My Memoir is Published!

After a long healing and writing journey, The Forest Tabernacle has been published.

In 1986, at the age of 24, I took a term off my university study, and embarked on a solo bicycle tour from St. Thomas, Ontario to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A spiritual journey, The Forest Tabernacle documents my struggle with the Roman Catholic religion of my childhood, my relationship with Christ, overcoming sexual violence and answering the call on my life to be a healer and educator. The book is remarkable and inspiring. Thanks for looking in on my journey.

The Forest Tabernacle is available at Amazon, International Health Publishing, or
by contacting me, Dr. Pat Milroy directly.

On to Dallas, Texas - Bicycle Boxed and On Board with American Airlines

The Key West Express high speed passenger ferry that took me from Key West to Fort Myers Beach on August 9, 2013. The crossing is about 3 1/2 hours.

Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico from the Key West Express.

Yesterday (August 10) I flew from Fort Myers to Dallas Fort Worth where I'll spend several days working with Dr. Elizabeth Pilicy of International Health Publishing in an effort to complete and publish the manuscript of my memoir regarding the 1986 bicycle tour from Ontario to Florida.

My 2013 Bicycle Tour from Canada to Florida is over. I was blessed in so many ways throughout the journey and I am so grateful to the kind people that I met along the way.

August the 8th - Happy 100 mile - 51st Birthday - Key Largo to Key West (162 km)

There were very few church signs in Florida compared to the Bible-Belt states that I had cycled through, but this one I came across the morning I left Key Largo. "Most people prefer to serve God as an advisor," was the message at the  Coral Isles United Church of Christ in Tavernier.

Some of the Keys route had dedicated paths for bicycles and pedestrians - bicycle heaven!

This section of bike path was on the way into the town of Marathon. The path was beautiful however the foliage cut down the breeze and made the temperature rise drenching me in my own sweat.

This photo was taken by Brad White who was manning a kiosk to raise funds for Friends of Old Seven Mile Bridge. I was thankful when Brad informed me that the bridge was out a couple miles ahead. "I just saved you 4 miles of pedalling,"he said. As we were visiting 3 other bicycle tourists cycled past from the bridge. Later on along the Highway at a stop for fluids, I visited with those cyclists who had unknowingly travelled that extra 4 miles.

Friends of Old Seven Mile Bridge are trying to raise money to preserve the once rail bridge. Apparently the Florida Department of Transportation may be closing the bridge to everyone permanently. I bought a cool looking t-shirt from Brad who was also selling hats and bumper stickers, the proceeds of which go toward preservation efforts.

You can learn more about this historic, beautiful bridge at https://friendsofoldseven.org

The 'new' Seven Mile Bridge had a five foot shoulder to ride on.

Section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge that was destroyed by a hurricane.

I've taken photos of a lot of church signs all along my route. There were very few Roman Catholic Churches with signs that had messages of any meaning beyond the times of Mass, times of Confessions, or "Bingo Every 7:30 pm Tuesday Night." St. Peter Catholic Church in Big Pine Key, Florida was the exception though with its sign stating, "IF we live to do God's will, we must always be ready to answer His call."

I only had 20 miles of cycling left, but was in desperate need of relief from the heat. When I came across this place:

Mangrove Mama's was in Sugarloaf Key and the hot and sour pork cup-of-soup, slice of Key Lime Pie and copious amounts of iced tea helped to reinvigorate me for the last stretch into Key West.

I couldn't help but notice this funky tole painted chair at my table with the message, "Nothing stays the same." There's a lot of truth to that message. Perhaps we could call that a 'wisdom seat.'

I definitely had to have a photo next to mile marker number 4, given my previous blog posts about "4:44".

In Key West I stopped at a gas station's variety store to use the washroom and buy some more fluids. When I came out there was a guy with his tool belt and mountain bike next to my bike. Eric had just gotten off work and we struck up a conversation about my trip. When I told him about my wanting to visit mile marker zero, he said, "Follow me, I'll take you right there and show you some other sights along the way." He said goodbye to his girlfriend and we were off.

Really! I couldn't believe this guys kindness.

I thought that it was pretty cool to see Ernest Hemingway's home... something poetic about his home being here given that Key West is the end point of my bicycle tour and I will be heading on to Texas to work with the publisher to finalize and publish the memoir of my 1986 bicycle tour.

