-off time for starting breakfast. No such luck. Bites, but no catches. So, I cooked some home fries, with bologna and two eggs. And spices. That was good!
I continued fishing and napping for an hour or two. I had to be at the firehouse dedication ceremony at 2. And I had to freshen up before that event. So, I quit at 1 pm, but before I did, I cast my farthest cast and caught a 7-inch whitefish! My first fish in Florida on my trip! Yeah! The jinx was over! And I threw it back. No time to catch more for a fish fry. Thanks Whitey!. (Actually I call the whitefish a Louis Farrakan fish 'cause I get he loves to catch them. Say he catches three whitefish. Then he can tell his friends, etc, "I got me three whities today!") Or as a friend said, the fish should be called Little Louie.
The dedication was very well done, with a color guard from the local JROTC, an invocation from the United Methodist pastor and a few presentation handed out. Then the food. Man, it was good! I forget the name of the style, they cook everything together, shrimp, crawfish, potatos, onions, corn on the cob, etc. I had three helpings!
Then I went back to the Cape Trading Post to work on the website. Later that night I went to the Raw Oyster House. Jimmie Mack is the third generation owner. Great food on the inside, great music and fun on the outside. Those folks made me feel right at home. The dancing was fun. The DJ/guitar player played everything from Dolly Parton to the latest rap. And Jimmie played the spoons. It was a girls 33rd birthday and she had brought her friends from Jacksonville, FL. We all danced and had fun.
Sunday, Mar. 13, 2011
I decided to attend the United Methodist Church in Port St. Joe. The pastor who had the firehouse invocaiton preached there and I wanted to check out the church. I attended the early, casual, service. Some of the music reminded me of my church back home and I wished I could call them. The sermon was dry and disjointed. Sunday school wasn't much better. I left about halfway through to attend the other class. (And I never do that!) It was a little better. The leader was a good Christian man, in fact I think he is the shining hope for that church.
After church it was to McDonalds and Piggly Wiggly. I went to McDonalds for my weekly supply of grease in the form of a double cheeseburger, a chicken sandwich and fries. I wasn't dissappointed. McDonald's grease is so yummy! I sat by a good looking lady and we struck up a conversation. She was from Ohio and visiting her girlfriend stationed at Tyndall AFB, who joined us shortly. We all had a good chat. I mentioned the cape and that was where they were headed. They mentioned the Peacemaker, a wooden, two masted sailing ship. Pirate style.
It was at the end of the marina so I check it out. It was beautiful. Wooden and wonderful. I grabbed the newsprint to read about the group. They are a twelve tribe (Christian?) group. I put that in paranthensis because when I read the newsprint they offered it mentioned Christ once, usually using the word Master. So, I asked one of them, a man of about 40 about the group. Why the twelve tribes? "It's a biblical expression." Who is your Master. "We're Christians with a communal lifestyle." I haven't visited their website yet, but I do have a few doubts. Why don't you visit their website and let me know what you think?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
"Beware the Ides of March!" I was planning to take the shuttle to St. Vincent Island but the shuttle didn't run on account of they possiblity of a windy, rainy afternoon. So, that scuttled my plans for the job. Carl, the fellow who is going to pick me up after the end of the run, suggested tomorrow would be a better day. So, today I went fishing, caught a catfish and threw it back, met Lou and his wife and inlaws on the beach. Seems I planted my fishing gear very near their place. Good to see all of them again. His broher-in-law, an avid kayaker, had the kayak out and was having fun. Later Lou joined him. I finished my fishing around noon and went to the Indian Pass Campgroud store and visited with Betty a while. She works there and is a nice lady, good worker and pleasant to chat with. Rob, the gent from Fairhope AL stopped by, as did a few others and the conversations were fun.
A word about Rob. He is a laid-back gentleman who likes to host and fish. If you every need a caterer around Fairhope, I can testify that his food is out-of-this-world delicious! And he is a wonderful host as well. Most nights find him hosting a cookout at his camp site. Last night Jesse was there with his guitar singing songs he wrote. I wish I would have had my recorder. He's got some good songs and sings well, too.
