Traveling is time consuming. Doing so while working full time is doubly so. Thus, writing blogs is taking a back seat for now. So think of this travel blog as more of a picture book. Sorry, reading fans.

It's important to take a break. Even more important to remember to eat. I hear that's healthy. So I pumped the brakes in Ft. Meyers and hit the town. After throwing my credit card around at the Miromar Outlets, I stopped in at Ford's Garage, offering some delicious and creative American chow. I chose a scrumptious bison burger that they generously branded with their name in case I forgot where I was. I mean, I am in the retirement community of the country after all.

One thing I particularly appreciated was the antique horn that would blare on occasion and the engine that would accelerate during birthday celebrations. Satisfying experience and a happy belly.

The lovely people of the internet graciously informed us that it was absolutely necessary to arrive at the Myakka River State Park ranger station first thing in the morning to get one of the few passes they hand out each day to the infamous Deep Hole. We did just that. As I walked in, there was already a 100 ft line of people that stopped at the door. As I stepped in, I received a less than assuring smile from the woman in front of me. "Oh, I don't think they're going to have enough passes for you. They just sent another family away." I wasn't about to let the pessimism of a stranger get me down. "Then we'll wait and see," I replied with a friendly smile. Sure enough, I was the last pass they handed out for the day. Whew! Now for the 2.2 mile walk to Deep Hole, a 300 ft wide sinkhole that is home to over 100 alligators. 

There were hundreds of them! Straddling the treetops, soaring circles overhead, even swooping down to the left and right of me. Vultures. Everywhere. I felt like I was walking down the Outlands in the Lion King. Creepy. 

There was a break in the trees and on the other side opened up to a huge clearing of wetlands to the right and a pond to the left. Considering the shore was lined with giant lizards, it was safe to assume that was Deep Hole. They were grouped together in pockets around the sinkhole. 6 and 7 footers bathing in the sun as vultures flew about and waddled on the ground. I got brave and walked within about 15 ft of the cold blooded beasts. My mother would not approve.

During our stay at TeraCloud Farms in St. Petersburg, we met a fellow nomad, male, early 30s, and his dog who talked up this awesome dog beach at De Soto. First, what are the chances I meet another version of myself? Second, De Soto is a historic military fortress built for the Spanish American War in 1906. Count us in! 

Are you ready to ruuummmmmble?! The first disc golf tournament of the voyage is at Holloway Park in Lakeland, FL. It was also the first big tournament at this fairly new course. As always, Tyler Searle and Dynamic Discs ran a great single day, two round tourney. I competed in MA2 [intermediate], my second time in this division. I didn't have a chance to get out there to play through the course and see what I was getting into so I got there pretty early Saturday morning. A couple other guys invited me to join and we only had enough time to get through 4 holes. Long, heavily treed, narrow gaps, thick rough. This was going to be a... an adventure. *nervous face*

The guys on my card in round 1 were great. Super friendly, great sports, supportive, and, most importantly, allowed Ducky to walk along with us (PDGA tournament rules state that dogs aren't allowed unless all players agree it's OK). Considering I was guessing what discs I should use on each hole, things were going relatively well early on. Mostly pars, a few birdies, but then hole 5 happened. 435 ft., par 4, dog leg left through the trees (in other words: long fairway through the trees that turns left). My intention was to throw a stable disc and let it fade around the corner. The reality:

1. Hit an early tree off the tee
2. Early released my recovery shot putting me in the rough on the other side of the fairway.
3. Forehand roller was my only option and it didn't turn over which put me in more rough.
4. Hit a tree on my approach shot to the basket.
5. Second approach got to circle 2 (50 ft away).
6. Missed putt.
7. Made 10 ft putt.

That is known as a tournament killer. Way too many extra strokes early would make the rest of the tournament an uphill battle. I was going to have to keep my confidence to overcome that attrocity. 

I was able to maintain through the rest of round 1, placing me in 7th before lunch. That means I was on chase card and behind 6 strokes of the leader. That was going to require a heck of a round 2. 

Round 2 started off hot. I was 4 down through 5... that is, until hole 15. One that I had birdied in the previous round decided I needed yet another triple bogie. That hurts and certainly put me out of contention for the win. But, I kept my composure and was able to still beat my score from the previous round and beat everyone on the chase card. I won 4th place! Super excited! $100 in reward money to the onsite disc golf truck so I loaded up. It is greatly to see my improvement over the past year. I'm looking forward to more tournament play this year.

We settled into Palmetto, Florida, on the south side of Tampa Bay off of Little Manatee River.  But, first, let me describe the experience when we arrived at River Oaks RV Resort. We were greeted by the welcome sign and an absolutely packed RV park. The rigs were right on top of the other. It was about 1 pm and no one was in the office. A sign in the window gave a phone number to call. No answer and the voicemail was full. After hanging up with a huff and a puff, I turned around to see a gentleman walking up to me from a travel trailer a few spots down. "If you're trying to check in, no one really works in the office but there is a lady that stays here that helps out the owners sometimes."  *facepalm*

Dorothy was very friendly and quickly helped me find my site to back into. It was a dusty spot, lots of leaves, so I decided this week was going to be spent indoors rather than setting up my tent and other outside gear. As I was pouring food out for Ducky, I felt a harsh sting on my leg. I quickly wiped for relief. A moment later, the same sting on my arm, then my leg again. Before wiping, I looked at the spot causing discomfort and, there, I found a tiny little fly/ant-looking critter. The guy in the campsite next to mine confirmed my initial diagnosis: "those are no-see-ums, they're everywhere around here."

