Florida Update 2

Blog Update on 5/17/12

It’s been a quick few weeks, not in a bad way at all. Florida has its ups and downs, depends where you are and what you prefer, but the weather has been great. I strongly dislike bugs and Colorado has very few, but FL is a different story. I have come to accept the presence of many annoying bugs because the lizards and birds that eats them are amazing. I woke up this morning as the sun was rising and almost fell asleep on the patio. Rain drops falling off the roof, perfect temperature, and several different birds singing. It reminded me of a sound box that includes ocean sounds, white noise, and jungle noises; this must be where they record the jungle noises. I’m always finding a moment of peace each day. 

I’ve been working at the Ringling School of Art & Design for my uncle’s painting company. He has had a contract with the school for about 13 years. 7 year ago, I was here in Sarasota painting for him at the school, a lot has changed. They have almost doubled in size and student capacity. We paint dorm rooms, classroom, offices, exteriors, and anything else they may want looking new. This is a good year because the school wants most of their buildings the same color on the exterior, and it’s been years since they wanted to invested so much into their appearance. Averaging 8 hours a day, 6 days a week it seems we haven’t accomplished very much in the last few weeks.

One thing I love about painting (compared to retail services) is that the finished product is always amazing and will last years. You don’t have to satisfy one person for a moment while helping hundreds throughout the day, then doing it all over again the next day. Paint a building or house and the joy expressed from the client lasts years. It’s going to take a while to burn out of painting. 

In the next couple week, I'll start working on the Don Liparulo Painting website. My brother built it, but it needs pictures and client referrals before we can make it live. I'll spend the rest of my summer advertising his business. 

I have been staying in my uncle’s guest bedroom, which is great! He has provided me with a job and roof over my head; such a blessing. He cooks delicious dinners and I am now trying to learn from his skills. Each night, something is always made over the grill and turns out perfect. I’m going to miss great homemade cooking while on the trails.

To sum up my last few weeks’ schedule… wake up around 6:30, work from 7:30-3:30 most days, spent a few days at the beach, hit up Starbucks for internet access once a week, picked up an RV from my uncle’s friend, and relaxing.

Plans for the summer… work on my car until it’s in sell-able condition, spend more time at the beach, go camping in the RV, visit my grandparents again, buy a gun and obtain and concealed weapons permit, spend some time on a boat on the Gulf, and enjoy whatever else comes my way.

I’m making a more detailed plan for my trip to the Appalachian Trail. As time progresses,  it looks like my late start on the trail will only allow me a month or so to hike. I will have to complete a thru-hike of the AT beginning next spring; but come August, I’ll spend up to a month on the southern part of the trail. That should give me enough time to enjoy the warmer weather and acquire experience needed to pack for such a long hiking experience.

I won’t be able to enjoy several months on the AT this year, but I’d rather be out there to enjoy its splendors and not be miserable fighting the elements.

I'll be carrying a small firearm because I'd rather "have it and not need it than need it and not have it." The southern sections of the trail are known for multiple bear encounters and psycho rednecks when you get closer to towns. The bears usually keep their distance, but every now and then a backwoods drunk might bother hikers. Self-defense is the only legal use of firearm on any part of the trails. I won't have a state-to-state permit (too many hoops to jump through), but it's been rare to hear of problems from authorities on the topic; unless you're parading it around.

I still have quite a bit of more planning to do. Fix and sell my car, buy a truck with a shell, buy a firearm, market my uncle's business, and hang out with Zac. It's going to be a busy summer.

I'll post more updates as often as I can.

Florida Update 1

Blog Update on 4/30/12

For those of you who follow the TCWPJ Blog, I will continue to post updates about my travels and adventures even while I am some time away from hiking on the Appalachian Trail. As things change and I adapt, I am able to see a bigger picture of what the Lord has planned for my future.

I had a wonderful last week in CO with my friends and family. My girlfriend and I were able to spend a couple days together as well, which was definitely a blessing. I’m very fortunate my uncle offered me a job with him during the summer in order to make more preparations for the trails.

 Part 1: New Mexico and Melanie

I left my parents’ house in Monument, CO on Friday April 20^th. I drove to Santa Fe, NM to spend time with my older sister, Melanie, and her boyfriend, Blake. It’s a long drive, but the last 2 hours are more enjoyable. The landscape on NM is beautiful once you’re away from the open range. It is a very artsy and free-spirit type of state.

