11/22/2010 TAMPA BAY

MONDAY

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED TODAY: 0 NM

ANOTHER MORNING WITH THE SUN COMING OUT TO PLAY

Getting the rental car this morning involved just a 30 minute walk and then we were rewarded with a little red Chevy. Today’s goal centered around finding replacement carpeting for the unloved off-white stuff that now covers the floors in Quest. After unsuccessfully checking out the local Lowe's carpet department, we did stumble upon a place that could accommodate our needs. Once we made our choice, the installer (Otha) said he would be at Quest to do the measurements so the order could be placed.

On our way back to the Quest we stopped at, yet another, West Marine to nose our way through its now familiar merchandise. Meager purchase paid for, we exited the store only to hear the awful sound of two motorcycles hitting and to see the drivers flying off. Dan ran to assist and I asked the West Marine manager to call 911. The guy really suffered no injuries but the lady on the other bike was out cold and had an obvious head injury. As she regained consciousness, we struggled to keep her down but she was groggily setting up when the fire truck and EMTs arrived. Both bikes were together and, it appears, the guy went to turn and the gal wasn’t paying attention and bumped his back tire. Neither rider had a helmet on and the girl is luck to be alive, I hope. Riders, wear helmets!!!!!!

Our ride back to Quest was a sober one as we counted our blessings.

This was not our only contact with the Tampa Fire Department today. Fortunately, our next encounter was benign and we enjoyed watching them maneuver their Fire Rescue Boat into the marina slip and tie up. Now we have the police boat and the fire boat in residence here at the marina. Guess we are in good hands.

TAMPA FIRE RESCUE BOAT

Tomorrow we are off to Vermont and will resume our life on Quest when we return. I will give a brief recap of our trip home when we return. We wish everyone a great Thanksgiving Holiday filled with loved ones, friends and lots of turkey.

BTW: New carpet next week!!!!!!