Uphill Blues

November 12, 2001-Monday-Day 17-

9:00am-We are about out of the mighty town of Zepherhills. Looks like a nice little town that I could adjust to if I wanted to live in this area. We made it here just after dark last night and found a place in the pines to spend the night. I slept pretty good last night, I must be exhausted. I bought the last can of dog food that I can buy. Now, the game changes I suppose. I got to keep the little guy fed somehow. So, I'll have to fire up my vast imagination and figure out something. I found a thermometer this morning , now I can see just how cold it actually gets at night. Its 66 right now, I am wondering if this thing will register 40 below like the last few night? Here's a sign that says Ocala is 68 miles, at least I know I am now in Central Florida. I wish I had a gallon jug to carry some of this famous Zepherhills water with us. But, no dice, I was wondering when this trip would start getting interesting. I think tomorrow might be the day. My poor old feet are really bad now, I wearing 3 socks on each foot. I passed a gigantic stadium last night, right out here in the middle of the woods. All the cars I had seen yesterday were here for a show. I figured that, I am like a broken watch, I'm right twice a day.

11:45am- We are taking a little break in an orange grove somewhere between Zepherhills and Dade City. We aren't really pushing it today. Just ate 10 oranges, that ought to keep me alive the rest of the day, at least. It is 76 in the shade and 110 in the sun. No wonder Skillet is having such a hard time in the middle of the day. I am hoping that we can find a place to 'hole up in Dade City for a few days. We need to heal up before we take off into the wilderness.

1:40pm- Its just to hot to push Skil's to hard today. I just walked him an hour and he's whining and don't want to go on. I found a package of dried plums, opened and a little gritty, but good. Appears we are 4 miles from Dade city. I want to change into my shorts, but I don't want to carry the extra weight of my jeans in my pack. It is hilly country and the uphill walk ain't easy. Busnell is the next town after Dade City and should be a one day trip. Saying, of course, if its not to hot. Just sitting here thinking about Naples and all the money I would of found just walking around town for 17 days. Two hundred plus miles out of Naples and have found a total of $0.76. Well, that tells ya where the rich old careless people hang out. WTF! A truck just stopped 30ft. away and a pile of people got out. I am in the middle of nowhere and here are 9 guys digging a hole right where we are. I hope Skil's don't start barking or something, they don't know I'm here, yet. Three wet-backs digging and 6 white guys watching. God Bless America!

2:35pm-We moved away from the diggers, by going into the orange grove and we are about 3/4 of a mile farther down the road. This is the junction of U.S.98 and 301. We'll leave here when it gets a little cooler and walk into Dade City. Try to find Skillet something to eat.

DeSotos March

November 11, 2001-Sunday-Day 16

8:15am-We are passing a sign that reads 13 miles back to tampa. Don't seem like we have traveled that far, but it makes for a more positive start for the day. I'll take any boost to morale I can get right now. Things started out a little better this morning, I finally ran into a grocery store and got Skil's 2 cans of cheap dog food. Last night, we stayed under a grove of Oak trees, and man, what a difference. Everything was dry this morning, why didn't I think of that before. Sucks waking up every morning and everthing is soaking wet.

9:20am-I guess we are pretty much in the country now. Haven't seen anything for miles. The next town is Zepherhills. They surely have water there, I've seen the bottles and there advertisements. I am near a sign that reads Hillsbourogh River State Park, 7 miles. I have alredy crossed that river once, maybe I am not the only one that doesn't know where they are. Well, we'll see in 7 more miles. Wish I had a map, this "SUCKS"! Once I am free of Florida, it really won't matter much which road I take. I can do the"Yogi Berra" thing. When I get to the fork in the road "Take It" That will be a heavy load off my shoulders. We are still looking for U.S. 441 and it would be a big help to know where the hell we are gonna hit it. After missing 301 twice in Tampa and adding an uncalled for extra 10 miles to my poor old feet. I don't want to miss my next turn. Strange, but I keep passing Mini-Muffin boxes, of course, these are all empty ones. Just passed "carl's Orchard" and ole' Carl is a couple oranges short of when he woke up this morning. I didn't consider it stealing, being so close to the road. Gotta find me a walking stck.