I followed Eric through the Key West streets that he knew so well. We weaved in and out of traffic, scarcely slowing for lights and stop signs until he pulled up in front of an area with numerous bars and shops. "Pat, I'll hold your bike. Go up to that tree and read the small plaque." The tree in question was huge. I walked up to see the small brass plaque nailed into the trunk at eye level. The plaque read, "Ernest Hemingway pissed here." The plaque perfectly reflected the festival-like aura of Key West.

Mile marker zero.

Eric and I arrived at this popular marker - the Southernmost Point Marker. There was a crowd of at least 30 people standing in line waiting to have their photo taken next to the marker. Eric took over standing on the stone wall at road side and announced to the crowd, "Hey everybody, can I have you attention. This guy with the bike is Pat, he just got here after cycling all of the way from Canada." Everyone started to applaud and congratulate me. Eric continued, "do you mind if we butt in line for a quick photo." No one minded.

The marker states that Cuba is 90 miles south. In fact Cuba is 98 miles south. The marker also refers to Key West as the furthest point south in the continental USA, but in fact, because Key West is on an island, it is technically not even part of the continental USA. No matter, the marker was yet another fitting way to end the tour.

Eric and I at Duval House. Eric I can't thank you enough for your kindness.

Miami to Key Largo 60.2 miles (96.9 km)

I had to take another day off yesterday - this time because of chills and nausea. I slept for most of the day. When I woke, I walked the 1+ mile to the Miami Bike Shop Co., bought a new water bottle and picked up the spare tubes that I had inadvertently left there the day before. 

This morning I was on the bike at 7:00 am, feeling much better. Stopped for an ice tea break after 2.5 hours of riding in Naranja, Florida which is just north of Homestead. 

I was glad to be out of the morning traffic in Miami. There was a bike trail that I was on most of the way, but at every intersection I was on high alert because of the heavy traffic. People driving past me were putting on make-up or talking on cell phones or - yes, even making out - completely oblivious to pedestrians and bicyclists.

There were lots of homeless people too. Sad. Sleeping out in the open on a piece of cardboard surrounded by a few bags of possessions.

I've been pretty blessed in my life.

This is a McDonnell F-4D Phantom located along Highway 1 South entering Homestead, Florida. There is an US Air Force Air Reserve Base in Homestead.

I cycled further into Homestead along US1 South and saw another cyclist with loaded panniers, stopped near a bus shelter. Below is former USMC Gunnery Sargent James Steele. He was in the middle of his own healing journey...

The sign on the back of his bike says "Ride for Roy - USMC. Need Help." Gunnery Sargent Roy P. Wilson was part of the Warlords Unit of Operation Enduring Freedom. Roy was Jame's brother (different father). James proceeded to tell me that Roy had been literally cut in half by a 50 calibre round from friendly fire. Roy survived the devastating injury and came home with a colostomy bag and urine bag, his body missing below his umbilicus. James went on to explain that Roy's injury resulted in a divorce and estrangement from his children. Roy said that James had called him over to visit him on the day he died.

"Did you ever see that look in someone's eyes when they are near death. It's like they are there but not there. Roy said to me, 'let's go for one more ride." James and Roy went on long bicycle rides in their Austin hometown when they were younger, before the Corp. and war changed their lives forever.

"He died 9 months ago and I knew that I had to go on this ride in his memory. I rode from Austin to Mile 0 in Key West. Roy went on to his Mile 0. I got to the Mile 0 marker along this highway and put my hand on it for him."

"James, I'll be going to Key West and I'll touch the Mile 0 marker too, in honour of you and Roy."

The back of James shirt states, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

James clearly needed help. I asked him if I could buy him lunch. We walked our bikes to a nearby Ruby Tuesdays restaurant. As we waited for a table I asked James about his Marine Corp. service.
"I did some things that I'm ashamed of. I did them because I was ordered to. Follow orders or go to Levenworth. I gunned down men, women and children. I would go to their bodies and tell them how sorry I was and say a prayer asking their forgiveness and asking God to forgive me."

Once seated at the restaurant I asked James if he had any family. He told me that around the time he left the Marine Corp. his wife drove the car that he had given her as a gift into a large tree at 125 miles per hour killing herself and their two children, aged 10 and 12. Tears spilled from his eyes as he related the incident to me. "They never figured out if it was suicide or car trouble. There was no skid marks and no other cars involved."