Needless to say, we weren't going to be spending much time at the campsite except for sleeping. So we found the closest coffee shop we could find. To Ducky and I's pleasant surprise, American Honey Creamery and Coffee Co. was celebrating their 1 Year Anniversary and had animals from a local farm and live music. My furry little lady was in heaven.

We headed back to camp where we did a little exploring of the park. We arrived just after sunset and it did not disappoint. Duck hit the hay hard. Zzz

I decided to live like a real remote worker today, threw my backpack around my shoulders, and marched my way to St. Pete Pier in downtown St. Petersburg. By "marched", I mean I drove my truck across the majestic Sunshine Skyway Bridge to Paradeco Coffee Shop to dial into a couple early morning conference calls. This delightful shop was done up in tasteful 70s styling, with rose gold, large white lights, and spacey subway tiles. Ducky and I took an outside table along the palm tree lined downtown street. Although a bit noisy, it was a great spot to get some work done. Of course, the furry one was getting plenty of attention from passerby's. 

Upon reaching a stopping point, we packed up and continued out toward the pier. And what a surprisingly unique walk it was. We first came across a public bathroom. *Groans* Oh no, this public bathroom was in a completely refurbished brick train station building used back in the late 1800s. It was cutely renamed the Comfort Station. Just beyond, covered in fluffy red flowers, towered a Kapok tree. This gigantic tree is found in tropical rainforests of Africa, can grow as fast as 13 feet a year and can reach 200 feet above the canopy. We meandered are way down seashell covered walking paths, past unique sculptures and fountains, all the way to the end of the pier.

Looking back was a beautiful view of the cityscape and calm bay. A lot was happening around St. Pete Pier. Small planes were taking off one after the other from the regional airport, families were playing at the beach, a bicycle riding group rode by, and so much great people watching. Majestically marking the tip of the Pier was a multistory, magnificently designed building with a restaurant, café and storefront. It provided some much needed shade for me to get back to work while I sipped yet another cup of caffeine. 

It's a good thing cameras have evolved past film because I would've been out of it by this point. After finishing up the last of my meetings for the day, Ducky and I headed back mainland for some pizza and to continue our expedition. We walked out to Vinoy Park, AKA the pinnacle of Ducky's trip so far. Let's just say, there were a lot of squirrels. And by "a lot of squirrels," I mean I think they had a mayor and a public transportation system in their village. And, to both of our surprises, they let you get really close before scurrying up a palm tree. Shout out to the 7 year old girl that was feeding them whole peanuts. They would mosey right up to her outreached hand, without a doubt in the world, snatch it and run off with their treat. I think Ducky could've retired at that park; retired a happy old lady.

"Dad, wait, we're still in downtown St. Petersburg. You promised me you were driving me to see farm animals."
"Yep, we're headed to a farm."
"In downtown St. Pete?!"

Sure enough, we turn off of a city street onto a dirt road that seemed very out of place. We pulled into the driveway and were immediately greeted by a flock of chickens and their Rooster overlord. Welcome to TerraCloud Organic Farm. We chose a spot underneath a curious looking tree that looked like a hundred trees sharing rumors with one another and pointing and giggling. It's called a Banyan Tree which can live for centuries and even walk.  *Ducky rolls her eyes* "It doesn't walk, dad, tell them the truth." OK, OK, banyans fall under the super cute and not-at-all-threatening-sounding category of "strangler figs." They grow from seeds that land near other trees then sending their own roots down to smother them and then growing into smaller pillars that look like new tree trunks. Cool, but so rude.

The next morning, we were once again awakened around 5 AM. This time, thanks to an actual rooster. This asshole. I retaliated with a description of how delicious my wings were the other night at Ferg's.

The time has come for the 2022 National Sales Meeting with my employer, Knauf Insulation. I joined them in late 2018 to help lead the launch of a new online experience. We launched an entirely new digital ecosystem the first week of 2020 and we have been blowing away metrics left and right ever since. This was my first time spending time with our national sales team who are scattered around the US and Canada. They each manage particular territories or major accounts. What a plethora of personalities! 

Unfortunately for y'all, what happens at Knauf Sales Fest, stays at Knauf Sales Fest. But, since I love you, I'll give you some of the highlights. Some amazing social time with the entire sales team and a private Nikko Moon concert at the Country Music Hall of Fame. He used to be an insulation installer back in the day so he filled is music set with some hilarious stories about him growing up. His smile was incredibly contagious. I'm not a country music fan, but you couldn't help but love his presence and delivery.

What I should have been prepared for at the event was being asked the question: where do you live? Such a seemingly simple question required a response from me that left the inquisitor with a raised eyebrow. Once I was able to explain the digital nomad lifestyle, the common response was, 'woah, that's awesome, man. You're living the dream!" Interesting to learn the long stored away adventurous desires of sales professionals. Responsibility and cultural norms and expectations can so easily stand in the way. I am very thankful for this opportunity.

Just a short drive south from Ocala, we made it to Breezy Oaks RV Park where we had our first experience with the retired crowd. 55 and older as far as the eye could see. It’s easy to get excited when you’re handed an event list packed full of scrapbooking, shuffleboard and bingo nights. Nearly 300 recreational vehicles in all shapes, sizes, potted plants and even permanent decks and patios. I had to give my camper a little pep talk to remind him that it's not the size of the camper that counts. 

As far as activities go, I jam packed this week with a plastic flinging extravaganza. I was but a short drive from several 4+ star rated disc golf courses in Ocala, Tampa and St. Petersburg. Of course I had to give them all a go. Seven courses in 7 days. That's right. 120+ holes in a week. I may have a problem.