SAMMYRIDES DAILY BLOG APRIL 24, 2011

Today, the bikers proceeded from Wakulla Springs to Perry, Florida, where they are staying at the town’s Econo Lodge. Today is Easter and most of the stores and restaurants are closed. The riders passed many signs on small church bulletin boards encouraging everyone to love their neighbor and not be judgemental. This is wonderful advice for everyone!  

The riders have been away from family, friends and neighborhood for many weeks. Each night, it is a different bed, a different hotel room and the accompanying rush of quick showers, washing clothes, grabbing a quick meal and getting a decent night’s rest. There is precious little time for any fun as the demands of the schedule must be met. And, after 54 days on the road, the desire to return to family and friends and Sun City Center,  grows stronger by the hour.

Ingrid Thompson, who has been a constant e mail source of encouragement to the riders, noted that “days of rest in the lanai await them”. Truer words were never spoken.

The riders have visited countless towns and a few cities…all greeted them with open arms and support. But, as the old saying goes, “there’s no place like home”, and in less than a week, they will return to us.

  On a personal note, the Sammyrides project team want to thank Paul Catala, a reporter for The Sun, Sun City Center's community newspaper.  Paul has continuously kept people in the community aware of how things are going on the ride by placing  many of the blogs I have written in several of the Sun's weekly newspapers.    We've had wonderful coverage throughout our ride in the many communities visited along the route, but having our own community newspaper interested in what this ride has accomplished, is very special and we greatly appreciate Paul's input.

JOHN BEAR CROSSING

So, if you happen to read this blog and are available on the day of their return, Saturday, April 30^th, come on out to greet them and let them know how much we admire their heroic effort on behalf of pediatric cancer.

Wishing those celebrating Easter, a wonderful and happy holiday....

Michael, Adolf, Mike B. and John, send their love and best wishes to you all.....         From Lois