Update #42 - Oct. 17, 2003
Pompano Beach, FL - 9,076.7 miles (14,522.7 kms.)

With all plans or "somewhat plans" there are changes. Tomorrow will be a day where I choose between two ideas by the "toss of a coin". I'll be either heading south through Miami to Florida City and then down to Key West or going north to West Palm Beach and then starting a two-day ride across the state south of Lake Okeechobee to Ft. Myers. I've always had some wanting to try and do the ride to Key West ever since 1993 when I first went down to Cutler Ridge - Homestead area to help with the recovery effort after Hurricane Andrew. I've never had the courage to make an attempt because of all of the long bridges (one being over 7 miles long) It would be at least a three day ride to Key West and then I will have to turn around a do it again the opposite direction. I'll have to go back through Miami again to West Palm Beach and then start the ride across the state. There is always the ride through the Everglades with a stop in Everglades City but I'm not up to it now since I've done it before in 1998. The days are too short now to make a good attempt.

My reason to come to South Florida was accomplished this afternoon. I found my way over to the headquarters of "Food for the Poor" in Deerfield Beach. I was quite impressed with what I had seen. They work primarily with helping people in the Carribean. Last year, they provided over $1 billion dollars in food and other supplies. I was happy to see that they only use 7 percent of their income for administrative costs and fund raising. If I had the time, I would gladly go around the country promoting this ministry but I do have a link to their website on my "Other Causes Supported" page.

I'm spending the night with some new friends that I met through the "Warm Showers Hospitality List". This is my 83rd night spent in somebody's home this year. Home visits are really great since they could lead to long-term friendships.

I'll try to post an update as often as I can if there are any changes in my plans.