Date: December 25 2000
Trail Day: 208
Miles Today: 19
Location: Blue Mountain Shelter
Section Mile: APT 86
ECT Mile: 3114
For the first part of the day the trail followed little streams. Then it
climbed onto the Cheaha mountain and ran the ridges. Saw 2 hunters today. They
were trying to chase a deer and were somewhat lost. I continued on, realized I
was off the trail, came back and saw where the trail did a sharp turn that I
had missed. Didn't know which way to go. Took one and walked for about 0.75
miles before realizing I was on the wrong direction. Turned back.
There were some nice small water falls. There was some ice near one. Took some
shots. Once the trail started climbing there were numerous blow downs. The
climb went very slowly. I was planning on going past the shelter but could
not. This is the last shelter for me. The Florida Trail has none. Took a shot
of the shelter.
Looks like there is no water for the remaining 28 miles of the APT. I have one
water bottle full which won't last me the whole length. If I dont find some
water on the way I will be thirsty.
Date: December 26 2000
Trail Day: 209
Miles Today: 20
Location: Clairmont Gap
Section Mile: APT 106
ECT Mile: 3134
Last night was fairly warm - above freezing. My water bottles had no ice in
them. This is the first time thats happening in about 10 days. Completed the
rest of the climb upto the ridge. It became surprisingly rocky and stony. That
along with all the leaves made for very slippery hiking. The Leki poles sure
came in handy.
I was also able to find water from some small stream, so there was no problem.
Once again its fairly clear that the mountains have ended to the west and the
east.
The day somehow just flew by. The terrain was fairly difficult. There are
almost no flat areas. So its up and down all the time, though almost never
very steep. Got some very good views.
Also completed all climbs above 2000 ft today. There is still some ice above
that elevation and the wind is strong and cold. Also found that I have some
milage problems in this journal. I shold be showing about 125 instead of 106.
I will have to resolve that once the hike is complete.
Date: December 27 2000
Trail Day: 210
Miles Today: 29
Location: Abandoned Barnyard
Section Mile: FAR 20
ECT Mile: 3163
It rained a little last night but by morning everything was dry. I can now see
city lights almost everywhere at night. The mountains sure are ending.
The trail was quite rocky in the beginning but the last 4 miles or so were
very good. Completed the APT. Took some shots at the trail head. Continued
walking on SR 77 and onto CR 7. It started raining and I got thoroughly wet.
It was getting late and I decided to go to Goodwater for the night. It was
another 9 miles. but along the way I saw an abandoned barnhouse and decided to
stop there.
Later at night I could visualize things in vivid detail and color. I have
never been able to do that.
Date: December 28 2000
Trail Day: 211
Miles Today: 25
Location: Motel 8, Alexander City
Section Mile: FAR 45
ECT Mile: 3188
I was expecting the temperature to drop sharly overnight but it did not. The
clouds stayed on and held the heat. I got into my wet clothes. It wasn't that
bad. Walked to Goodwater. They told me there were no motels in Goodwater. The
nearest ones were in Alexander City or Syllacauge. Syllacauge is in the
opposite directoin so I decided to go to Alexander City which is only slightly
out of the way. It was a good thing that I did not hike to Alexander city last
night as there were no motels.
Decided to walk along the CSX rail road to Rte 280 and then into Alexander
City. Saw 1 train go by. I like walking on railway lines for some reason.
By the time I got to Alexander City, I was cold and miserable. I could not
even fill out my Registration card. My hands were so stiff and swollen. I am
now glad to be in a heated room.
Date: December 29 2000
Trail Day: 212
Miles Today: 0
Location: Motel 8, Alexander City
Section Mile: FAR 45
ECT Mile: 3188
A 0 day. Slept most of the time.
Date: December 30 2000
Trail Day: 213
Miles Today: 23
Location: SR 63, CR 80 junction
Section Mile: FAR 68
ECT Mile: 3211
It was a bright clear day. My route was mostly SR 63. It went through Lake
Masteri. Its a huge beautiful lake. The water is bluish green - almost like the
sea in Florida. Saw numerous hunters in trucks driving by. Many of the drivers
wave at me as they drive by.
Also saw an armadillo 4 ft from me. They are funny looking creatures. There
are tons of them in Florida.
Slept about 200 ft from the road in a patch of trees.
Date: December 31 2000
Trail Day: 214
Miles Today: 35
Location: Days Inn, Montgomery
Section Mile: FAR 103
ECT Mile: 3246
A personal record today - 35 miles. Was quite worn out when I got to Montgomery. Also saw
the first Cypress trees in the hike. I thought they grow only in South
Florida. I have now seen Armadillos, Cypress trees and flat terrain, all
things I have seen in Florida. The only thing missing is the warm weather.
Got up to partially frozen water bottles. I was woken up by some people
shouting. There was a fire in one of the homes.
Had lunch in Wetumpka. People are very friendly and wave to me from cars. A
police officer stopped me to talk and make sure things were OK.
Most of the shops are closed because of Sunday and New Years eve. Got a very
good room at the Days Inn.
