Florida, after 24 hours
I’ve had a few observations during my first 24 hrs in Florida that I’d like to share.
The average age of a Floridian is 72 (but we all already knew that). What’s more interesting is that for those under 72, it’s mandatory to wear a tank top and ride a motorcycle. It might be true that most of those tank-top wearin’ moto-drivin’ people might be from other parts of the country, or other parts of the state, but there is definitely a much higher concentration of them than anywhere else I’ve been outside of Sturgis, SD.
The ocean is undeniably magical and mesmerizing. I’m going to have to practice my sand saves on the beach to get my full allotment of time near the ocean.
Everybody drives fast, but the only place I can see to go is a strip mall anchored by a Publix supermarket, which are literally on every corner. If you’re in the mood for fast food, Florida’s got you covered, too.
Nothing is conveniently nearby or walkable/bikeable. If you want to go to a golf course, it’s a 30 minute drive, then to get to the gym it’s a 30 minute drive and then for lunch it’s a 30 minute drive…
The weather is great. Hands down. I actually saw the sun today, and it kind of burned my gollum-esque retinas as well as my pasty winter Portland skin. It felt wonderful.
The golfing, from my first 24 hrs of experience, is on the overpriced side for the quality of the greens/courses. I’m assuming Bermuda grass is harder to keep up because it doesn’t freeze here, but the greens seem to be torn up. Even the two private courses I checked out were shoddy compared to the greens on the municipals back in Oregon. I don’t want to be too harsh, though, because I just got here and once I get a groove going I’m sure I’ll find some great little places to practice.
Below is a pic of the city park/golf course in St Petersburg. The flora is nothing like that in Oregon and it sounded as if playing in a swamp. Changing your scenery is supposed to be good for the learning process, so this should be a great learning period!
All in all, I’m glad to be here in Florida. It’s going to allow me to train without the burden of winter weather for a few weeks, as well as give me a chance to experience some new types of grasses and courses.