Mile: 10,033
I hoofed it down to St. Augustine to Pj and Jaime's in about nine hours. The transition from foggy mountain tops of Appalachia to the flatlands of Florida were dramatic, and also breathtaking. To have made it all the way around the Eastern Untied States and end up where I first bunkered down back in November amazes me. My brother has been selling Sorbet (SeaCow Confections) at Intuition Ale Works in Jacksonville, FL. What a great combination of what we are both doing. Though our "sorbet stout" was about 40% good, with improvement should be the next best thing. The brewery has a good following of mug members, but what I've enjoyed is sipping on a very cold beer in the warm spring sun that beckons me to close the lid on this winter's work, and prepare for my summer season in Alaska. I will be mushing sled dogs at the historic Sheep Creek in Juneau, where I worked back on 2007. This is my favorite camp, with an abundance of memories had, but now will be where new memories are formed while overlooking several waterfalls and mountains. After visiting Intuition, my grand total of breweries visited so far on the trip is right around 50, but that is only a fraction of the beers I have sampled from the East. Total number of beers from different breweries totals around 250, all recorded neatly in my expandable folder(those who know me, owning a folder is a huge step). I can say that I have developed a taste for certain hops and as well as a taste for different yeasts used in the brewing process. With 25 more states to go next fall, I will have a much better tongue for the challenging western states.
I am very thankful for those of you who have read my blog, donated cash, worn one of my crocheted hats, and listened to my album. I think about you all while I'm driving in the Ford, which has around 140,000 miles on her now, and feel lucky and blessed to have a solid following.
Back to Florida. Pj and I spent a few days fishing, reeling in Drum and other fish that are tasty. We also have all been biking and running, as Jaime and I prepare for our 5k today at her park. I have ran before, and haven't really enjoyed it all that much, but now that my mind is at ease with the first half of my book finished, I felt it necessary to get back into shape after all those pudgy porters I drank up in Maine to stay warm! The dogs enjoy the Florida sun, though they do tire out quickly. We are in the NE side of the state, so we have some very mild nights perfect for dog walks and fetching.
It's only a week now till erin gets into town, and along with all the fun we will have together, I have a busy week ahead. Tomorrow I will drive down to Orlando to see Alex and Naomi while they treat their children to that amusement park that is nearby. Then over to Cape Canaveral to see Doug, a buddy who flew helicopter tours in Skagway last summer. To meet up with someone in Florida that you worked with in Alaska is a true testament to something, maybe friendship, but those who know Doug, know that he is just the guy to drink a couple cold one's with and shoot the breeze. Then I'll drive back up to Augy just in time to help PJ spin sorbet, and prepare for a weekend of selling at the Brewery and the local Farmer's market. Though I have acclimated quickly to warm weather, I cannot wait to be in the pocket of South East Alaska, my true home.
If anyone is interested in sending me artwork for my book, I am now phasing towards the stories of my book, as well as design. With 50 breweries in my back pocket, I will be trying to get my idea published as well as organized in the next year. I have several ideas, but encourage all to send me theirs at joepawelek@yahoo.com . Stay tuned for some great posts in the upcoming weeks, it's gonna get crazy around here as I prepare for Alaska. But most important, please visit www.Iditarod.com and follow my good friend Matt Hayashida on his 1,000 mile run to Nome, Ak. All competitors are true athletes, but this race is all about the dogs and one man's destiny, Go Team Rubicon!
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