On day 29 I left Patrick's house with the promise of visiting him again once he gets settled back in Ohio. I completely understand why someone would want to return back home after completion of a job or in our case, our military career. I don't share that same internal pull. I love going home to Texas, and will call it home, but I don't have a strong desire to set down roots there than anywhere else in the world. After I get home, I will be creating lists of possible relocation spots, but for now, I like where I am at and my current living situation.
I headed south through Charleston, SC, through a few back roads before I stopped for the storm that popped up around Savannah, GA. The rest of the ride was only slightly damp and I made it to Jacksonville safely. I caught up with Chaplain Amy's family for a bit before heading back into downtown Jacksonville for the Jumbo Shrimp game.
Going to this game completed a goal I set 3 years ago. I have always enjoyed baseball and went to many Rangers games as a kid. However the move to Florida 4 years ago put me near the minor league team known as the Blue Wahoos. after going to a few games there the first year, I figured out that the league they played in had 10 teams with the furthest being only a days drive away. My goal was to see all 10 teams play at their home park. Seeing Jacksonville put me at visiting 11 teams at home. The Huntsville Stars moved to Biloxi and became the Shuckers after the first year, but I saw them both at their home.
The game ended up getting rained out but the ticket was free for military appreciation night and I saw about half the game, so I am happy.
I decided that I am going to stick around today and visit Chaplain Amy when she gets home from her job in Georgia. Tomorrow I will head back home and end this trip. I will compile my pictures and memories and come up with places I want to go back to and start planning a way to connect with friends I missed on the trip. I will also start planning routes for new trips. Alaska, the Mississippi River, and a Florida loop are already being thought about. Europe is a possibility, but the logistics will need to be thought about.