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Sunday, March 30, 2008

The Fabulous Lake Weir




This was amazing. From finding this little beach on a dead end road, to meeting the Ocala Sailing Club and letting them take me under their wing. That night they took me to dinner at the local grill. I sat with John and his daughter Serasti. She was the first person I noticed when I arrived at the beach, and kindly reached out to me by saying hello. It was that first gesture that triggered me to relax and slow down. It was great further chatting with her. Also a long time family friend, Charlene, the only female captain on the Ocala Sailing Club. They were to have a race the next day. They asked me to stay and see the race. I had never even been on a sail boat, how could I say no. I had the extra time, due to cutting out the west coast (which I had done because of physical problems I was having). I had a great sleep by the water. The next day we sailed, they raced, and then a feast. After the feast I performed in the little building, what a great turn out. That night, Ed and Lyn took me into their home. They offered a few times, I declined, but after the party was over and it got dark, a few young punks lingered in the park and would not leave. John and Ed insisted I go back with them. I am letting go of what I think I want and need, and rolling with the flow. When a door opens, let your mind open, let your worries fly out.


Unfortunetly I lost a lot of pics I took of this party. Only 2 remain. There is much more to this story, maybe I can expound another time. Also to Joan and Chris age 78 and 80, the origami will live on. I am excited to teach what they have taught me



Friday, March 28, 2008

felt the need to sleep on water



What a great night. Stopped at Dundee library to pick up panniers that a friend ordered for me. I met Alan, another cyclist that road with me through some sketchy road work. That night I wanted to stay on the water. I passed through a very private community and then a park on a lake. This was a small lake. I didn't know if I should camp there because I think it was private and I went to both of the houses along side the park and got no answer. So i kept walking down the road and saw a house with a large and separate yard that might be a good candidate. I walked to the door and knocked. The people that stayed there had rented the house. They were there to attend a seminar and a few classes, each with their own agenda. They came from Canada, and were all tri-athletes. What an encouraging group of folks. In the morning they offered me coffee and shower, I accepted. Simon was particularly interested in the project, and purchased an album, and sent me on with fresh ginger root, a sure way to get a burst of energy when you truly need it.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

lake wells



Unbelievable. Another long day of cycling. I almost passed Lake Wells when I saw this hotel that caught my eye. There was a ton of road construction and a hotel and restaurant in the middle of it. I was dirty, tired, and hungry, and the sun was starting to just go down. Why not, I thought to myself. I parked my bike outside and walked in. I explained my project, and asked if they'd be interested in sponsoring/hosting me for the night. The women at the counter looked at the man next to her. Yes. yes... yes! wow, I couldn't believe they were giving me a night. This was so exciting, I felt like I really needed a boost; a fresh start, a hot shower, a helping hand. The room was perfect, and I was able to pull my bike in. I dried my tent washed my clothes in the sink, took 2 showers. I walked to the restaurant next door and saw the manager again, Raj. Raj and Min sat at the table with their niece. They were truly interested in my trip and generously paid for my dinner. I admired her English accent and Raj's dry sense of humor. I graciously thanked them again for the stay in the room, it couldn't have been more appropriate.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

reflecting on everything that has just happened

It doesn't matter, nothing before and nothing after. I am on my way. 4 short Weeks ago I was worried if I would ever fully hear the tones of my own music, sing on key, recognize the brightness of a chorus, hear the inflection in a child's laughter. When the vibrations of a note are ringing and they fall perfectly into the track of oneness, could I tell? My left ear was extremely muted, and my spirit was crushed. I had maybe 20% muffled noise coming in. I felt the separation from me, and my connection to the world, the way I heard it. Something I had relied on my entire life. Music... Expression.
I wondered:
For a time if things would ever go back, or if I would ever go forward, my ear, my back.
The dismissive care and recommendations from professionals lead to = more care, take more pk's, and certainly, no 4,000 mile music bike tours.
why can't i walk? when can I walk? I took a few steps, and fell to the ground. it seemed like such a long way down.

I thought about my last full night in the wheel chair, I saw my friend off to the greyhound station. On a side street in Downtown Fort.Lauderdale, I wheeled to the city Bus Terminal. Even the derelicts and criminals where surprised. As if I spooked THEM by looking 'em in the eye. It was 4 blocks away, and the broken sidewalks were in the shadow of the street lights. I had to take the road. When I arrived to the pit, I waited around, a good while for that 9 bus. There weren't a lot people there that night, surely no women. Everyone stared at the wheelchair. I felt strange in it, knowing I'd get better. Envisioning myself on that bicycle riding away north.

And that's where I am, heading north. and they were wrong, but it doesn't matter.
I all ready knew.