He also told me that he was diabetic. I asked him if he was Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. He said he was a Type 1 Diabetic. I then asked him when he became diabetic. He said 4 years ago. Hmmm. Most diabetics are well versed on the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Most adult onset diabetes is Type 2. At 53 years old I doubt he became a Type 1 Diabetic 4 years ago.

I studied James blue eyes. Without my asking, he offered, "My eyes are like this, permanently red because of blast burns from firing that gun too many times."

To me his eyes looked like those of an alcoholic. Was anything that he told me true? If everything that this guy told me is true, he has seen his share of tragedy. If he was not telling me the truth, he had unloaded every whopper in his repertoire.

I asked him if I could say grace before we ate. James told me that he was a Southern Baptist. We spoke about Jesus unconditional love and forgiveness. He went on to recite John 3:16-17 verbatim to me, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Hm might be saved."

James went on to tell me about another biblical passage that meant a lot to him. He spoke of Jesus telling the men who wanted to stone the woman to death for her sin and asked those gathered, "Whoever is without sin, cast the first stone."

Before writing this blog tonight, I spent some time Googling his name and the name of his brother Roy. Nothing. This still doesn't mean that he filled me with lies though. A lot of Vets drop off the map and have nightmarish tales to relate of their service and of their lives after their service. Regardless I gave a guy in need a meal and handed him $25 as he supposedly trekked north along Highway 1 toward Highway 60 West and then back to Texas. Alcohol is cheap in Florida... I may have enabled an alcoholic to go on a good ol' bender.

I know the slow unfolding of my life to lead to this healing journey. I have no doubt about God's hand in it all.

If James is an alcoholic, maybe he is using the booze to numb his pain over something... maybe his healing journey is really about to start. He's in God's hands and can be graced by healing at any time.

Highway 1 through marshland between Homestead and Key Largo. Chain link fence was on either side of the divided highway, presumably to keep Crocs and Gators from wandering on the roadway.

I expected the sign to say Alligator Crossing, but apparently this area is known for the freshwater Florida Crocodiles (Crocodylus Acutus). The water west of the Keys is brackish, a mix of salt water and fresh water, and warm providing an ideal habitat for the Crocs. I was on the lookout for Crocs but didn't see any.

2 Flat tires, 3 NBA Championships in 10.6 miles (16.8 km) Miami Beach to Miami

There's those numbers again! "4441 entrance" is to the opulent hotel Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Avenue (A1A), Miami Beach. I have fond memories of being at this hotel for a couple Parker Chiropractic Conferences with Stacey and Sean when Sean was just an infant in November of 1997 and again in November of 1998.

It was at one of those Parker Conferences in Miami that my mentor, the now late Dr. Frank Dunn, introduced me to Total Body Modification (TBM) Technique which helped me with deal with my own protracted case of mononucleosis. TBM uses muscle testing and reflex points on the body to detect subluxations as well as organs and systems under stress. Dr. Dunn's work with me helped me immensely and in 1998 I began taking modules in TBM. I'll always be grateful for Dr. Frank Dunn's mentorship.

Miami, Florida in the distance. The photo was taken from the MacAurthur Causeway between Miami Beach and Miami. Cycling on A1A and the causeway was extremely tense. All morning I was second guessing leaving Miami Beach and attempting to ride to my day's goal of Key Largo. It was as if I had an inner knowing that I should slow down today. It was strange... even the traffic felt different. Cars and trucks tore past me with what I can only describe as an energy of disdain. It was for this reason that I cycled along the causeway's pedestrian path.

Then the path ended. A bicycle lane appeared. Within a few hundred meters I felt the squish of a rear tire flat. I dismounted and started to walk the bike along the causeway. The bike lane disappeared as soon as it appeared and I was walking my bike along the busy road. I kept walking until the causeway led me to Watson Island. Okay God, I get it, slow down. Look for something good in this...

Beautiful flowers were growing along that stretch of causeway. I was standing on the road when I took this photo. Road - guard rail - weedy grass - rusty fence and these flowers.

By the time I had reached the off ramp to Watson Island, I noticed that my front tire was also now flat. In all of the thousands of miles that I've cycled in my life, I don't ever recall having two flat tires at the same time. Watson Island had a public boat launch area, complete with washrooms and a nearly empty parking lot.