11:10am- About 4 miles to State Park and sitting on the bank of a dirty little creek that is unfit for human consumption, but Skil's doesn't seem to agree with that. There is a lot of trucks parked along here. Must be walking the creek fishing. I have noticed a lot of vintage cars heading north this morning. I guess these poor ole' Crackers can't figure out all the gadgets on all the new models. All are really sharp looking cars though, must be a car show somewhere down the road. If I had some food and water, we would hang out here until tomorrow. But, Alas poor me, no food or water have we. Been checking out the road-kill, but haven't found anything fresh, yet. Probably have to rassle one of these Hillbillies over a Possum! Damn! Am I losing it? Skil's is sleeping a lot and I have to check him for ticks every day.

2:30pm- We are entering the Grand metropolis of McIntosh, a yard sale addict's dreamland. Yardsale signs are everywhere. One sign claims "Yardsale All Week". I'm starting to sound like a tour guide or something. One building advertised "Antiques" and had some really cool stuff out in the yard. We are stopped for another break at a little creek, a lot cleaner than the last one, but I still ain't that thirsty yet.The State Park entrance is in sight and I sure hope they have some water there. Looking like we won't make Zepherhills today. I'd like to get started early tomorrow because Skil's does really good up until about 9:30, then he becomes problematic.

5:00pm-We are resting for a bit on the Pasco county line next to a cow pasture, I can tell by all the bovines wandering around. I think my little boy would like to go over and eat one, he has never been fond of moo-ers anyway. I don't see nothing at all down the road, but its a sure thing I can't stay here. I saw an information sign at the State park of DeSotos March and it appears 441 will be somewhere in the direction we are headed. Good news! Zepherhills is about 5 more miles, so, I guess we'll try for it. That is about 2 more hours of walking. Reminds me of a poem by "Longfellow" about miles to go before I sleep. If I was by myself, I would have had many unique adventures by now, but I just can't get into any uncomfortable situations with my little dog. Zepherhills here we come , "Get the water ready"

Lost In Tampa

November 10, 2001 Saturday-11:30am I suppose we are definately in Tampa now! Man I hate this place . Nothing ever has been in my favor here. The trick now is to find 301, I'm not gonna get in no big hurry , just try to cruise thru and not draw any attention to us. My biggest concern is finding Skillet something to eat.I have enough money for one more meal for him. Our luck has held up so far, he's ate everyday.Not healthy , but substance is what we're working on here.

I found a Parka that blew out of someone's car yesterday and that might fight off the chill a little at night. I sure ain't carrying the wardrobe I'll need up the road. There's an old saying about dumb and tough, right now both have the same meaning. I metr this homeless guy this morning and he told me about a soup kitchen that started serving at 3:00pm. Sounded good but I can't hang around in one place in the city that long. So, we headed on to the hunt for 301. Really , really chilly last night (40's are cold for a Miami native)

3:15pm- What a miserable day trying to find 301. I'm sitting in a little kids car in front of a home being demolished on Hwy 92. We got lost twice trying to find 301. Some tracker this little dog is, or maybe he's mad at me and is punishing me. I don't know if I am going in the rigt direction or not , but this is the way we are going. I suppose we are in Brandon at the moment. Seems like a nice town too. I could live here if it wasn't in Tampa.

My luck hasn't taken a positive turn yet, but I did find a Granola Bar somebody left a phone booth and a bag of red licorice candy that tasted like gummy bears. Also found a bag of puppy chow with about a cup of food still in the bottom. That isn't enough food for Skil's, but there has to be a grocery store somewhere in this town. The next main road I find that is headed north I'm taking it. We need to find a place where we can rest up for a day or two. The little guy does alright in the evening , but the heat of the day is rough on him.

6:30pm- Finally on 301, where it meets I-75. This town is confusing! Earlier we walked under 301 and didn't know it. We walked about 6 miles that were a waste of foot power. But, while walking along I found boxes of Mini-Muffins, some empty and 2 that were unopened. Oh Happy Days! Skil's hasn't never ate sweet stuff, so I didn't think to offer any. But, when I did he gobbled 2 of them down. I had eaten most of them by then and I felt so bad that he didn't get any. He could have had them all if I knew he would eat them. I'll get him something good tomorrow if I have to slaughter someone's cow. I sure hope this little guy makes this trip. I sure love that little dog.

