two hundred thirty

BEST SMILE EVER

This picture was taken with a telephoto lens as I finally found the correct house. I had been given the name of some friend in southern Florida by a friend in Canada. All I had was a name, a phone number and a general location. After a very awkward conversation, they checked with each other and granted me access. I think my story was so far fetched it must have been true.

I had borrowed a land line in a gas station because my cell phone was out of power. The clerk behind the bullet proof glass was dressed head to toe in a black burga with only her eyes showing. I assume the glass office was air conditioned, but as she handed me the phone it was almost too hot to touch. This was one tough lady. 

I discovered I had passed their house by about twelve miles so I had to back track. It was extremely hot and humid on this Florida mid August afternoon. My body was bullet proof after almost two months on the road so it was no big deal.

The generosity of people always amazes me and this was no exception. I was a total stranger with only a phone number and a familiar name. If it was me, I would have been much more suspicious of a guy on the road. 

My back tire was going flat in this picture, it finally had to be replaced from wear. I did get a ride in his Porsche to a local bike shop the next morning and hit the road by noon. Another amazing day on the road.

I think I can do this one more time. That smile is worth all of the suffering.