Day 527 – USA (Florida): From Springhill to Withlacoochee Statepark Hog Pond Recreation Trailhead in Homosassa


Today’s distance / 今日の走行距離: 26.3 miles
Average speed / 平均速度: 9.7mph
Time on skateboard / 走行時間: 2h 46m
Total skateboarding distance to date / 今までスケボで走った距離: 1166mi (plus 266mi)
Ascent / 上り: negligible
Descent / 下り: negligible
End-of-day GPS coordinates: oops, forgot

Thank you to Patrick McInnis and his family for the greatly entertaining stay last night. Nick and Hannah are very into magic tricks. they both had a few tricks that had me completely baffled. Luckily I had a couple up my sleeve that had them equally baffled.

Leaving Springhill, Florida, USA

From left: Nick, Rob, Patrick, Colleen (back), Hannah, Connor

The McInnis’s place is a lake-front property in Springhill. At least, it used to be. As with many other lakes in central Florida, for the last few years they have been receeding, to the point where many people who once were able to swim from private docks, now find their docks high and dry. This phenomenon is nothing new, apparently, with lakes drying up in cycles of about seven years.

On the road on US19 near Springhill, Florida, USA

It was smooth skating along the wide shoulders of US19 all the way to the Homosassa Wildlife Management Area where I stopped for the night. I must say thank you to Bones Bearings for supplying me with some super fast and smooth Bones Swiss ceramic bearings. The difference between my old steel bearings and these suckers is immediately noticeable. They roll much longer, and feel much smoother. Time will tell if they are indeed more durable than their steel counterparts which lasted 1,350 miles (with three cleanings and re-greasings).

Also, at last I had the opportunity to try out my new tent, donated by Carlos from Key Largo. Much smaller than my last tent that I used on the Asia leg of my trip, this little MSR tent is more like a framed bivvy bag than anything else. It is roomy enough however, and is well worth the weight savings over a larger tent.

Camping in Homosassa Wildlife Management Area, Florida, USA

I started the day with a mild headache and sore legs, however these ailments subsided as I skated through the day. Started reading the book Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. The book was given to me by Eric in Tampa. Interesting read so far…


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7 thoughts on “Day 527 – USA (Florida): From Springhill to Withlacoochee Statepark Hog Pond Recreation Trailhead in Homosassa

  • Lee

    Hey, Key Largo – that's in a Beach Boys song called 'Kokomo'! Excellent.

    Sorry to read of more walking stints – hope they don't make you have too many extra miles at the end of your journey (though in the scale of things I imagine it'll be negligible if you have to do an extra day or something). May you always have shoulders! (errr… yes. Of the road kind AND the biological kind.)

  • Pat McInnis

    Hello again Rob…I posted a comment on your escapade in China page where your were arrested…but this time I want to let you know how happy I am you find a welcome in the USA…I agree Americans are a very friendly bunch…I came to the States when I was in high school having grown up in Liverpool England and girls and guys were so kind to me I made instant friendships and 50 years later I am still good friends with so many of those high school friends that welcomed me too. I appreciate your sharing your experiences with Patrick and his family I know that Hannah and Nick will always remember and learn from your experiences too.

    Stay safe and enjoy the rest of your trek across the US…I recommend a trip to Santa Fe if that would be possible…we really enjoyed a vacation there a few years ago.

    Happy New Year 2008 Patricia McInnis

  • Ray E. La Fontaine

    Rob, January 7th, 2008

    I was one of the two FDOT workers who stopped to talk to you today in Hosford, Florida. Just got done telling my family about you and sitting here with my daughter, Margaux looking at your website. Best of wishes to you!!!

    Ray

  • Li-Anh & Lily

    Hey Rob! Awesome meeting with you over breakfast this morning in Navarre FL. Can't wait to read more about your push through the Southern United States. Being sure to spread the word about you to friends and family in Louisiana. Happy Travels!

    Li-Anh