Wednesday. March 16, 2011
Indian Pass. I am up around 8:00 thinking it is 7:00 or so. I thought I had more time to get ready for the jog. The weather was beautiful again. You need to spend just one night there to enjoy the sunrise overlooking the water towards the island just a few hundred yards away. I started getting ready for the jog as the shuttle started at 9 and I wanted to get across ASAP. I stopped by the office hoping to find Carl, but he found me instead. As we looked at the map, he said he was ready to pick me up, just set the place and time. He suggested the marker and I agreed. I wasn't sure exactly where that marker was but I knew where we agreed to meet.I said I was just waiting for the shuttle. He said it was already there. Shoot. Gotta get going. Joey met me at the shuttle. A happy, smart fellow. I got out my wallet and he said to put it away. It was his and Marie's way of helping me along! That was a super nice gesture. Thanks! Off we go.
We get to St. Vincent's. I have the snake pocket guide in my pocket. He wishes me well as he heads back to the other side to pick up more people. I start my exercises and stretching. He is back with a young couple with bikes before I finish. He looks at me like, "Well, what are you doing here? Not jogging yet?" I just smile somewhat sheepishly. Then I turn gulfward and begin. But wait! It seems to be roped off to protect the nesting birds. What? Nah! The birds nest in the dunes not on the beach. So, I still go gulfward and begin. I feel great! I turn the corner and see no one on the beach. Yes! The sun is warm and I feel good, getting into the rythm of the jog.
It is a forested island and very beautiful to look at. I see some strange track while I jog. It looks like something is digging holes in the sand. Not a dog. The tracks aren't right. Cloven hooves. Deer? That would be odd. Not till Carl picks me up do I know they are wild hog tracks. The jog is rooting out crabs and enjoying breakfast. These tracks almost follow the entire beach.
Then I see some folks down the way. Shoot. I guess I am getting spoiled wanting the entire beach all around for miles just to myself. There are a few couples out there looking for shells. I jog by and wave. But I see no snakes. And this lasts for at least a mile. Jogging in and out of areas, through the surf, etc. At one point, where I couldn't go straight but had to veer either left (inland) or right (towards the water), I felt a very strong presence to go right. I seemed to be srongly encouraged to move that way. This happens only a few times in life. An angel, I am postivive. Thanks, Lord. I am convinced that had I gone left, it would have been bad news.
About an hour later I come to a point. Weird, I shouldn't be a a point for at least another hour. Is this the place. I am not sure but I don't think so based on the time. There is a boat of folks fishing off the point, closed enough to see them but to far to shout and ask. So, I just keep going.
The shoreline is different from the map or from my google maps. There are a lot of downed trees going into the water. Sometimes I have to jog in place till I can see the sand in the surf so I don't trip on a root or step on a spiked trunk. I often do a shuffle jog if I can't see the bottom. I could climb up about four or five feet to the beginning of the forest. I even see some kinds of signs along the way. There might even be a road up there. But I don't like snakes and besides, I am here to jog the beaches, no the roads.
Finally the beach is beautiful again. I see a boat in the area. It may well be Carl. Now I can see the marker. It looks to be a solar powered marker on the island. And Carl is heading that way to meet me. It is nice to see that boat! I get on board and he tells me the shoreline has changed over the past few years due to storms. He hadn't known there were so many trees down.
Out around St. Vincent I see another island. It wasn't on any maps. I think he said they call it bird island. It looks to be one or two miles long and very narrow with nary a tree on it. He asks if I want to go check it out. I say no. Besides he has his kids waiting for him. We get back and I thank him and pay him. Later I found out that is was probably the cheapest I could get that ride for. Thanks Carl, I apprecite it.
