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To Ask Or Not To Ask, That Is The Question...
By Bob Lee
March 31, Jesup, GA 56 Miles
To ask or not to ask, that is the question. Usually men don’t want to ask directions (me included.) Maybe I have been sitting on a bicycle seat too long, but I asked this morning and I am glad I did. If I hadn’t I might have been sleeping along the side of the road, since my route was taking much farther than I could ride in a day —with no beds along the way. It would have taken me through some of the Okefenokee Swamp and lots of pine forest. I should have studied my maps better before I decided not to bring my tent on this leg of the journey.
At least I know the tent was tested well with our two granddaughters Kendal and Channing who live in Denver. Thanks Black Diamond for providing a home away from home when needed.
The morning began with a delicious breakfast prepared by Jenne Scott the owner of the Folkston House. I also hope Jenne will provide one of her favorite recipes to be posted later.
Here's a little liberty with that last one since it seemed to have every shape except a circle:
Remember the question at the end of yesterday’s blog? Where is one of the largest railroad hubs in the country? Well at breakfast they said there were three reasons people visit Folkston –
1. The Okefenokee Swamp,
2. They are lost, or
3. To watch the trains.
Well, yesterday and today was the annual train-watching weekend and at the B&B there was a reporter from the Wall Street Journal, and a master railroad illustrator Robert West. The following pictures are just 7 of his 195 train illustrations. My snap shots do not do justice to his talent. If you are interest in seeing more of his work go to www.trainpaintings.com.
After breakfast I headed to the train depot to do what everyone in town was doing –watch trains! Folkston has over 60 freight trains come through town every day.
The following pictures are to give you a feel for a train watching festival in Folkston.
After seeing a few trains I was on the road again. Look at this 55-mile highway from Folkston to Jesup. Can’t beat this flat, well paved, lighter traffic route. Enjoy some of the sights along the way.
About 2:30 in the afternoon I stopped for an ice cream and asked how far it was to Jesup. This was one of the times “not to ask.” The answer from one of the clerks was “about 30 minutes” and then the other clerk said, “No silly, he is on a bike.” She thought for a moment and said, “Well in that case all day.”
A few of the pictures might need an explanation. Remember yesterday the picture of Lee the wild turkey hunter dressed in his camouflage clothes? Now look at the wing of this hawk. Why do we think man is always smarter than the other animals around us?
On my last bike ride across the southern part of our county some people would say, “watch out for the rednecks.” Neither on the last trip, nor on this one have I seen any rednecks. I did see some “Red Hats” but no red necks. So today, just so I didn’t feel like I was missing anything I went to see some “Big Reds.”
This afternoon while riding and talking to my sister Penny in California I stopped and took this picture of “contrast.” Who wins in this contest? Nature or man? Actually, I like how they complement each other.
The last picture reminds me of something I read in Tuesdays With Morrie. Morrie said, how can you ever prepare to die? “Do what the Buddhist do!” Everyday have a little bird sit on your shoulder that ask, “is this the day?” Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? Am I being the person I want to be????”
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Wow, off to a great start, Uncle Bob! We are praying for you to have a SAFE trip-so far so good! The early posts on the site-your daily observations & photos are fabulous, and still so early in the ride! WE are inspired & are sooo proud of you! BE STRONG!! I must admit (I agree with Anne!) that the April 1st post with the ambulance truck was a bit much!! Yikes! You had us worried for a sec!! Keep up the excellent treck!!
See you in the great Northwest in & around, June! Woooo Hooo!! -Susan & Rob
Posted by: Susan Braniff | Apr 4, 2007 10:40:58 AM
Dear Bobob Kyle and Michael would love this place in Goergia! {good vacation spot} you had a cool ride today. It must have been hard handeling the big reds! [you were brave] I love you like always!
Ryan Horak.
P.S it looks like tii tii.
Posted by: Ryan Horak | Apr 1, 2007 10:51:42 PM
I just looked at the bird feather picture again and if you look at the furthest feather on the right.....can you see a 3? Very cool!
Posted by: Lisa Crane | Apr 1, 2007 10:54:08 AM
Thank you for the call yesterday Bob. Good to hear your voice.Bob didn't explain to you the water lilly picture. Bob took this photo in a town called "Hortense" He said it was a very small town yet to him and I it has meaning. Hortense was my mother-in-law. Hortense means gardener. So when Bob saw this he remembered my mother-in-law. I'm jealous of Bob.....he is seeing things in different parts of the US that represent beautiful things in my life! I want to see these things too. Thank you Bob for sharing those important things with me via your beautiful pics! The water lillies also look like the ones that are in the bayou at Oakenwald, Hortenses cottage in Grand Haven, MI. Our loved ones are everywhere! Peace be with you BOB!
Posted by: Lisa Crane | Apr 1, 2007 10:51:46 AM