I walked toward a guy sitting on the curb. He was waiting for his buddies to help him with the boat and trailer that was in the parking lot. The boat had significant water damage and they were planning to pull it somewhere for cleaning and repair.

"Hey man, how you doing?"
"Okay."
"Can you believe it? I was just crossing the causeway and I had 2 flats!"
"Where you coming from and going to?"
I told him about my trip. He was a bit incredulous and responded with, "That's crazy. And you want to go to Key West? That's crazy."
I smiled at him and held out my hand. "My name's Pat."
"I'm Daniel."
We started to visit while I began the chore of unpacking the bike and removing both wheels.
Daniel, speaking with a heavy Cuban accent, proceeded to tell me that he had escaped Cuba on a 3-day raft odyssey 17 years ago.
"You escaped on a raft across the ocean? Man, now that's crazy!"
The reality of both our trips is that neither one was or is 'crazy'. His trip was absolutely necessary for him to escaped living in a country with little socioeconomic benefits. My trip is out of the necessity of being a healing journey.

Daniel's two friends, Pablo and Orlando showed up as we were visiting. Pablo was a cyclist and visited with me as I tore down one of the tires. He also directed me to a bicycle shop along Biscayne Avenue in Miami, just a short distance from the causeway.

Left to Right: Orlando, Daniel, Pablo next to the boat, "Helen". The 3 of us shook hands. Pablo asked to have his picture taken with me. We parted with a mutual "God Bless."

This is David, head mechanic of the Miami Bike Shop Co. working on my bike. David and I talked about how we both like to tour solo. "It's my prayer and meditation time," I said.
"Yeah, it just clears your head," he said.
I told him about the church signs that I'd been photographing on route. He took one of my cards to check out my blog. Their shop was obviously busy and once again I was deeply thankful for having my bike issue being put at the front of the line... Thank you David.

The Miami Bike Shop Co. entrance, 1800 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida.
www.miamibikeshop.co

Once David had completed work on my bike, (two new tires, cleaning the chain and adjusting the gears), I visited with Karim at the checkout. He looked at the card I handed him with my blog address and email and said, "Chiropractor. I was really helped by a chiropractor. His name was Dr. John Demartini."
"I know Demartini."

Demartini takes people through the 'Collapse Process' to help them balance their emotions. I had first heard Demartini speak at Parker Chiropractic Conferences and then attended one of his weekend seminars in Halifax. Early on I noted that his message was part and parcel to a lot of New Age rhetoric. As a guy who grew up in the Roman Catholic faith and now attends a Baptist Church, I had difficulty with some of what Demartini taught, in particular, his notion of 'Christ Consciousness'. Christ for me is a real person, a risen Saviour. I have a lot less trouble with the notion of 'Christ Consciousness' now though. 'Christ Consciousness' is not meant to exclude a personal relationship with Christ as a Risen Savior. Christ asks us to emulate Him through our words and deeds. Unfortunately, the majority of criticism regarding 'Christ Consciousness' comes from church leaders who want to dictate how, when, and where we commune with our Savior. As such, notions of 'Christ Consciousness' are labelled a blaspheme. People need to relax and realize that there is spiritual truth everywhere. Christ loves us unconditionally and wants us to partake in His unconditional love... His Consciousness.

Karim and I shared our respective healing journeys.
"You know nothing happens by accident. I believe that you were meant to come in here today."
We shook hands and I walked out. Unfortunately, I left the shop without the spare tube that I had just purchased.

American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Ave, Miami, Florida. Home to the NBA Champion Miami Heat. These photos are for my son Sean. Love you buddy.

Highland Beach to Miami Beach 51.8 miles (83.4 km)

The draw bridge was up to let boats pass through the inlet to Lake Boca Raton along Highway A1A (South Ocean Blvd).

If you've followed this blog, you recall me writing about Chuck, the guy I met at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Chuck had given me a cigar to carry with me and to stop and smoke at the Hollywood Beach Bandstand, Hollywood Beach, Florida... 

Here's the slightly squished Black and Mild Cigar that I've carried in my front handle bar pack since Virginia Beach...