Nightmare Begins

November 9 ,2001 - Friday Day 14
7:30am - We should be hitting Tampa soon (which I am uneasy about) and I'll probably try to cross it in one straight shot . It will probably be our last chance for food for a while . Maybe I will luck up on a Soup Line or Mission .
There was a thin layer of frost on the ground when I got up this morning . Not looking good ! At this moment Skil's is sacked out and steam is coming off his paws . Really looks odd .
12:30pm -Just outside Gibsonton , this is really where Tampa really starts . Tampa proper is 9 more miles . I found 3 more tomatoes this morning , which fell off a truck . Thank God , for overfilling a tomato truck . Small , but tasty . I am still looking for something to eat that has some "oomph" to it .I'm starting to feel weaker and weaker , from no fuel in my tank . I did get Skil's a can of food this morning .
I have Saturday and Sunday to cross Tampa , I'd prefer making it in one day . But being realistic I'll shoot for 2 days . Then the adventure will really begin . Still waiting for this trip to get better , I know it can't get too much worse . I just have to stay the same old optimistic me and don't let it get me down .
3:20pm -Inside Gibsonton proper now , and checked out the dumpsters behind the U-Save , but they were empty . Must have heard we were coming and we are hungry . It hasn't been to long since the garbage truck passed this way .
Somebody dropped 2 bags of fish in the road , right in the middle of the turn lane on 41 . I thought "allright" but it turned out to be minnows and a few saltwater catfish . I did open the bags to see if they were fresh , though . I couldn't stomach this , but I did clear the road for the good freaks in Gibsonton .
Let me explain the freak word - Gibsonton is the resting grounds for all the Circus folks from days gone by . They have the Giant Bar , and all kinds of little business's named after circus freaks . Lobster Boy , Bearded Woman , etc.
Got to get some salt , I am starting to get cramps , feet hurt , back hurts , legs are tired , Darn , I sound like an old person ! Wonder what all these aches and pains are telling me? Her comes another train , Probably scare the little boy to death . It did .
6:30pm - Six miles from Tampa , now ,and we stopped underneath a billboard that is all lit up . It has a very sexy woman on it and a phone number . "MMM" Wonder what she is selling? A man stopped and gave Skil's a Bar-B-Q sandwitch , that was really nice of him . I lost my hooded sweatshirt along the road , sometime today , I'm not going back to look for either .
I seen a sign that read Lake City 174 miles , so that would put Georgia at about 200 miles . I hope I can run across a map , because I am pretty sure I want 441 through Georgia . Going out of the way ain't too much fun when you are afoot !

Out Of Town For Awhile!

