Wildwood Stromboli

November 15, 2001- Thursday- Day 20

9:15am- We walked on into Wildwood last night, it made for a long day yesterday, but it was cool and easy walking. I was passing a Hungry Howies pizza when I got a flash from the past. Back in the 80's I got stranded in Tampa and met some homeless guys that showed me some of the tricks of the street. They go to this pizza joint at closing time and wait for the garbage to go out. It seems people would order pizza's and then not pick them up. So, they were discarded, still in the box and warm. I figured that maybe the same thing would happen here. We waited and sure enough, all the orders that weren't picked up were trashed. I have to store that tid-bit of information for the future. The pizza guy sat the stuff on a table and went tyo get the rest of the garbage. I was in the woods 15 feet away, I just stepped over and picked up a box. Just that easy! He put everything in the dumpster and started to clean up everything outside. I was in a place I couldn't get away without being seen. So, I had to sit still as a mouse for about 45 minutes, while my supper got cold. I ended up with a very large Stromboli that I couldn't eat all of it. Stomach must be shrinking up. Mighty damn delicious though.

Right now we are sitting in the woods just north of Wildwood and it is cold and raining. I can't see any signs of life down the road, but we are not going to head out today anyway. My little boy has been puking and he seems cold. I'll let him rest today and if he is better tomorrow, we'll take to the road again. I'm trying to dry my extra clothes, at least, drain the water out of everything. It would be a good day for walking, but not today.

Wildwood ain't no booming Metropolis for sure, seems like Hungry Howies is the hot-spot in town. I need to get to Ocala where there are more opportunities for food and maybe a Goodwill box for some clean clothes. I got some pretty good clothes out of a Goodwill box after "Andrew", but everybody was doing it. Nobody had anything that wasn't wet and muddied up. I hope I run into some friendly homeless people, they are full of knowledge on how to survive.

2:00pm- We are still in the same spot, the rain stopped and I got a couple hour nap. Much Needed! About dark I am going back into town and check out the prospects for tonight. I want to be in Ocala for the week-end, because it will be easier to cross, with less people staring at us. Maybe I am just being paranoid, but it seems like I stick out like a sore thumb. I know that the elusive 441 runs through Ocala, that I do know. I'll have to walk right through the middle of downtown, which I don't much look forward to. I found a newspaper and I see its 57F here and 25F in Asheville. That a big difference and it causes me to wonder if I am completely sane or not. That sounds like some pretty rough weather.

4:15pm- I read somewhere, some place, at some other time "As you get older you have to slow down, but in slowing down you make more progress". So, we are gonna slow it down a few notches and stop beating the hell out of me and Skil's. The sky is starting to show a lot of blue but still looks like more rain heading in. We are going to make a trial run over the bridge to see what we could locate (Casing the Joint).

5:20pm- We are sitting under a bridge waiting for dark and I see a guy coming across the tracks. Uh Oh! Turns out he is a rail rider and the police brought him here and told him "Adios" It seems they don't like vagabonds hanging around Wildwood. We talked for a minute and he told me his story. The cops picked him up and took him to the station, finger-printed him and took him to the rails with a big "See Ya" He put on his winter clothes and said he was going to Cincinnati, all I could say was "Holy Shit". Skil's had one bowl of food today and I'll give him another later. I haven't had anything and after my conversation with the railbird, I not going back into town. We are out of here tomorrow!

Rain Rain Go Away!

November 14, 2001-Wednesday- Day 19

7:30am-We are heading out of Bushnell now, and I don't know if we are on 301 or not, haven't seen any signs at all. Don't seem right somehow! A cup of coffee would sure go down good, but I'd probably get spoiled. Steady rain this morning and most of the night. I must be one tough ole' bastard to just lay out in the rain all night. We found some woods to stay in last night and we were about 20 from the rails. Trains coming and going all night! The last time I looked at my watch it was 2:00am, but I don't feel miserable, as I should. Anyway I look at it I know Skil's has a full belly and that is medicine enough.

8:45am- Everything is soaked and very, very heavy this morning. I feel like I am carrying all of Bushnell's rainwater in my pack. I am sure hoping those fellers going to W. Varginia come down this road. They could put me right in Tennessee, that would be to good to be true. I guess. I don't even know if I am gonna have a job when I get there. I wish this rain would stop and my poor old back would stop hurting so bad. Its 60F now, and if it gets any colder I'll more than likely freeze to death.

