"…given
a bit of slack, I’ll wander all over the place when telling
a story..."
That's
from the introduction to Strange
and Unexpected: Backpack on the Road
-- and there never was a question of where the trilogy should
start... Florida is the one state that, in some way, includes
all eighteen participants. In addition to Bob and Terry, this
volume features trips with Mom and Dad... Kris... Kerri, Nick,
Naya, Tamsin and Ky... John and Margaret... Ellen and Richard...
and Mike and Louise. (Jay and Justin have been to Florida with
Bob and Terry several times that aren't included in this book...
still they have chipped in with thoughts for a special segment
that can be found here.)
This
volume features five different trips that took place in four different
years.
You
want theme parks? Of course you do. Mention Florida and Orlando
is one of the first thoughts created. And when you say Orlando
-- facts are facts -- to most people you said Disney. Every Disney
park is visited at least once...
You
want the Florida Keys? Sure thing. Tales include dolphin swims,
sunset cruises, a Duval Crawl...
You
want adventure? Ok...
"Terry
looks at me and asks if I have the number to call for a cab
home. Ellen hears her and tries to stop me. We have the following
conversation:
'No.
Wait. We have to go to Pepe’s first.'
'Pepe’s?'
'Yeah.
Yeah. Pepe’s. That’s the place with the mojitos.'
'Ok.
Pepe’s it is. How do we get there?'
'Just
get us to Mallory Square and I’ll do the rest.'
'Ellen…'
'Yes…'
'We’re
in Mallory Square.'
'What?'
'Look
down.' (She does, then begins to fall, and finishes it off
with one of those hop-steps that are so useful for catching
yourself.) 'That’s Mallory Square.'
Ellen
looks up. She stares at me for a moment with a quizzical, disbelieving
look on her face, and then starts looking at the nearby buildings.
'Oh.'
(Long, thoughtful pause.) 'I’m not going to find Pepe’s tonight.'"
Did
we eventually find Pepe's? Oh yeah. We also found Cayo and Gypsi...
rode on a airboat... celebrated the holidays... and so much more.
The
state of Florida is an amazing and diverse collection of attractions
that stretch from touristy theme parks and gift shops to palm
trees and cold beverages. And our group has got thoughts to share
that stretch all the way from Ocala to Key West...
