Day: December 23, 2018

DAY #64

The day started out cool (33 degrees), but with a promise of sunny sky’s and warmer temps. I left to check out a small town I had come across yesterday but didn’t have enough time to fully check out or get photos, it had gotten too late.

But life doesn’t always go as planned (or so I’m told). Before leaving the camp site, I had put my phone on the bed rail of the truck and went off to do something. While you guessed it, I forgot it was there and off I went down the road. I was out of the park and about two miles down the road when the thought came to me…where’s the phone? After a moment of realization/anger (both at turn of events as well as myself) I stopped, checked around and sure enough, it was gone off the truck. I have to say I was cool in the way I handled it. I wanted to freak out /meltdown but I didn’t. I choose to look at it as a test, knowing that I’m never given more than I can handle. Back tracked to the campsite, asking everyone I saw if they had found a phone, and each time the answer was, sorry no. Long story (slightly less) short, I did not find the phone.

The next thing was to see if there was a Verizon retailer in the area, I was thinking I might have to go all the way into Gainesville. Checked Google, found a place in town (Chiefland), and thought, that’s where I’m headed.. They didn’t open until 1:00 pm on Sunday so I needed to wait for them to open. After getting there, I waited 1/2 hour before it was my turn (it’s a slow process). Thankfully, I was able to get another phone with the same number, and also was able to download almost everything that was on the old phone. I had to pay off my old phone first. Now my monthly payments are going to go up by $14.00 per month, but it’s an increase I can absorb. Plus, its the new galaxy 9 compared to the old galaxy 8. What does the new phone do that the old one can’t? Cost $14.00 more per month is about all I can see.

It took well over an hour to complete the transaction, and then I had to finish setting everything up, which took time. By the time I was ready to rock, the day had passed me by.

I was tested today and passed. I didn’t act like some crazy ass, damn fool (which I‘ve been known to do). I was focused, accepting, and thankful that everything came together to resolve the situation. Now watch, Ill get back to camp and someone will have found it (Update: The phone was not found).

Sorry, no photos today, just a sad tale of a boy and his lost phone.

DAY #63

After two days of less than ideal weather, today showed up with blue sky’s, calm winds, and a brisk 34 degrees.

The campground has had its influx of weekenders. It looks like a lot of campers with tents and kids. Sure ingredients for noise, but with the spacious sites, the noise and commotion is tolerable. Went and checked on the water level near the campsite, It continues to rise, so much so, the park has closed the boardwalk out to the river. Fingers crossed it doesn’t get to flood stage here at the park.

Sitting in the trailer, I took some time to reflect on the journey up to this point (having no TV or internet will do that).

It’s been two months on the road, over 25% of the trip complete. I’m glad (as of today–subject to change, stay tuned) I decided to do this. Both the truck and trailer have performed admirably (knock on wood). Overall, the weather has been very accommodating (even with the heavy rains). Another plus, I’ve been staying good budget wise. There are a couple areas I’ve not addressed and need to, namely, getting more physically active and lose weight. I’ve been (so far) able to see parts of America I’ve always wanted to spend time in, and have not been disappointed.

I have times when the pull of home is strong but at this point, the urge to go on is stronger. I think that feeling ties in with the next sentence. It’s so easy to get stuck in one place (literaly & figuratively), and it can be so hard to break free of it. I want to be unstuck, and this trip is giving me the path to do just that.

OK enough with reflection, now on with the day. Headed east of Chiefland to check out the sites.

Began to notice the pastures changing from cattle to horses, and the spreads began taking on a more upscale air to them.

Also have noticed that there are no barns on the farms. There are some outbuildings (more like lean–tos) but it looks like the cattle are out in the elements 24/7. The horses on the other hand, have some nice stables. I read that the winning horse of the 1975 Kentucky derby was from one of the stables in the area.

Driving along the back roads, came across this old store at a rural crossroad.

Wanted to see more of the area but the day was getting long and not being a big fan of driving in the dark, especially were I haven’t been before, began the trip back to Chiefland. A couple more photos of the area to end the day.

And a goodnight to all.