10:00- Luck is still somewhat on my side this morning. I got stopped by the cops and he fell for the fake name I gave him. Then came the bad news, you are not on 301! He told me I could backtrack about a mile and walk down this little road for about a mile and I'll be on 301. Now I can just about be certain that I have missed that north-bound ride I was hoping for. Looks like I am starting to see blue patches of sky. Wonder what the next town is? I should have asked the Seargent, of course I felt I was pushing my luck as it were. I am super weak today. I've accepted the fact that I'll die one day, but, please not in this hell-hole.

11:35am- I am on 301 once more and it is a barren desolate looking road. It has all the wooden fences that all the horse ranches have around Ocala, and that is all that is breaking up the landscape. I found an orange, I guess that will be my meal for today. Ridin' high now! Lots of traffic heading north, which usually means there is something down that way. Unless they are running from that cop back down the road a ways. Found a tank-top that might come in handy if it gets hot again. We sure could use a few days somewhere to rest up. Oh my, I just broke my thermometer. I liked having that to check the temps. Easy come, easy go! It seems like a cold front is blowing in. Might as well get use to it, I have a feeling I'll experience a lot of erratic weather in the coming months. Might have to find a place to build a fire tonight. I feel the cold already.

1:40pm- Just came through a place called Sumterville, then Coleman 4 miles beyond that and another 5 to Wildwood. We'll try to make it there today. I think somewhere after that I should be running into 441. I found 2 more oranges and a bottle of Smironof Ice. A couple dozen more of those and I be pain free for a while. Really tasted good! (Even Warm) I am taking this break on the Sumter Correctional Facility property. Hope they don't think I am an escapee. We have been fighting a 30mph head wind for the last 5 miles. Tired! Maybe Wildwood will offer the opportunity for us to rest up a few days. I am really feeling optimistic about us getting out of Florida now. Its just that some rest is needed. Skil's has enough food for a few more days. My feet are really bad and I feel like an idiot for buying boots for a 1000 mile trek. What an ASS!

The Saints Came Marching In

November 13, 2001-Tuesday- Day 18-

10:50am- At another junction of 98 and 301 about 4 miles north of Dade City. Its nice and cool today, so far (72F) Don't know what Skil's is gonna eat today and I know the little turd is hungry. Maybe, Brooksville will be the place that changes my luck. Chances of making it there today are slim, though. There is a town called Trilacoochie about a mile down the road. Maybe, there is a resturant with an outside dumpster. If so, I'll dig around and see if I can find him something. Getting caught dumpster-diving is one of my mortal fears, what an embarrasment if I got caught. They would never believe I was doing it for my dog.

2:50pm-In Ridge Manor at Hwy 50, with about 7 miles to St. Catherine, which sounds like a town. Ridge Manor surely won't fit the definition of a town. We are gonna have to try and make it there, I am quite concerned about Skillet's food situation now. I knew today would be interesting. We are getting blasted by freezing rain and 30 knot winds. No where to go except into the Oaks. Helps a little. Thirteen miles to Bushnell. Hope St. Catherine has a resturant with a dumpster. I feel so bad that this good little dog has to go through this.

7:25pm-Well, I am definately not a believer, but this town of St. Catherine (actually a mobile home park) was named correctly, for sure. One of the local saints pulled up and gave me a bag of dog-food, somne beef-jerky, peanuts and a Pepsi. She said she seen me earlier walking along with my dog and figured the dog might be hungry. What a Saint! I couldn't feel any better than I do right now, I thought. A truck stopped with two guys in it and offered us a ride to Bushnell. I am not turning this down. Skil's was so happy to ride , when I tried to put him in the back, he wasn't having any of that. He bolted up front and jumped in the front seat and didn't even think about having these guys for dinner. He was acting just like a normal dog, he wanted to ride, even if it meant being something he wasn't. He even let these fellers pet him, I have never seen anyone pet him and not have to get stitches, WOW! They said they were leaving for West Varginia in the morning and if they saw me they would be glad to carry us to North Carolina. When they dropped us off in Bushnell, one of them bought me 2 packs of cigaretts. Skil's ate like a champ and I thought maybe all that crap about the 3rd man may have some substance. Go Figure!

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 !