The next leg of our summer journey takes us further south. The route is chosen, the camper is packed, and all that’s left to do is say goodbye and wipe the sweat from our brows. The summer heat stayed on our minds leaving no room for continued daydreaming about the pelican.
Where The Pelican Rested
Before our Florida cottage became Daybook Cottage and Norma and Dolly owned her pink charm, a concrete pelican rested on the stacked limestone column by the mailbox. It rested there as if to welcome you down the brick walkway and in for a quiet summer respite. It was precariously placed on the wonky stone and from the pictures we’ve been able to dig up, the pelican was lucky to be standing for as long as he did. Only one problem, the pelican has gone missing.
Missing Pelican
It is possible that it broke during the many moves and storms, but also possible that it was given away or taken during the years of neglect. I am not here to solve any mysteries, but I do take notice of the pelican resting at the neighbor’s door as I pedal my Huffy down Riverside Drive. Either way, the pelican added a whimsical touch to the cottage, and from day one I was determined to return the pelican (or a close likeness) to its rightful place.
Not So Easy
Little did I know the pelican would be one of the final pieces to our year-long project. It seems that concrete pelicans are not as easy to find as my mind told me they would be. Thinking back, I recall seeing them on docks, in antique stores, for sale under roadside tents, and in yard sales as far away as Texas. But like many things, as soon as I begin my search, the seemingly easy task becomes a challenge, and I am ready for it.
Quick Detours
Garden centers and estate sales have become my frequent, undisputable stops. Regardless of what I start out looking for, the pelican search takes the front seat. I have found it interesting how my mind and eyes have wandered off the road checking for concrete statuary. The brakes on John’s truck have been put to the test and his reflexes must be sharper than ever before. There isn’t an interstate we have traveled that hasn’t experienced one of our quick detours. I only need the slightest hint that there may be a garden center, estate sale, or any inkling that a concrete pelican may be available to send us off course.
Backroads and Side Streets
Today, we left Yankeetown and headed south toward Tampa and St. Petersburg. We would be camping at Fort De Soto Park and antiquing all over this part of Florida. Our Sun Pass was posted, and we were ready to “discuss” the tolls as we made our way to the campground. Oh, but wait a minute, at the sound of a ding another plan was handed to us by our travel director, Waze! We would not be taking the toll road after all. The better route will be the side roads. I did not complain one bit. I love taking the backroads, side streets, and the path less traveled. There is always curiosity in these places.
After a stop for gas in Crystal River and a hot cup of coffee in Homosassa, we bypassed the access point for the toll roads. Highway 98 through Brooksville would carry us south. Midway down 98, Ponce De Leon Boulevard, rural America set in hard. We passed corner tire shops overflowing with parked cars, fruit stands boarded up and leaning hard, and auto repair shops on repeat.
The Parking Lot
The funny thing is (or not so funny) John’s truck seemed to be struggling and he wanted to find a shop where someone could look under the hood. Since he was hyper-focused on reading all the shop signs, he quickly spotted Jimmy’s Warehouse Furniture Store. Forget the furniture. It was the concrete statuary that lined the entire parking lot that caused us to hit the brakes, turn this truck around, and park in the turning lane. I hopped out while John manned the truck and camper with flashers from bumper to bumper. I headed across the two-lane convinced this was my lucky day.
There they sat. Frogs, soldiers, toadstools, saints, and finally birds of the sea. I spotted pelicans of many sizes and even a few that were crudely painted. The search now turned toward the person who might offer a price. Ready to settle for a pelican a little bigger than desired, I waved John in. He shook his head and I agreed. It was obnoxiously big and would never balance on our wonky stone post. Into the truck I go hoping I didn’t soon regret my decision to walk away.
The Pelican
Thankfully, we were towing the camper and were forced to circle the back of the building to exit. There behind the sliding chain-linked fence sat a pallet of pelicans that were just my size. After a quick run inside and payment made, I grabbed the long-lost pelican, wrapped it in a moving blanket, and tucked him away to endure the journey.
Change Brings Closure
Just when my focus turned to morning coffee, toll roads, and vacation I found what I had been searching for. Back roads, detours, and changes in plans never fail to bring us joy and often closure to a search we may or may not know we’re on.
We have the finishing touch for our long-time venture. The pelican has been found and will be added when we visit the cottage again. Until then, we will all have to wait for a picture… so I guess this isn’t the end after all. The pelican will travel many parts of Florida with us and even stay in our hometown for a bit before landing on his final perch. Stay tuned, take a few back roads, and as always….
Stay Curious,
