Moving East Again

Attractive Florida Peacock

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them-do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!"

And he told them  this parable: "There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in an orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, 'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?' He said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.'"

                                                                        Luke 13:1-9

Fish Sculpture in Orlando's west side

Orlando hosts Dustin, Douglas & Nick 

 I felt I had to catch up with childhood friend Nick during my visit to Orlando, I found it to be time well spent. I had the opportunity to meet his wife Debbie and their 4 children Richy, Dustin, Douglas and Robby. Nick has been a part of the Campus Crusade for Christ ministries for more than 9 years in the Orlando area and it was refreshing and energizing to reconnect with him.

Part of touring is not to stay in one place for to long. That's why I've decided to head back east toward the bigger water and more populated Atlantic ocean side of Florida. I plan to complete this excursion in Fort Lauderdale with a cruise thru the Panama Canal that will take me back to San Diego (where I started).

  I took HWY 50 E out of Orlando to Titusville. Although I didn't have any problems on this road, I was told by some local folks that this is the one of the deadliest stretches of road in America for bikers. Many bicycle fatalities on record (especially around the town of Christmas, FL). It seemed like good road to me with ample shoulder and a smooth surface. However: after speaking with the local Sheriff's department and reconfirming the perils of this road, I decided to stay off it at night. If you decide to travel this road or any road after sunset, be sure to have lights in good working order on your bike because this road is very dark.

'Swampy' The World's largest Gator @ Jungle Adventures in Christmas, FL

Beautiful Central Florida Waterway

Airboat Travelers living large on the water

Helpful service staff at 2204 Edgewater Dr., Orlando

Yup, this is a live wild alligator I photographed from a bridge (he jumped in the water before I got closer).

ORLANDO

Friendly White Swan in downtown Orlando

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went to the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the men men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

                                                                              Luke 9:28b-36

Urban map of Orlando's Cady trail (A bicycle/pedestrian friendly way to get around town).

Skilled bike technician 'Lance' at Winter Park Cycles 3014 Corrine Dr, Orlando

Well this city really lived up to my expectations and exceeded them in most ways. I've encountered many people in this city who live by faith in God and who have shared theirs with me in words and actions. The Orlando Magic is the name of the NBA franchise here and after all, this city is the home to Disney world. What a great place to dream big and hope for the best. I've felt a stronger connection with higher powers than my own imagination in Orlando. I don't know if it's from the power of the prayers of others or what, but it's good to be surrounded by good Karma.

City planners have developed a variety of bicycle and foot friendly trails throughout the city that have made Orlando the most bike friendly city I've experienced. A few of the more popular urban trails are the Cady Trail, Orange Blossom Trail, Wikiva Trail and Florida Trail. Although many trails are still being developed; I understand that a goal of the city is to complete a concentric ring of trail and to link it to other bike trails in central Florida.

The weather's been great here! I've been informed by locals that this is the best time of year to be in Florida. Hurricane season begins in June and continues thru November. I understand that the air is thicker, hotter and more humid during those months.

Chilling Out at 3713 E. Colonial Dr (good place to sell your jewelry for cash in Orlando)

Downtown Orlando water fountain

Some local wildlife enjoying downtown Orlando

Black Swan enjoying a downtown Orlando swim.

Going to Orlando

Some tremendous Oceanside vegetation

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell to the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

                                                                  Luke 5:1-11

Enjoying cycling 'Florida Life on the Road'

Dormant Peacock in Saint Augustine

Altamonte Springs hosts John and Cathy

Tremendous natural estuary waters next to Rt A1A on Florida's northeast coast

Well, it's the dead of winter and I'm in central Florida! I'm having a great time and I think that the weather's got a lot to do with that. Typically, the daytime temperatures reach into the upper 70's to low 80's and at night, don't fall far below 65. Sunshine has been plentiful as well. What a beautiful winter hangout!  Dry weather is what I prefer when I spend most of my nights outside. Putting up a rain fly at camp takes a lot of time, but fortunately I've haven't needed it here in central Florida. I've found many patches of wooded areas to put my hammock up and get a good night's sleep.

Truly, urban trails like these embellish the quality of touring in Florida