In the late afternoon, I finally made it to Melanie’s house. They rent out a studio type room in the basement of a house. It’s not very big, but a full kitchen and bathroom provide everything they need to call it home. They even have their own entrance so they don’t bother the owners of the house. I was able to set-up the tent my parents gave me in their front yard. It was nice to save extra money and not have to drive between their place and a hostel every day. I was there for my 23^rd birthday and stayed until Tuesday.

Melanie and Blake live so close to The Plaza of Santa Fe that we rode bikes to get around town and run errands. The Plaza is a square with shops and restaurants surrounding a park. On weekends, they host merchants, car shows, performing arts and entertain thousands of tourists. Melanie and Blake work in the restaurants off The Plaza and have made a lot of friends in the area. Melanie’s friend Lauren came from Colorado Springs for a weekend visit while I was there. It was great to see to see my sister show-off her “new” hometown.

Melanie and Blake stay in great shape. They go on runs and long bike rides all the time. They cook amazingly, delicious foods; like sushi!! They fed me very well. I’m excited to hear about their next adventure; a bike tour of the Pacific Coast highway!

A few things that stood out in Santa Fe were the image of no middle class, a Scottish Rite Masonry Temple and museum (creepy), and a large amount of bums mixed with stores and prices designed for upper-class citizens. The weather was beautiful and the town has an old feel to it, which it is, while holding the appearance of being a modern and humble city.

I recommend a visit there if you haven’t already been.  Just keep some distance from the weirdos, drunks, and dark supernatural roamings of that place. If you have a very good map or a cool local show you around, you’ll enjoy the best of Santa Fe.

Part 2: Problems; The Texas Way

On Tuesday, I left Santa Fe to head east. I was driving ten hours to a campground south of Dallas, TX. It’s a long and boring drive. If you have never driven through Texas before… DON’T! I have had to take a couple road trips across Texas before and even with a passenger it can be miserable. I think I ended up talking to myself without noticing and had to pull over for lunch to collect myself and remember my name.

Around 6 in the evening, I was getting close to the campground. As I was changing from one highway to the next in Fort Worth, TX, I came upon a “speed bump” in my journey. I had a few lanes to choose from that would take me to different highways. I looked up to read the road signs and when I looked back at the road, there was a giant block of wood in my lane. I had three options before me:

1)Swerve right and have a 90% chance of hitting another vehicle…

2)Swerve left into the concrete wall that would total my car and probably flip me over…

3)Hit the block of wood and hope for the best…

This all happened in about one second and I’m very grateful for the decision I made. I could have hurt someone else or completely lose my way of transportation and be stranded in Fort Worth. The block of wood went under my front passenger tire and sent me off the ground almost 2 feet. When I came back down, I hit the road hard and instantly had a flat tire. By the grace of God, no one was close enough to hit me or the block of wood, which got knocked into the median, so I slowed down, put on my hazards and drove about 100 feet to an open median where I could get the car off the road.

I checked my tire and found the wheel (the metal that the tire is attached to) was bent in the shape of the wood. My tire didn’t pop or get punctured; it just had nothing to keep it on the wheel. Fortunately, there was no other damage to the car, axle, suspension, transmission, or engine from an impact that severe, enough to instantly bend a metal wheel.

Not far ahead of me was a truck that had hit the wood in front of me. The passengers were changing their flat. I walked over to them to see if they were okay or needed help. Now remember, I’ve been to Texas before so I should I have known they were going to be assholes. Anyway, after I received a few bad tempered remarks I walked back to my car and figure out what to do next. I had no spare tire. Of all my preparation and tools and supplies, no spare tire, the most basic item to have in your car at all times.

Since I was under an overpass, my phone was not getting a signal. I climbed around barriers and went up an embankment to the bridge above my car. I was in the ghetto. Everyone I saw either said they weren’t from the area or ignored me, with the exception of bums who looked “local” and knew I wasn’t from there. After walking around for a bit, I realized staying by my car was the best thing to do. Eventually, a tow truck showed up after I made several calls. The driver and his girlfriend were very friendly. We talked for a bit while he loaded my car on the truck bed. I guess his girlfriend’s son works for a “wellness center” in Alma, CO. A small town between South Park and Breckenridge if you go the back way to the ski resorts. She really liked me and I guess my story touched her enough to convince her boyfriend to give me a FREE tow to a better or “more safe” part of town. After all my rude impressions of Texans and my prayers to why God would allow a speed bump like this, he reminded me to trust in Him and all would be well.