I stay at the Indian Pass Campground that evening. The folks are nice, but everyone is wary of the owner, a woman with a temper. Get on her wrong side and you are in for it! Too bad, such a beautiful place. But the folks are nice.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Time to get to the next island. St. George Island. I say my goodbye's and made sure I am paid up for using the laundry, etc. Yes, I am. I hug Betty goodbye and head out. The bridge to St. George is five miles long. The view is beautiful. First I drive to the west end, the Plantation. Yep, it is a gated community with guards. I hope I can get on the Plantation because I need to get to Little St. George and jog that island and the Plantation is about five miles long and I really don't want to kayak five extra miles both ways.
Next, I head to the St. George State Park which is located on the eastern end of the island. The island is a narrow, beautiful piece of land. No McDonald's here! All local shops and no highrises! I get to the park, hop out and ask for a early/late entry pass. Also, they have another section on the very eastern end which also has a gate. I get that combination as well. I also have the opportunity to meet Dan, who runs the park. I ask him about little St. George and he says another government entity controls that. He offers to give me the name and number. I decline because I don't want government telling me not to go there. But a little voice tells me to check it out. I don't because I would rather not have government in my life.
Then I drive back into town. I stop at a few places and try to find out how to get on the Plantation. I stop at Journeys St.George Island. Dayle and Lissy really help me out. They tell me that today is Thursday so I am in luck! There is a local wine get-together this evening and many people from the Plantation go there. The folks are nice and surely someone will get you a pass. I thank them and head out to find the place. While looking, I spy a restaurant called Firehouse #9. I stop in and am pleasantly surprised at the ambiance and price. Not gouging the tourists here! The owner is there. He used to be in charge of the vehicles for movies sets, etc. And WWF as well. He likes it here and started this restaurant. he named it in honor of firefighters. It is a relaxed place with good food. I think it is the best place in town.
Even thought it is a narrow island, I have trouble finding it. Finally I do. The folks there are very nice and from all over the island. One couple hears my story and calls the head of maintenance for the Plantation. He agrees and immediately calls the head of security who doesn't answer. Even after several attempts, no answer. He says not to worry.
That night I camp in my van at the end of the island. It is state park territory and I am the only one there. This is one of the most beautiful spots in Florida. I can watch the sun go down over the water and watch it come up over the water. Nice! Very Nice!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Today I want to jog Little St. George Island. It is about nine miles long. I will probably have to kayak the channel, walk to the western end and jog back. Then kayak back over the channel. The channel is called Sykes Cut. It is narrow and man-made. Sometimes the wave get really high and the current is fast so one has to be careful. I go to the Plantation and talk to the guard, Larry. He says there is no pass for me. I ask him to call the Head of Security. He said the boss has odd hours and he won't call him. I tell him my story. He doesn't care. Then he sits back down to watch his Christian TV. Hmm... What to do. I decide to go to the mainland and ask at the Reserve HQ if they have a boat going out.
I meet the Reserve Manager, Erik Lovestrand. He tell me if I would have been there an hour ago I could have had a ride. There is a two-man crew that goes out almost daily to work on the dock out there. But they have already left. I should have listened to that voice! Anyway, back to St. George I go. I need to park my van close to the Plantation. I can't find a place. I see a kind-looking old man walking a dog. I tell him what I am doing and ask him if he know where I can park my van. He says he has the house on the corner and I can park it there. Wow! I do. He and his lovely wife are very gracious.
I get my kayak and other gear and, making sure I have plenty of water, a lighter, etc., I head out. The departure point is about two blocks away. It is around 9 AM and I know it is going to be a long day and I will probably have to spend the night on the island. I start kayaking. The water isn't very deep and once in a while I get out and just walk the kayak.
I am getting tired of paddling. Kayaking is not my forte, for sure, but I have to go one. About a half mile from the cut, I fin appears to my right. Wow, a dolphin, I think. Then i think again! A shark? And me in a tiny, inflatable kayak? Oh, well! It turns out to be a dolphin who plays with my and my kayak for the entire half mile to the cut. They are quite large in person. (in dolphin?). Once he comes straight at me. I get a little scared. This animal could really do me some harm! He goes under by kayak. The turkey! Later, just before the cut, the dolphin flaps it tails once and goes away. I tell it God loves it. And He does. I was tiring before the dophin showed up, but this renewed my energy.
