Warm Showers II

I was amazed by the trust shown by the Warm Showers hosts and thought it could not be surpassed, until this happened:

On the road to Madison, FL, in a steady rain, two very cold and wet tandem riders were passed by a car on US 90. The car stopped by the side of the road and waited for us to catch up. Out of the car popped a statuesque woman with fiery red hair, red lipstick, red toenails. I have to admit that my first thought was, what does this woman want with us? Is she in some kind of trouble? Instead she asked, "Do you have accommodations in Madison?"

Originally from New Zealand, and after a successful career buying and selling real estate in south Florida, she relocated to Madison and purchased a church and manse two blocks from the main drag. After investing a bundle to rehab the buildings, install a professional kitchen, and 19th century furnishings, she opened a B & B, and wedding chapel with reception hall. Love birds from throughout the south flocked to her door to have their nuptials performed in the old town. When she wasn't catering weddings she also provided lodging for bicyclists riding on the Southern Tier bike route between Gainesville and Tallahassee.

Unfortunately, the economic downturn put a hold on expensive destination weddings, and fewer travelers have the inclination to wander the back roads looking for unexpected treasure. We entered the B & B through the reception hall that was packed from corner to corner with old furniture in various states of refurbishment. The tables were piled with china, glasses, silver and other vestiges of the catering business that is no more. Her three cats now call it home.

She said she assumed we were stopping in Madison due to the weather and that the hotels are out by the interstate, another six miles from the town center. She missed talking to the bicycle travelers who she said always have interesting stories. We were cold, wet, tired and never considered not saying yes. How could we say no to a hot shower, a chance to do laundry, a wonderful fish dinner with white wine, and a bedroom with rich furnishings? Beyond that, was the interesting conversation.

The next chapter of her life will include selling the property and moving back to south Florida to start a new business. Jana and I are also turning a page of our lives. Maybe our paths will cross again some day.