Latest Update from Karla

Subj: Bellview, FL
Date: 6/5/03 6:10:00 PM !!!First Boot!!!
From: kbwalk@mymailstation.com

   Y'all know the song "Way Down Upon The Suwannee River, Far, Far Away......" Well, that's the state song of Florida. On Sunday I attended church in Chiefland, and the pastor said I could stay there at the church for a day or two if I wanted, but Hardy & Nancy invited me to their house instead. They live right along the Suwannee River, and also have an apartment beside their house, so that's where I stayed.
   While I was there, we went on many boat rides up and down the river. They took me to Manatee State Park by boat, and I saw several springs. One evening we had a potluck dinner with all the neighbors, and the boat club they belong to gave me a t-shirt. Boating up and down the river was spectacular. We saw turtles sunning themselves on logs, and I even saw an aligator.
   From there I headed on down through Bronson, Williston and on into Ocala. That trek across there took me through an area of many horse farms. Great big spreads, with gentle rolling hills and many, many horses. It was really pretty walking along there.
   A month ago on Mother's Day, when I was in Port St. Joe I went to church on sunday. After church Lamar and Ginny invited me to go out to eat with them. So we went to Apalachicola and ate at The Hut. Since it was Mother's Day, the line at the restaurant was long. While we were waiting in line, I was visiting with Lamar and Ginny about my walk and showing them my map. Just then someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "I live in Ocala, are you going to be walking there?" I said yes indeed, that I would be walking to Ocala, so she gave me her business card and told me to call when I got there.
   Phyllis and I have been doing some email as I slowly kept creeping closer to Ocala, so on Monday she knew I would be arriving and gave me the directions to her house. Meeting back up with Phyllis and Don, and meeting their son Marshall was great. She had told several of her friends about my walk, so when I got there she gave me one ticket to Disney World from her, plus another ticket to Disney World from one of her friends, plus 2 twenty dollar bills from 2 other friends for when I get to Orlando. I was really excited to get the 2 tickets to Disney World!
   Yesterday I walked from Ocala to Bellview, and was able to stay at the Methodist Church. Right after I got here it started pouring down rain. It was quite the storm, and I was sure glad to be inside. They've also made some contacts for me in Lady Lake and Leesburg, my next two stops. The youth kids got together last night, and I was able to give a talk there.
   Take care and have a great day! KB

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