November 8, 2001 - Thursday Day- 13

7:35am - I found a little creek for us to take our first break at , just past 275 and 41 intersection .There is a cow path here and it has the little guy on edge , they have been through here recently . This part of 41 seems to have no civilization on it for about a 1000 miles or so . We are surely out of town now ! We are just gonna take it easy today . Got a might brisk last night . I ain't to sure I am ready for the winter which lies ahead of us . It would be a great morning to have a cup of coffee as I sit here for an hour .
9:00am - We are behind a CircleK a few miles north of 275 . I got Skil's a can of food for a dollar and myself a $.35 candy bar . I guess I have to eat too . I just understand that it may not be today , but Skil's has always eaten daily , and he doesn't understand that it might not always be possible on this adventure .
There is about twenty cats living here and they don't seem to impressed with our prescence . They don't run from me , but seem to shy away from the dog a bit . I did stop a pick some orages today back down the road . Little ones but super sweet . I like this area and feel safe going through here . Wish I knew how to talk to people . That's just not my way . Growing up in Miami conditions a person to always expect the worst , I guess . Need to shave today , in case I do decide to try and communicate with the local population .
10:20am - I am having brunch in an orange grove now . I am definately sated on oranges . I seen a coachwhip snake coming in here , I haven't seen one in more than thirty years . It's about ten miles to Ruskin , I am makin more progress than I thought . Only 20 miles to Tampa after that . Everything should be alright after Tampa , but I have this feeling of impending DOOM when I think of going through Tampa .
I have enough money to get Skil's 2 more cans of food , if I can find a grocery store . There is nothing on this road as far as I have came and nothing as far asI can see .
I am sitting here in this orange grove , miles from anything and here comes a DOT cop and parks in front of me in the median . He didn't stay long though , he took off after the 3rd semi that went by . But why pick this spot to set up to write tickets ?
The skeeters are bad here , but not like Naples . Even if I think they are .
1:40pm - We have finally entered Hillsborough County and the anxiety is starting to grow now . The bugs are really hungry in this area , its hard to function like this . I am near the RR tracks and I'm thinking how nice it would be to ride the rails . Like an ole' hobo and hodog . I could never get Skil's to get in a boxcar though . The little guy is exhausted , he's been having a rough time , walking in the sun . I have to walk in the daylight , its the only way to look for lost money laying on the ground . Which has been a really rare occurence since I left Naples . A few pennies here and there . Outside of Collier Co. , the folks semm to value their money a little more than the Snowbirds from down south .
I am going to hang out hereuntil 4:00 and let Skil's rest some . Might be a bit cooler by then . At least the sun won't be shining straight down on him . I passed a field of tomato's a ways back and sure would of liked the courage to harvest a few . Maybe , I'll pass another one and take the chance .
The gnats are worse than the skeeters in this area . Its about 8 more miles to Ruskin , ain't making much headway today at all . I am hoping to find a grocery store tonight and practice the art of "dumpster diving" . Wynn-Dixie has a habit of trashing some really good stuff . I could use a few things for myself , like a book , bug-spray , and on-and-on .
I may have to make some smudge pots tonight to keep the bugs down . I'll also be keeping my eyes open for a shoe tree . Haven't a clue as to why I bought these boots for hiking . I'll surely trade them for a pair of tennis shoes .
3:20pm - The wind is coming from the southwest , thats a pretty good sign that some weather is heading this way . Hope it doesn't have too much rain , Sure need a newspaper with today's weather report in it .
7:30pm -We passed a CircleK and I inquired as to where the next grocery store was at . Hey , its a start ! About 4 more miles , so I'll wait to feed Skil's rather than buy this high-priced dogfood at this store . I walked 3 hrs. from the last stop , made it through Ruskin , and slept in an open field . One of my better nights , my little dog ate 2 big cans of food and he was really happy . Nowhere near as happy asI was seeing him get a full meal.

Making My Escape From Sarasota

November 7, 2001 - Wednesday Day 12

6:50am - I slept without any problems right up til 5:45am . Other than it being cold and awful wet , it was a pretty good rest .We didn't waste any time trying to put this place far behind us . Not much shenanigans going on at 5:00 in the morning . Glad to be gone from there!
8:45am - We are just south of Bradenton and looks like we will be entering the city limits soon.There seems to be a few miles of open road ahead and there is a six foot high fence along each side of the road .That doesn't surprise me a bit , after that last neighborhood I was in .I can picture "crack-heads" climbing these fences and helping themselves to anything that would possibly get them their next hit.
10:30am - Just crossed the Manatee River and 301 turns to the east , so I'll stay on 41 for awhile . The next town will be Palmetto (large farming area) might be able to rob somebody's tater patch . We are just gonna take it easy today , I hurt my ankle yesterday and I pushed Skil's pretty hard trying to get out of that last "Hell-Hole"
Right now , we are in a place called Oneco under a oak tree , I have been picking up snipes as I go along , so I'll have something to smoke along the way . I haven't seen any of those farms that Palmetto is so famously known for .
The last 24 hours were a nightmare now that I am sitting here feeling somewhat relieved . When I thought I was near Bradenton , boy , was I way off .By about 10 miles , and a very hot 10 miles . Had no water for the little boy , then the bridge itself was a nightmare . It goes way up in the air and the gaurdrail is at kneehigh level . Scary , add the traffic to that and you can almost spell disaster . The little curb I had to walk on was only 12" wide . But , we're here and one more day we are safe (positive note?) We can relax for a while , at least for the next 30 miles or so .
5:00pm - I had to buy 2 more cans of dog food at a buck apiece at a Race-Trak store , man , that hurts . I have to figure out some way to feed him cheaper , but I am just about as broke as I can get now . It seems that I am in the black section of Palmetto , but then , it's probably all black . I don't intend to stay here for the night , the poison ivy is running wild here . There must be something better up the road . I have to make something happen soon . It is 38 miles to Tampa and then the hair-raising experiences start all over again .
6:40pm - We are stopping for the night at the intersection of I-275 and US41 in the island between the ramp and the bridge . I have for company a bunch of bee-hives and the ever gathering swarm of skeeters . I could stand for some colder weather now to ease the bug problem .
Skillet is being such a good boy on this adventure . I sure do love that little guy . Its just so hard on him and I can't carry enough water . I'll start looking for a gallon jug to tote along with us . We still haven't passed a grocery store . Have no clue as what tomorrow might bring , hell , don't even know what town is next . But , we are making forward progress . "Get-Ur-Done"

Sarasota Sucks!!

