Looking down river and realizing that the gators to the left and right are only sunning themselves, I begin to loosen up and paddle forward. Having dropped in about 3 miles above at Wekiva State Park our little group of families wanted to explore the back country waters of Central Florida. This gentle flowing section provided an easy paddle for all age groups and exposes us to the animals on the river. Wild turkey, alligators, snakes and birds all make this trip interesting. One of my favorite stops along the river is the engaging local dive of a bar, right on the banks. Paddle down, get out, enjoy a cold one and paddle back up river. Wekiva is a fun river to kayak.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
This morning I arose to a wintery December chill, frost on the windshield and a heavy fog just lifting off the Green River lake. Unusual for me to be up and about this early in the morning, but I did have an appointment, and I didn't want to be late.
My appointment was with the Campbellsville local Firestone dealer to get my brakes fixed. Now most people will stop here and say, "so what" but I implore you to continue on, for the real story is not in the brake job, but in the lives of the five local yocals who greeted me as I entered the tiny front waiting room. Now by waiting room what I really mean to say is 5 old green leatherback chairs, an old stool behind the counter and the radio playing an old Marty Robbins county tune.
Jim Bob behind the counter grabbed my keys while I slowly eased my way into the leather cushion without moving more than a foot from the entrance. These boys were starting the day with some good local chatter about the new Police Chief who had retired from the State Police and was now keeping the peace over this town. The conversation shifted to talk about oil and how the Canadians might as well send the proposed XL pipeline to the West Coast and sell it to the Asians. "Hey son, that's a nice Toyota you got there. How many miles you got on it"? I replied "96,000" to the white haired smooth talker and keep my vision low.
"What are you doin here"? Jim bob asked. I explained that we were currently part of the Kamperforce for Amazon and would be here for the next few weeks. "Well you know, that used to be the ole Fruit of the Loom factory, just before Amazon took it over." " Hell, it used to be so bad a few years back when they bused in workers from Memphis and Lexington. Those folks was bad and I mean bad". "But now it seems as though the trouble is gone and the town is getting along just fine now."
A water pump for Charlie's Chevy, a new battery for Johnny's Yukon and a front brake job for me. I gladly payed my bill and rolled back out of town, having enjoyed a small slice of hometown Kentucky bonding in the early morning hours.
My appointment was with the Campbellsville local Firestone dealer to get my brakes fixed. Now most people will stop here and say, "so what" but I implore you to continue on, for the real story is not in the brake job, but in the lives of the five local yocals who greeted me as I entered the tiny front waiting room. Now by waiting room what I really mean to say is 5 old green leatherback chairs, an old stool behind the counter and the radio playing an old Marty Robbins county tune.
Jim Bob behind the counter grabbed my keys while I slowly eased my way into the leather cushion without moving more than a foot from the entrance. These boys were starting the day with some good local chatter about the new Police Chief who had retired from the State Police and was now keeping the peace over this town. The conversation shifted to talk about oil and how the Canadians might as well send the proposed XL pipeline to the West Coast and sell it to the Asians. "Hey son, that's a nice Toyota you got there. How many miles you got on it"? I replied "96,000" to the white haired smooth talker and keep my vision low.
"What are you doin here"? Jim bob asked. I explained that we were currently part of the Kamperforce for Amazon and would be here for the next few weeks. "Well you know, that used to be the ole Fruit of the Loom factory, just before Amazon took it over." " Hell, it used to be so bad a few years back when they bused in workers from Memphis and Lexington. Those folks was bad and I mean bad". "But now it seems as though the trouble is gone and the town is getting along just fine now."
A water pump for Charlie's Chevy, a new battery for Johnny's Yukon and a front brake job for me. I gladly payed my bill and rolled back out of town, having enjoyed a small slice of hometown Kentucky bonding in the early morning hours.
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