Monday, March 24, 2008

water




Yesterday was a trying day. Maps and signs can be misleading. I had been searching for a store of any kind for water, it's hot and I'm going through a lot of it. These so called "towns" are not, not a person or store in site, wait was that dirt road a lead in for a "town"? It's not easy riding dirt with this trailer or skinny tires. I went and went and saw a paved road as a last ditch effort I went down. Stopped at a farm with lots of barking dogs, and no answer. I hoped I could get water from someone. Now the sun is starting to set. I saw a red pick up ahead and flagged them down. I could not believe there was 9 or 10 people inside of this truck! "hey guys, did you a store that way?" The man that was driving spoke broken English but well, and the rest were younger men and boys all speaking Spanish. His reply, "no, there is nothing that way for 10 miles, we are looking too". I explained I was down on supplies and it was getting closer to dark. They offered me their water. The boys happily scurried up a gallon jug in that I used to fill my bottle. Wow, I got lucky. They were delighted to give. I thanked the men and got back on my way. 16 miles to the next town.






I didn't want to be riding in the dark, not with my gear as it was. I needed to still do major adjustments. I got into the next town into the young night and saught out a publix. I noticed a field in the back and an orange grove I though would be great for camping. I was glad to get off the bike, my first 67 mile day. After shopping for a few food items, I proudly carried my rig through the deep sand pathways to a quiet spot in the grove. As my eyes adjusted to the dark, i set up my tent and laid down.







Sunday, March 23, 2008

Everglades

Florida is flat, should be easy right? Wind wind wind weight weight weight. the first 5 miles i was tearing out the pages of my atlas, I won't be needing California, not on this trip. heck, i even ditched my waterproof pack and went with a huge garbage bag. What do I really need. I won't deny that I never traveled with a bicycle and a trailer. In fact, the first time I road with one ever was last night to go to Publix. And racks? Paniers... nope, not them either. I had cut way back on these training things do to the accident. I figured I'd learn on the way. Once I get on the road I can ride it out.


Well, Didn't travel so far, but I am learning I need to reorganize my rig. Too much weight on the back trailer. High winds today knocked me down a few times. Bad weather was on the way, next town, 40 miles. So I decided to get dry under a pavilion and set up my camp for the night, supplies wet, I'm wet, but I'm good. Leaving was very difficult this morning, because I know I'm not going back to Florida after the trip.


I literally fell at the sign of this park, in the everglades. For about 2 miles I had been watching lightning off in the distance and winds were high enough to knock me down. I went up to the shop to get water, and the rain poured out of the clouds. Inside the staff spoke about more bad weather on the way. My first time asking for help, "is there a spot I could set up my tent for the night and get fresh on the road first thing in the morning?" they looked at each other, across and back. After a few thoughts they spoke about the possibilities. "Take her back to Johny's old site, off the island" I didn't know what it meant. I felt it was such an emotionally day for me I was ready to dry up a bit. They were kind and helpful, and let me stay for the night. In fact, i was shielded from the rain on concrete slab with a roof, on an island completely to myself. I followed the man while he walked on foot and I pedaled through huge puddles and bumps to the site . He was a large man, with a very scarred face, and intense eyes. He looked back as I approached and notice me drop a can of beer. He picked it up and it was spraying from a small puncture in the side, "guess this won't be no good", I replied, "aw, it's fine" He held his big finger over the hole. And there it was, an island fit for the concrete slab that was laid upon it and a picnic table. What more could I ever ask for. The man looked at me, and told me if I needed anything he was right in a near by trailer, "nobody should bother you, but if they do I'll shoot 'em" he mumbled a few other words. Wow, did I feel protected or a little scared. I felt natural being here.



Friday, March 21, 2008

Final days

a few last frames



last night at the beach





-putting bike parts together


-saying sianara to my cat, Cloe or as some might say, "Cleo"





-sweet goodbyes, all the way around

-the last supper,
really underneath that table cloth, was a piece of glass protecting a wood carving that spans the entire table of....
the last supper
mmh, the tables gone now, and i never got a shot of it

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Crash










In training for my journey along the east coast, I was struck by a drunk driver. I couldn't go back to work, and had only wks before I had originally planned on leaving. Dizzy spells, nausea, and confusion were debilitating, and a disc in my back would often bulge hitting critical nerves and causing my legs to go out. I had poured my soul into this project, and didn't want anything to prevent me from leaving. The concussion made my thoughts very unclear. For 4 wks I couldn't walk, or hear out of my left ear. I didn't know how I would be able to do this. I was extremely determined and envisioned myself on my bicycle, care free and heading north. Starting on my way to recovery, my friends and I planned a rummage sale/car wash to raise the money for me to go on the tour. Tijuana Taxi Co, the restaurant that I worked at, was extremely supportive in my crisis. They pulled together their resources to hold a raffle in my honor and helped with the car wash.People wanted to be a part of it and get involved. The concept of togetherness and community never struck me so thoroughly. This time was life changing, and now I realize it was the beginning of learning to count on others and ask for help when I need it.

Wanna know where I'm performing next?


Rachel%20VanSlyke
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