I pass across the cut not sure which way the current is going. It isn't too bad but my aim is off and I mark in the middle of a family on a guided tour. The little ones are hunting hermit crabs in the water. The guide, from Journeys, tell me to put the kayak in the bushes so no one gets tempted. I do. And then I head out.
Nine miles of hiking, then jog back. Time to walk quickly! I make good time and soon am a few miles onto the island. The water is fantastic. There are three to five dolphins playing in the water, the sun is out and there is a slight wind. About three miles down the beach, I see a beautiful large conch shell lying right at the top of the surf. I put it in my pack and keep going. This one is the biggest I have seen by far and I will keep it.
About four miles out I see a gator vehicle come out from the path onto the beach. Two guys are in it and they stop. Good! They introduce themselves and tell me that Erik told them to look out for me. Thank you Erik! They offer me a ride to the end of the island which is about five miles further down the beach. I take it! This is like heaven! They are nice folks and we chat.
They drop me off at the end and I can see St. Vincent just across the water. I take a brake and then start jogging. And keep jogging. It is a rather long way. Finally I see the halfway point, where the old lighthouse used to be. It is now on St. George Island and a tourist attraction. A very nice one, too. I take a break and then keep going. I want to get there and maybe even cross the cut before dark.
I don't think I will be able to do that though. I finally see the jetty and later arrive there at 7:10 PM. I am the only one there and the light is fading. I am not sure about the channel and I am a little tired. So, after finding no other way across, no boat, etc. I decide to make camp there. I have a little water left, my kayak, my poncho liner, a lighter, a jacket and a few other things, so I hope to build a fire.
I decide to camp right by the beach, above the high tide mark. I dig a little depression for the fire and start gathering wood. After a while I think I have enough. I try to start a fire and fail several times. Then I use a pine cone. This works very well! I build my fire and look for more wood. Palm fronds are wonderful for fires. And there is large limbs of trees by the water. I break off some and have enough for the night I think.
The weather is absolutely perfect as night fall. No one is on the island but me, I guess. Across the cut are the very rich houses, over here nothing but palm trees, grass, beach and water. I have my kayak propped up against the breeze, my poncho liner as a sheet and blanket. My jacket in case I need it. I find a half bottle of water on the beach and drink that, saving my little bit for the morning. I doze on and off, feeding the fire. I hear this outboard motor close by. Some guy is going very slow right next to me doing some kind of fishing. He goes and comes back this way and then he is gone (I hope). Towards morning the full moon goes down between a palm tree and a bush over the beach. That is a sight I will not forget for a long time.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Morning comes and I watch the water to see when I can launch my kayak. I finally launch it about 9:30 AM. I make a very wide detour around the mouth of the channel on the bay side. Then I start kayaking and walking. I am tired,but keep on going. I pass the docks, the airport and some more brush and then some docks again. Finally I think I am near the end of the Plantation so I call out Ahoy! when I hear someone on shore. I want to now how soon I can get out of this kayak.
I see a spot, but to tell the truth, I forgot to look back when I left and now I don't know where to land. Finally, someone answers my Ahoy! and tells me I am past the Plantation. I thank him and land. I landed about three blocks too far. So, I carry my gear back to my van and start stowing it.
The old man comes out and tells me in a kind way that I left my lights on and a door unlocked. In this case two negatives do equal a positive! I thank him very much and ask if there is anything I can do for him. He says, he is trying to sell the house. I say I will take pics and put it on my site. He says okay, but not right now. I went back several times but we couldn't connect. Sorry, but I tried.
I head to Firehouse #9 and have a very big breakfast! I stink, too! After this I head to the state park to get cleaned up. I go back into town and stop at an evening spot where I have been before. I have a drink, but soon leave. I sleep at the oyster boat loading area.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
I need to go home to pick up my son for Spring Break. He doesn't want to fly. He has flown to Korea and many other places many times, but would rather not this time. First I want to go back to that Baptist Church on Mexico Beach. I get there and no one is there. So, I head home. Time to pick up my son for Spring Break!