Tampa flatter than Ohio!...flatter than flat??!!

Last Thursday, flew down to Orlando and drove to Tampa to look at houses. Man, is FL flat. I didn't think any place could be flatter than Ohio! I hope I am not making a mistake by moving to Florida. Plan to rent a house until I figure out the lay of the land. Looked at many houses and apartments all the way from the western suburbs of Tampa to the eastern suburbs. Liked houses along Bayshore Blvd but sadly they were out of my price range. For the moment Riverview works and that's where the rental house is. It is stark suburbia...but oh well for the time being!!

I expected to find a lot more people outside doing some kind of recreational activity but there really weren't too many people out. I guess it must have been the heat. It took me some time to get used to the WHOOSH! of hot and humid air every time I stepped outside. Hopefully things liven up when the weather gets better or hopefully in the evenings. I will be on a bunch of boards and mailing lists to get to know people with similar interests. The other thing I am worried about is whether I will get to do any cycling (road). The people drive like nuts and I did not see any areas like the Cleveland Metroparks (sob!). Plus the landscape is so flat that I am not sure it is going to be enjoying and exciting. I was planning to keep up cycling so that I am ready for the Lake Tahoe Century Ride next June...but I need hills to train.

More later...