| Our Correspondents: |
 |
 |
| What They're Driving: |
Toyota Prius |
GMC Yukon |
Distance Traveled
So Far: |
287 miles |
287 miles |
| Gallons used: |
7.18 |
16.39 |
How much
spent on gas: |
$8.32 |
$19.00 |
| Best food: |
Linda Demler’s care package narrowly beat out the oyster stew in Cedar Key. |
Heart of palm salad in Cedar Key. A Florida delicacy. |
| What I listened to: |
Joe yammering on the walkie-talkie about the many fine contributions of the band, Van Halen, pre-1984. |
Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, Grateful Dead,
Allman Brothers, Emmylou Harris, and … Van Halen! |
| Best bumpersticker: |
Free Winona Ryder! |
Skink for Governor! (referring to a certain Carl Hiaason character.) |
| Strangest sight: |
A Ford 1350 carrying a VW Westphalia on its truckbed. Also, the world’s most domesticated pelican; in fact, seems doubtful it knew it was a pelican. |
A very odd woman driving this blue Toyota Prius who followed me everywhere
today. Nobody likes a tailgater, no matter how eco-savvy they are. Looked for Skunk Apes, but nothin’ doin’. |
| How many hybrids spotted: |
Three, and then all these people showed up with cameras and microphones. |
This blue Toyota Prius that kept following me! |
| How many SUVs spotted: |
Couldn’t see around the one I was following. |
Ran out of fingers and toes. |
| Closest call: |
The old-timer at the roadside bait shop/peanut stand accosting Joe on why exactly I was taking pictures. His quote: "I don’t wanna be in no magazine nowheres." |
Narrowly escaping the adoring crowd of well-wishers in Tampa. |
| Best stretch of road: |
Leaving Cedar Key … the stars were out! |
US 19 from Otter Creek to Gulf Hammock. Stars everywhere! |
| Media coverage: |
Trip kick-off in Tampa attracted 3 radio and 4 TV stations. Joe got interviewed from the road by the Florida Radio News Network in Orlando. |
Tune in tomorrow when Joe and Darden report from, among other places, Casadega, renowned psychic colony!
