On the first day I won the 200 fly in my age group in 2:14.8, better than my previous effort. I didn't even feel that tired at the end. After that event, though, I got disqualified in the 200 backstroke, and missed my first turn in the 100 back, the kinds of mistakes that 10-year-olds make.
I took a hike in Myakka State Park on the afternoon of the first day of the meet, which left me more tired than I should have been for the second and third days. Part of the reason I wanted to see it was that it's a hot spot for sightings of the Big Fella. I didn't spot him, but I did see a wild boar and three river otters.
I took the canopy walk, which they warn you not to take if you have a fear of heights. I'm terrified of heights, but the 25 foot high, 25 yard long walk was about as scary as sitting on someone's second floor patio. The wooden canopy tower, at 75 feet, tested my nerves a bit more. Here is the view from the top:
The view from all four sides of the tower are similar: you can't see anything manmade (other than some power lines), all you see are trees. The park encompasses 58 square miles. There's something reassuring about seeing such places.
If you drive along highway 75, you see mostly just scrub pines and the like. But in Myakka you see oak trees covered in ferns and palmettos and other large trees covered in lichens and Spanish Moss.
I was by myself and read all of the trailside display boards, about alligators and coral snakes and the like. Eventually I was able to stop jumping half a foot whenever a tiny lizard would make a rustling noise among the dry leaves.
I'd like to share some observation about the different "culture" in Florida, but really didn't notice anything particularly interesting about Sarasota, other than its warmer climate and different flora and fauna.
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Well done John.
You ever read Bill Bryson's 'a walk in the woods' about walking the Appalachian trail? I was young when I read it but that guy is engaging and hilarious and it gave me a great feeling for the east coast wilderness, a part of the world I strangely love but have never been to.
Speaking of which, how did you like the last series of justified? (ps no spoilers, I have yet to watch the final episode).
Steven --
No, I've never read Bryson, although a lot of people seem to swear by him.
If you love this part of the world even though you've never been here, I suspect you may be a little disappointed if you come. The western part of the US has much grander, more spectacular scenery. And it's less humid.
I liked the final season of Justified a lot. Every single episode would have been worth watching on its own, although it was certainly easier to enjoy if you one the various characters involved. Elmore Leonard reportedly didn't like most of the movies his books were made into --understandably enough -- but I think he liked this TV series.
The west coast might have more dramatic and maybe even beautiful scenery, with pretty prairies and snow capped mountains and canyons, but I've seen a lot of the east coast on movies and for some reason, it really appeals to me. Its not just visual, its a feeling for a place.
I'm from England John. If you are in a forest in England, you can probably get to a main road by walking 20 minutes in any direction! Its a totally different thing. I can guarantee I'd be super impressed by east coast wilderness.
anyways, take it easy...
Steven --
True, the eastern part of the US has a lot of relatively large forests, especially compared to Europe. If you want real wilderness, try Canada or Alaska though, they have extremely low population densities.
This is a good time of the year (spring) to visit Florida, usually having good weather. Glad you enjoyed your trip. Each time I've gone to Florida, I've always had a good time there (vacationing with family members).
-birdie
Birdie --
Yes, early May is still quite pleasant. The temp basically got up to the mid-80's, and it was relatively dry.
The Animal Planet has a show called Finding Bigfoot, a program that I occasionally watch. I believe in Bigfoot's existence. If I ran into one, I'd think I'd pass out.
-birdie
Birdie --
If I didn't believe in Bigfoot based on the Patterson/Gimlin film, the evidence of footprints, the thousands of sightings, Native American folklore, etc, that show would definitely not make a believer out of me. It's basically the same show over and over again: they hear about some sightings, go to the area, interview some witnesses, go into the forest themselves, there's a noise, and -- cut to commercial. Then, after the commercial, it turns out to be a squirrel or some such.
But that said, the BFRO is actually the main clearinghouse for sightings reports, and they have a great database of them, organized by state and county. And there are some smart people behind that organization, despite the way the show comes across.
It's a cheesy t.v. show, kind of fun to watch. At least I've learned a little bit about Bigfoot:'s behaviors via watching the show. I personally wouldn't want to see Bigfoot up close.
-birdie
-birdie
Birdie --
I'd love to see him in person, near or far.
Congratulations on your race! I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to FL. I had missed your previous post on Bigfoot, but that's interesting that he would have been seen around here. We do have a lot of bears here though, seen very regularly, especially along our beautiful trails and even in some suburban areas. I would imagine it would be easy to mistake a large bear for Bigfoot. Hope your next meet goes better, logistically!
Runner Katy --
Thank you. Yes, sasquatch is usually referred to as the "skunk ape" in Florida, and there have been a lot of sightings in that state. Go to the BFRO.net website if you want to check them out.
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