Date: February 13 2001
Trail Day: 258
Miles Today: 18
Location: In Holton Creek, WMA
Section Mile: FNST 443
ECT Mile: 3904
Forgot to write about a squirrel that burried a nut with me looking less
than 6 ft away. It was interesting to watch it. It was comfortable when
it was near me but as it slowly moved away from me it became afraid and ran.
Saw a flock of 20 or so turkeys run and fly away as I approached. They can be very noisy when they scamper.
Found 2 oranges and a power bar near US 90. Must be left by Nomad and friends. Thanks.
Today I complete the section running east and head south. Took a photo at the store where this occurs. They had very good BBQ sandwiches. Had two. They were piled really high.
Date: February 14 2001
Trail Day: 259
Miles Today: 14
Location: Spirit of Suwanee Campground
Section Mile: FNST 457
ECT Mile: 3918
Today's hike was along the Suwanee river. I have heard good things about
this section. Now I know why. Some sections had huge oak trees. I really
love these. Took some shots.
Met Del. He is from Manchester, England and is attempting the ECT. He is the 3rd north bounder I have met so far. Luke and Wild Flamingo Man were the first two. Took a shot of him.
This campground is quite expensive at 13 $ for primitive camping. I think its geared more towards the "upper crust" with their expensive RV's and 5th Wheels. Would not recommend this place to thru-hikers.
Took a shower and did laundry. I will be mailing out all my winter clothes in White Springs. I may be jumping the gun a little, but I should be OK. It has become quite hot and I walked shirtless all day. I think by the time I get to the Keys it will be unbearably hot.
Finished reading JRR Tolkein's Hobbit. Enjoyed it. Now reading Thomas
Hardy's Wessex Tales. The older style of writing uses too many long,
obscure words with sentences that run 5 or 6 lines. But, he has a very good narrative style and I am enjoying the book. I should be done with it in abother 2-3 days. Hope to pick up some more books at White Springs.
Date: February 15 2001
Trail Day: 260
Miles Today: 14
Location: Swanee River, Near I-75
Section Mile: FNST 471
ECT Mile: 3932
Bought grocery for a day and got an early start. The trail in this section runs along the Suwanee river. The day went quickly. Stopped near a beach area and slept in the open.
Saw 2 rattlers today. I have not seen snakes for may be 6 months. The
first was a little one - about 1.5 ft long and about .75 " in diameter.
Saw the second one on a heap of trash. I went over to see what stuff was
in the trash when I saw this big snake - 4 ft long and 4 " thick. Took
shots. It then slithered away and made its rattling noise. Now I know
what a rattler sounds like.
Date: February 16 2001
Trail Day: 261
Miles Today: 7
Location: Suwanee Motel, White Springs.
Section Mile: FNST 478
ECT Mile: 3939
I had a bad case of diarrhea last night with bad stomach aches. Felt weak the whole day. Could barely manage the 7 miles into White Springs. Had to take several breaks.
Saw two groups of scouts. The original plan was to do the 15 miles but I am in no shape to do so. Decided to take a motel room. Mailed stuff to Vivek, Suriyan and Kumar. Got some groceries and fell asleep for most of the day.
Date: February 17 2001
Trail Day: 262
Miles Today: 0
Location: Suwanee Motel, White Springs
Section Mile: FNST 478
ECT Mile: 3939
A zero day. Feeling better today and should be back on the trail tomorrow.
Went to the library to check email. Best Man, whom I met in Maine or
New Hampshire has signed the guest book. I hope his IAT hike went well.
H. Monster has also signed in. He's an interesting guy. Glad to hear from both of them. Hi Best Man and H. Monster.
Date: February 18 2001
Trail Day: 263
Miles Today: 16
Location: Osceola forest, FS 237
Section Mile: FNST 494
ECT Mile: 3955
I think I have fully recovered. Back on the trail. A few miles along the
Suwanee River. This section has a lot of trash and is poorly maintained.
Then road walks to the Osceola forest. Most of the road names shown on the map are wrong. However, there are double blazes at all the turns.
Had lunch at Milton's store. Really loved their potatoes. Bought another meal and ice cream to carry with me. Stopped about 1.5 miles inside the forest. Also saw a black snake today - about 5 ft. All the 3 snakes I have seen in the recent past have been sunning on the trail. Need to watch out for such places.
Finished reading Thomas Hardy's Sussex Tales. Really liked Three Strangers, The distracted preacher and the The Sorrowful Legion of Hussar. I had got a book from the White Springs library - Louis L'Amour. I don't like action or thrill novels. But that's all they had in the swap rack. I have now read about a third of it. Book's called "The Sacketts" - its OK.
Sleeping in the open tonight. I think I have also gained weight in Florida as the hiking is easier. Not able to eat as much also. I need to cut down the binges. Tomorrow my attempt at a hitch hike into Lake City to pick my mail drop. I have chosen a smaller road to do so thereby increasing my chances. Drivers have been friendly and are aware of hikers. So I think it should not be very difficult. Let's see.
Date: February 19 2001
Trail Day: 264
Miles Today: 10
Location: Motel, Lake City
Section Mile: FNST 504
ECT Mile: 3965
Short day today. The trail in Osceola National Forest is disappointing.
Sections are poorly maintained and most of it runs on jeep roads.
Saw a raccoon run up a tree on hearing me approach. Took a shot. Tried to get a ride and got one after about 2 hours. Very little traffic on SR 250. One truck stopped and the driver wanted to know if I was broke. He offered 5 $.
Tomorrow, I pick up my last set of trail maps !
