Judy Grillo
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In 16 Hours, Charm City

4/30/2020

6 Comments

 
While I gleefully rolled out of Melbourne at 6AM, I'll admit to feelings of trepidation. But, what a great feeling to be back on the road, even for less than 48 hours.

Like many of you I've spoken with, I imagined the drive from Florida to Maryland would entail empty highway stretches, perhaps limited gas stations, and arrival to an empty hotel. Quite the contrary, there were many people, from at least 7 states, heading north; the stretch from Daytona to Jacksonville felt like rush hour; and South Carolina was a truckers' domain. In North Carolina, my hotel hosted at least 20 guests from 4 states; and along the way, fuel was readily available, with Virginia winning the award for $1.39/gallon. I was pleased to arrive in my "state of residence," though the location hasn't fully registered, as I continue to be surprised by seeing Maryland license plates!

It's been a week in Baltimore, and while I'm very rested and relaxed, it will take another week to adjust to urban life (and the temperature).  My home for 60 days is a delightful apartment with instant access to walking/biking the harbor promenade. So, while I am learning how to be an urban cyclist, I'm simultaneously feeling like a greenhorn as I adjust to using FOBs for doors and elevators, wonder how to clean laminate floors, and realize (after 72 hours) that I have an oven to bake pizza. 

Thankfully, I know my way around the nearby neighborhoods of Federal Hill, the Inner Harbor, Fells Point and Canton, as my initial draw to Maryland was based on the TV series, Homicide: Life on the Street. Have you any doubt then, that my first long walk was revisiting both recognizable series locations, as well as a few memorable haunts from my wilder days? And, while I can't belly up to the bar at Bertha's, I will soon enjoy a take-out cappuccino from The Daily Grind. 

I had many plans in place for spring that I've now let go of, and I refuse to ponder the plans I had in mind through fall, but I must move on in early summer. Decisions, decisions. In the meantime, lots to do here in yet another unique environment.
  
6 Comments
Fred Williams
4/30/2020 07:25:41 pm

Wow nice view in your landing spot! Welcome to Maryland :)

Reply
Judy
5/1/2020 09:53:53 am

Fred, thank you! Yes, I have certainly landed! Wish we could meet for a beer! J

Reply
Suzanne TYLER
5/1/2020 04:30:56 pm

Welcome home, I was thinking of you yesterday and wondering if you gave riding a go in that strong wind.
Have fun in the city!

Reply
Judy
5/1/2020 07:32:55 pm

Sue,
No riding yesterday as it rained heavily all day long! I'm getting shorter rides than I'd like but discovering new stretches every time I get out. Disheartening to be in the heart of things & have museums, music venues et al closed but happily playing it safe. Drop a line or call; wonder how you're managing. J

Reply
Brian
5/2/2020 08:25:10 am

Glad you got back home safe, The Rona messed up your planned bike events, you were training for, but other things will come along. The Beach's are opening back up next week, along with some of the parking lots. I am riding my home loops again. Keep the wheels spinning. Later
Brian

Reply
Judy
5/3/2020 04:17:15 pm

Brian: Glad to hear you're well and still pedaling! Still riding 4 days since I just love to ride!, but my July event is cancelled too. So yes, happy to be in Maryland but don't really have a home :). Not sure where I'll head at June's end. GLAD to be out of Florida; people are not playing it safe enough for me! J.

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