I pulled up to the bandstand at Hollywood Beach and asked the family next to me to take my photo. Matt, his wife (I did not get her name) and their 4 young kids live in the area. Matt owns a cleaning company that he started about ten years ago. Pretty gutsy starting a business and keeping it successful through the recession that the US has been through. I told Matt a bit about my bike tour. His wife snapped a few shots of me at the bandstand.

Chuck, thank you. I hadn't smoked a cigar since being on the fishing trip at the end of May with my Dad and brothers. Cigar smoking and bicycling are somewhat mutually exclusive, but that squished Black and Mild had a great taste.

By the way, the Black and Mild Cigar that Chuck gave me is not the cigar that I've been carrying for the entire trip. In my front handle bar bag is the cigar, wrapped in a cedar shaving and inside a metal tube. I'm saving that cigar for the beach on Key West.

Just a bit south along the Hollywood beach Boardwalk I spotted the Yogurt-Ur-Way-Cafe. It was time for lunch and time to get out of the hot sun. I had a great healthy smoothie and a tasty chicken spinach wrap. Above is a photo of Barry. Barry's daughter Jamie and her husband Art Metrano are the owners of the cafe. Barry asked me about my trip and then invited me to "take a rest."

After I had eaten, Barry came over to see how I was doing - nice man. I handed him one of my cards so that he could look into the blog. As it turns out Barry's son-in-law Art Metrano is an actor. He was in the Police Academy 2 comedy movie which starred Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, David Graf and Michel Winslow. Art Metrano played Captain Mauser in the film. 

Photograph, with my reflection in the glass, of the uniform that Art wore in the comedy movie Police Academy 2.

Barry handed me a photo of Art. I studied Art's face, recognized him and realized that he's been in a number of films both big screen and television.

Highway A1A into Miami Beach was busy. Sometimes there was a bike lane and other times there was none, but there were several signs permitting bikes to use the entire lane... This didn't stop most cars from passing within inches of me. I was glad to get off the road after 51+ miles.

A Walk from Highland Beach to Delray Beach (2.5 miles)

After a leisurely breakfast I crawled back in bed and slept for another 3 hours. My body was still in major recovery mode and needed another day off the bike. Upon waking I decided to start walking toward the Delray Plaza Shopping Center. I chose to walk here because the plaza had 3 of my favourite things - a chiropractic office, a bicycle shop and a coffee shop.

On my way I stopped at two other chiropractic offices. The doors were locked on the first one. I visited briefly with the receptionist of the second office, but I was warmly welcomed when I arrived at the chiropractic clinic located at the Delray Plaza Shopping Center.

Dr. Matthew Supran, Chiropractor. He arranged for me to have a massage with Margaret who works at his clinic. I noticed an Eastern European accent in Margaret and she confirmed that Poland was her birthplace. Before immigrating to the US, Margaret's training in Poland included a dual program in Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy. Her deep tissue work to my quads, hamstring and calves was definitely needed based upon the number of sore spots that she worked out (thanks Margaret!). After the massage, Dr. Supran, a Palmer West College of Chiropractic grad, gave me great adjustments that helped counter the cycling posture I've subjected my body to on the tour. Thanks Matthew!

Information about Dr. Supran's office can be found at www.drsupran.com

The Bicycle Lab was 2 doors down from Dr. Supran's office. I purchased some energy and recovery bars, which I hope will help me out during a big mileage day.

I had an affinity to the name of the coffee shop, because Dad had nicknamed my youngest sister Sarah, Gizzie when she was little. The nickname stuck and Sarah answers to Gizzie quite often.

Gizzi, of Gizzi's Coffee. He made me a fresh iced tea and a turkey-tomatoe-provolone grilled panini. His coffee shop was comfortable and inviting. I was telling Gizzi about my bicycle tour when a customer came in and joined our conversation. Jan explained that she and her husband were planning on cycling the Keys. She went on to explain that Florida has been adding bicycle lanes and there's areas to stop and view wildlife.

From Gizzi's I backtracked walking toward The Plaza at Delray. I ate dinner at SushiMasa and Thai Cuisine. Looking at the menu, I noticed they had added a proverb, "Life isn't as easy as it seems, but it's not as difficult as we think. Enjoy life." Nice. I enjoyed spicy salmon rolls and a chicken teriyaki dinner with a hot green tea.