I ended up sleeping in my car since stores were closed and I had to save my money for a new wheel and tire. The gift card I was using for gas was down to $5 because apparently, if you use them at the pump, you’re charged $99 until they credit the money back after a few days. So down to only the cash I saved for the campground fees and to buy me food until my first paycheck, I had to cut my losses and focus on getting the car back on the road.

My car was backed into a spot near a tire store, no wheels available for me though. There was a busy road behind where I was and I didn’t want a cop to see me and kick me out. I had nowhere to go. I spent a good hour clearing off my back seat and getting it ready to sleep on since I had to duck every time a car passed by. Call me paranoid, but I had enough anxiety already. No cops bothered me anyway. Only a sprinkler system that got through my window and all over me, and a street cleaner that kicked dust all over my recently drenched car. I welcomed everything that didn’t conflict with my safety.

The next day, I walked to Home Depot to buy a hammer to try to bend the wheel back myself. Unsuccessful. I walked the tire a mile to Wal-Mart where a TLE employee said he could try to bend it back. Unsuccessful. An employee at AutoZone gave me his spare wheel that needed a tire, but also cause he clipped a curb and bent it. The Wal-Mart TLE employee said he could try to bend that one back. Unsuccessful. I spent all morning walking around town trying to find someone who could help. Unsuccessful. I used my phone to get on Craigslist and find “tuners” with spare wheels. Unsuccessful.

Finally later on, one of the numbers I tried on Craigslist got back to me. Success!! He had a solid spare wheel with a new tire!! He over charged me for it, but I had no other option. Such a blessing I was given more money for my trip than just for gas. I was wondering why the Lord gave me more than I knew was needed. Anyway, I drove the car around a bit and except for a slight pull to the right, it had no problems.

My nana used some reward points and got me a hotel room at a Marriot in downtown Fort Worth. She also provided me with some money for meals. Almost 20 hours of stress and fatigue after hitting the block of wood and I had a hot shower, a warm meal, and a nice bed for the night. I was able to figure out my new budget and get back on the road Thursday morning.

Part 3: Almost There

The eastern side of Texas had a few more trees and was more bearable. Then Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama until I got into Florida. No troubles, just a long day of driving. I made it to Pensacola, FL that evening where I went to a couple Wal-Marts.  During my drive that day, the money on my gift card I was using for gas was credited back. Another blessing.

I got some food at the deli and went back to my car for the night. While I was preparing to get some rest, the parking lot patrol noticed me sitting in my car and parked with his lights right on me. I had asked a customer service employee if over-night parking was allowed, but because I didn’t have an RV, the patrol guy didn’t want me there. I got back on the highway and drove another half hour to a rest stop. Nice thing about Florida is that their community supports the idea of rest stops. It was very clean and big and had its own night-time security.

Except for an annoying bird at 2 in the morning, I slept great and had no problems. When you’ve been driving all day, curling up on the back seat isn’t that bad. You do what you have to. At this point, I wasn’t going to complain about anything. The Lord had already pulled me out of Texas and let me make it this far.

Friday morning I slept in, and then jumped back on the highway. A short 6 hour drive, compared to my previous 12 hour day, to my grandparents’ house near Ocala where I’d get to spend a couple days. I was about ten minutes from their house when I decided to get lost. I’m not sure why I did that because I had my GPS and their directions telling me where to go. For some reason, I turned around and drove further away. I got really, really mad too. I cussed at the other drivers, found reasons to be mad at everyone I knew. Drove like a maniac for a little while. I went about 20 miles out of my way, but kept going.

I think my mind was trying to tell me to vent before I got to a place of comfort. I needed a little extra time to sort things out in my head.

A couple years ago, I moved with a roommate from Colorado Springs and drove to Hoquiam, WA. I spent 4 months by the Pacific Coast in a small city that saw sunlight maybe once a month. But I felt nothing. I barely missed my family and friends. I was just living and trying to find my place in this world. I wasn’t happy or sad; I didn’t care what happened or where I went. I was numb to everything that went on.