+November 6, 2001 - Tuesday Day 11-
7:15am- Me and skil's are sitting in the middle of Osprey , in a grove of Australian Pines, Not many of these invasive species (trees) left in S. Florida. They are really nice trees , though.We slept pretty good last nite and I feel really rested. Skillet has been wanting to play all morning.
It was cold last night and I hear it will be somewhat cooler tonight. Today the sun is shining and that is almost like a "Godsend" after not seeing it for the last week. I need to warm up the old bones , this will help.
9:05am - We just found an abandoned camp across the street from a mall-type shopping area. It sits behind a billboard, and a pretty smart location except for the fact a body has to walk out onto main street U.S. 41. Right out in front of the whole world to see , if you plan to go anywhere.
Who ever had this place didn't drink or make to big of a mess. Unlike most camps , that you usually run across . A whole bunch of root beer cans was about all laying around. This camp has musky-vine ceiling like Danny Mizzel's camp back in Naples at Skillet Lake. It appears the ex-resident had a dog too . There is a water bowl built into the ground and a little two foot high plywood fence barrier around the campsite . I noticed the litter along the highway is starting to accumulate more and more . Must be entering Sarasota proper.
11:15am-There doesn't seem to be many empty lots along here to take a break in . We found a cemetary to rest up for a minute . I have been hoping to find a grocery store , so I can get the little guy a can of food . Five miles or so and not the first one.Did I mention Sarasota Sucks , and more so when it gets hot ? What next? I found a tick on the little boy.
Seems like graveyards are a popular place in Sarasota , people seem to be walking all over the place. Lots of cars in here too. I don't see any on-going buriels happening right now . There are 2 guys riding around on a tractor picking up limbs and fixing flowersthat have been blown over on the headstones . I need to get out of here and find my baby something to eat
1:15pm - Man , it looks like I am in a mess now . Millions of stores and no empty lots . I did find a Circle K and got Skil's a small can of food for a dollar , which I sure didn't want to do .I just don't know when I'll find a grocery store . They are as hard to find as a native Floridian . If I could find a placxe to stop , I would hang out until dark and walk part of the night . At least long enough to get out of this Metropolis . Right now , we're sitting behind a strip mall and people are coming and going .I think I have been spotted and I better get on the road . Can't afford to bring any attention down on me , at least until I get out of Florida.
2:00pm - We found a place by a construction job , but its not a good place at all. There's a barking dog on the other side of th fence and he seems to be upset that we are here . This town is crazy , I feel like I am walking down Biscayne Blvd. in Miami.The stores and business's are endless. Just like Miami this place has those noisy-assed green parrots all over the place. My arms hurt and Skil's is one tired little boy . I really have to find a different route around this town . Definately around Tampa . Don't think I like this town , to much like Naples , only bigger.
5:00pm - Right now , we're sitting in some mangroves on the side of a creek in the middle of downtown Sarasota . I picked up a few of the local community free-papers to read . I think I am right beside the Jail or Courthouse . I think I will be out of this town within a few more miles . Highway 301 intersects 41 here and I will be taking 301 up to Bradenton . I think the road is pretty sparse going this way . Hope so anyway.
8:20pm - I found some high grass at a defunct go-cart track in the black part of town . Across the field are holly trees but as I approached I could hear a lot of conversation going on in there . I slowly backed off aways . This is a really bad place to be , a lot of camps back in there . So , we made a bed for the night in some high grass closer to the street and if Skil's don't bark at anyone I think we should be allright for the night .
Next to this field is a business of some sort and their alarm just went off . It took a long time for someone to come and turn it off . This is the land of action for Sarasota , I suppose , I hear people back in the woods yelling and a fight broke out right across the street . People coming and going in all directions . Plans are to leave real early in the morning .Lord ! , I'll be glad when Tampa is behind me !