A Ray of Sunshine
We’ve been friends since the moment we connected on a beach somewhere between Galilee and Jerusalem the summer of 2021. His name is Ray. Smart. Tall. Dark. Handsome. Single again.
When I told him about my dream to ride in 50 states, he encouraged me to go where my heart led me. “Follow your dreams,” he said. Being from Connecticut, he was familiar with Galilee and Jerusalem, Rhode Island. He gave me directions to a lighthouse and suggestions on where to camp in my motorhome.
Since I started writing FINDING JOY, my memoir about riding my bike in every state, which includes the people I meet, the places I visit, and the challenges I overcome as I travel in my RV, he has supported me 100%. He supports me by reading my blogs and the articles I have written for Calhoun Magazine and posting comments on my Facebook page. He will be in book II where I will write about my adventures on the east coast.
Ray texted, called, and emailed regularly for 2 ½ years. This past fall he invited me to come visit him in the sunshine state, where he often winters.
When January rolled around, Ray and I talked more seriously about making such a visit happen. He measured his driveway. I sent him all manner of measurements of my motor home. When it was clear the driveway wasn’t going to work, we talked about a nearby $6.00 a night parking spot, and then state parks within 30 miles. No dice on the parking lot and no vacancies at the state parks. We kept at it—discussing options every few days until finally I secured a site for an entire month in his same complex.
After a week of driving, visiting friends, Tim, Debbie, Amy and Glenn, on the gulf side of the state, and a night in the Everglades, I arrived in Long Key on March 1st. Ray met me at the gate to the complex and escorted me to my site via a golf cart as though he were the owner of a KOA. Within the hour, Ray drove his daughter and me to dinner at an outdoor bar and grill with live music. He picked up the check.
On Saturday, Ray gave me the royal tour of the resort, complete with a visit to the gym, the pool, and the library. Because I could not get a Wi-Fi connection at my site or the library, Ray invited me to his place so I could send a few emails. While distracted by emails, I heard Ray talking to his television. “ESPN. ESPN 2. Women’s basketball.” When I looked up, he and his daughter were watching a women’s U Conn basketball game. I discovered he keeps up with college and pro ball, especially the women. And by “keeps up with” I mean he goes to games, and he knows the players, their stats, rankings, schedules . . . everything.
Sunday, he took us to Key Colony Beach Days (a festival with live music, food and 60 vendors). We watched more women’s basketball Sunday night before discussing our plans for the week/month. He said he wants me to have time to write and ride my bike. Monday I would ride and join him and his daughter at the pool before the men’s basketball games start on TV. Tuesday: poker plus an RV repair appointment and shopping. Wednesday: a Corn Hole tournament. Thursday: The No Name Pub plus deer and alligator hunting. Friday: Sombrero Beach. Saturday: another festival, Sunday . . .
Then before another daughter comes to celebrate his birthday on March 27th with a boat tour and train ride in Key West, we have to fit in golf, fishing, a nautical flea market, a seafood festival, an alligator hunt, a sea turtle hospital and a dolphin research center, a visit to No Name Key, the Butterfly Building in Key West, a movie, the Hemingway House, a boat ride to Dry Tortugas National Park, a play at the Marathon Community Theater, and as many days at the beach and pool as we can fit in. On top of this, I am supposed to write and ride my bike six days a week? This man is going to wear me out! Next year, he plans to go skydiving for his birthday . . . his 95th.
I think I’m going to be busy that day.
March 8, 2024 @ 1:13 pm
Such a fun story, Joy! Ray sounds amazing!
March 8, 2024 @ 8:24 pm
Thanks, Nancy! Yes. He is one amazing man. He’s been driving me all over the Keys. He’s quite the tour guide. I’m blessed to have him as a friend.
March 8, 2024 @ 1:37 pm
❤
March 8, 2024 @ 8:24 pm
Thanks, Janice.
March 8, 2024 @ 4:58 pm
Ray is quite the guy!!! The best gift we can give ourselves is our health and it sounds like Ray has done just that!
At first I thought you were reminiscing about a visit to the Middle East…you had me thinking “wow! How cool is that! Joy never mentioned this trip before!”
Good luck keeping up on your next visit! Great story!
March 8, 2024 @ 8:28 pm
Yes. He is quite the guy indeed. I thought it was pretty cool to visit Galilee and Jerusalem without having to book a flight. Ha! I discovered there are something like 7 Jerusalem’s in the states.
Next visit??? I don’t know if I’m going to survive this one yet. I still have 3 months of itinerary to pack into 3 weeks.
Love your comments. Thank you, Cheryl.
March 14, 2024 @ 7:59 pm
Wow!! You are having the time of your life! Sounds like so much fun! Ray sounds wonderful! Thanks for all the updates! It feels like I’m there with you lol I will keep you in my prayers for safe travels!! Love ya!! Keep having fun!!!
March 14, 2024 @ 8:34 pm
Thank you, Cathy. I certainly am living the life. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support. Thanks for the prayers.
March 11, 2024 @ 11:10 pm
I have to say, Joy, you really had me going on this story with all kinds of thoughts!! Glad you are having such a fun time!!
March 12, 2024 @ 5:28 pm
Thanks for reading. Thanks for your support. Thanks for commenting. Yes. I’m having a great time. Ray is one amazing man. He’s driving me all over the Keys. I wouldn’t be able to see everything if it weren’t for him. Most places are too far for me to bike and parking lots are too small for my motor home. Hope all is well with you and your family.
March 13, 2024 @ 1:43 am
Great Adventurer Ray. This is another fun story Joy.
March 13, 2024 @ 9:43 pm
Thanks, Tony.
March 13, 2024 @ 5:03 pm
I believe your tour guide friend is enjoying planning your days while there. He sure has been taking you to some beautiful places. He is Blessed to have you as a friend, and still be so active at his age. You are Blessed to have him as a friend. Enjoy every day!
March 13, 2024 @ 9:45 pm
I certainly feel blessed to have Ray as my friend. And yes, I certainly hope I am as active and energetic as Ray if I make it to 94. Thanks for commenting, Mattie. Hope you are staying active yourself.
March 16, 2024 @ 8:40 pm
That ending was the best!! A twist I did not see coming! I sure do love your stories.snd thank goodness for wonderful people like Ray who fill this world with so much energy and happiness
March 17, 2024 @ 9:29 pm
Thanks, Donna. Yes. I do thank God for the wonderful people like Ray. I am surrounded by wonderful people here in the Keys. I understand why Ray keeps coming back to this same place. The people here are so welcoming.
March 23, 2024 @ 5:10 pm
Joy, Raelene & her son came to watch the basketball game, so while he was here, he set me back up with you on FB, so I a got to read your story on life in The Keys! It was wonderful.
I know you will enjoy your day in Key West, a fun place to visit. Have fun the rest of your time in Florida.
March 23, 2024 @ 6:09 pm
Awe, thanks Fran. Happy your team won. Yes, I’m looking forward to being with Ray for his birthday in Key West. Thanks for your support. I’m really enjoying the Keys, despite the horrific storms we’ve had over the past 24 hours. The skies are blue again like nothing ever happened.
April 9, 2024 @ 10:18 am
So glad you got to visit Ray! Sounds like he is a wonderful friend, and I’m sure you made his birthday a special one. Also sounds like you had a “local” show you around. There’s no better way to see these places on your map than with a friend, and someone who knows the best places to experience it.
Keep enJoying the views!
April 9, 2024 @ 2:14 pm
Yes, Sherry, Ray is like a local. He knows his way around and knows how to show a girl a good time. Nothing like having my own tour guide. He is the best!