This move to Florida was not like that. I knew this was the beginning of the rest of my life. This would open doors and opportunities to excel in life. This is where God was calling me and where my heart cried out to go. This was important and personal. But I missed my family terribly, I wanted to be with my friends one more time, and I really wanted to hold my girlfriend in my arms again. The stress of the last few days not working out as planned hit me hard and I had to release all my feelings. I was so close to a place of peace and familiarity, but the things bottled inside were not welcome.  It took me a while to work things out in my head, but as soon as I saw my grandparents, it was all gone.

They were very welcoming and warm to me. They made me feel at home and didn’t judge me. They wanted to know me; they expressed support for who I was and what I’m trying to do. Peace. The chaos of a road trip and leaving everyone I know and love behind seemed to be okay. It was okay to have troubles, rough waters and make mistakes. The Lord knows we’re going to carry stress and anxiety, He watches over us while we feel defeated and just when we think we’re lost, He reminds us of His peace.

I spent 2 days at my grandparents’ house. I’ll have more time to see them during the summer, which was comforting as we said our goodbyes. Then 3 hours back on the highway and there I was… talking with uncle in Sarasota. It was Sunday, April 29th, 9 days after leaving home.

Part 4: Love of the Ocean

I’ve been away from home for a week and a half. I’d seen Melanie, Blake, their friends in Santa Fe, my grandparents in Ocala and my uncle in Sarasota. I met jerks in Texas followed by a blessed encounter with a tow truck driver and his girlfriend. I met dozens of strangers at gas stations, the hotel, from walking around downtown Forth Worth, at Pensacola Wal-Marts, and random interactions with rich snobs and friendly homeless. In a week, I had over 2,400 miles put on my car. I drove through 7 states, about 20 different highways and saw countless road kill. I went days with hardly eating and days with eating too much. I slept in a tent for 4 nights, the backseat of my car for 2 nights, a fancy hotel 1 night, and my grandparents’ guest room for 2 nights.

My first morning at my uncle’s house, I headed for the beach. In Sarasota, you have to drive to one of the 3 islands, or keys, to find nice beaches. I started on the north island, Ana Maria, and spent an hour at a busy beach. Then I drove south to find another beach with fewer people, but just as beautiful.

I miss the mountains of CO, but nothing else compares to the ocean. White soft sand, calm tide and warm days are ideal for therapeutic relaxation. I sat on my towel and watched the low-roll waves. A slight breeze mixed with seagulls and the ocean was all that I could hear. After diving in the clear water and swimming for a bit, I remembered why I can’t be away for the ocean for long. Everything seemed perfect.

All the troubles of the world, the problems, stress and worries wash away. This vast body of water touches all the corners of the world. It’s a friendly reminder of the Lord’s amazing gift to us, Earth. We’re all here, sharing in her treasures. I may be thousands of miles from my girlfriend, but the beauty of this sea was a comfortable reminder I was somewhere safe and worth the all this effort. I’m not off living a life apart; I’m working for a better life. I’m here to begin my journey of hiking over 7,300 miles, to learn how to be a man of God, to mature in all the right ways. This is my college education, my degree to obtain the career of my dreams, and a way to provide a life for those I love. 

I’m tired of “getting by,” and each day at work went towards the next month’s bills and maybe a day of fun activities. I’m burned out working for people who don’t appreciate hard work, who don’t see the bigger picture. I don’t HAVE to work a shit job or struggle through life. I don’t HAVE to pay tens of thousands of dollars for an education that will be obsolete after a few years. What is a life worth if you work for that paycheck, but don’t enjoy the air you breathe. I will not be 65 with a fat wallet and no memories. I will work for a life full of adventure and memories that put a smile on your face. That’s worth more than gold.

The ocean speaks to each of us in different ways. I hate the salt on my lips, the sand in my hair. I hate sunburns, being dehydrated and worrying about sharks or riptide. But I’d gladly accept all of those for just a few moments at the ocean. With the stress of driving for days in car with no A/C, power steering, cruise control or comfortable seats, God washed it all away in one day on the Gulf of Mexico at Ana Maria Island, Bradenton, Florida.

There’s no surfing in the area, but I should be able to find a few places to go not far away. Work starts tomorrow, it’s going to be hot and dirty, but spending the evenings watching the sun drop into the ocean is going to be worth every minute.

And so it begins…