I asked the waitress if she could call me a cab because the sky had darkened, rain started splatting and thunder rumbled in the distance - all remnants of Tropical Storm Dorian. After being on hold for several minutes, it was decided that Matt the young delivery guy for the SushiMasa would drive me back to the hotel. Matt took a long drag on one of those electronic cigarettes. I watched vapour escape the fake cigarette and his mouth as if he had just dragged hard on a real one.

"Is that one of those cigarette substitutes?"

"Yeah."

"Is it working for you?"

"I just started using it today and I haven't smoked or even wanted to smoke yet."

"Great man, I hope you don't."

"I only started smoking about three months ago and I want to get off them. I already notice how bad they smell now that I've been using this. I don't want to keep smoking and see my health ruined."

I asked him if he was in school. Matt told me that he's hoping to obtain his scuba license and gain work teaching scuba and taking people out on scuba tours... Another good reason to not be smoking. I mentioned to Matt that if he got his welding ticket and extra training he could get some pretty high paying work as an underwater welder.

Thanks again for the ride Matt... and stay away from those damn cigarettes.

Stuart to Highland Beach, Florida 61 miles (98 km)

In Jupiter, Florida Hwy 1 and Hwy A1A passed over the Loxahatchee River which opens into Jupiter Inlet. Just passed the bridge I spotted the sign to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market. The first Bubba Gump restaurant opened on Cannery Row in Monterey, California in 1996 and now there's restaurants throughout the US and in other countries like Mexico, Malaysia, China, Bali and Japan. It was 1994 when the drama-romantic-comedy movie Forest Gump hit theatres the same year when I moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia and commenced my chiropractic practice. 

Highway A1A along Jupiter Beach had a generous shoulder most of the way. There were several people out running and cycling. I waved a hello to most of them but the vast majority either didn't see me or were in there own world of oblivious effort. The few individuals who did wave back did so with big smiles that reflected the idyllic surroundings.

I was close to where A1A leaves Jupiter Beach and joins Highway 1 when a cyclist came up beside me. He gave me and my loaded bike a long glance.

"Are you just starting out or have you been on a long trip?"
"Hey there man! I've been on the road awhile. I started in Brantford, Ontario and I'm on my way to Key West."
"Wow. That's great."
Bob was retired and living in the area. We rode side by side, chatting. He told me that when he was younger, he cycled competitively. I was thankful for his company and the fact that he matched a comfortable speed for me.

Bob, leaning against his bike at the sidewalk in front of the Shoppes of Oakbrook Plaza and my anticipated rest at Starbucks. Thanks for your company Bob!

I rested for a long time at the Starbucks and rehydrated with 2 Venti Green Tea Iced Teas and 2 Venti Ice waters. When I looked at this photo of myself, I noticed the weight that I've lost since the start of the bicycle tour. Yesterday I got on a scale that was in the entrance of the Publix Grocery Store in Stuart Beach. I'm down just over 20 lbs. The other thing that I've noticed is how slow it seems for my body to gain muscle mass... All a part of aging, I've concluded.

Back on Highway A1A through West Palm Beach I passed big, ornate mansions with well manicured grass, hedges and gardens. I noticed several of these mirrors placed to allow people to exit their driveways safely. There was no shoulder or bike lane through much of this section of A1A, but people driving past me were patient to wait for a safe time to pass.

I cycled past beautiful homes, resorts, golf clubs and marinas. The heat was once again taking a toll and I was surprised by the lack of variety stores or shopping plazas. I had plenty of water with me and I constantly drank, but I couldn't seem to quench my thirst. Finally, in Manalapan, just south of South Palm Beach, like a desert oasis, I coasted into a Plaza Del Mar that had a shop called "Ice Cream and Yogurt Club." I sat in the shade drinking water and a large mango-peach fruit smoothie that helped me to recover.

I visited with Elize, a nice lady who had recently moved from New York City to the area to teach. The heat of the day stopped her from enjoying the beach and seeking shelter at the same Ice Cream spot. Elize seemed to be relishing what looked like a cup of mint chocolate swirl ice cream - one of my favourites. She told me that the school was in a difficult neighbourhood with 90% of the kids on school lunch programs. We spoke of the importance of getting the kids to learn to read at a young age. The difficulty with her class of kids is that for most of them Spanish is their first language at home and there is usually little parental support for them to learn to read english.