What a dreary morning! Completely overcast and nothing to look forward to except a mind-numbing 15-mile road walk---one step in front of the other. We had to put up with a few drizzly patches, but looking back, it was better than the full sun radiating heat off the blacktop.How elated I was to finally arrive at Econfina Creek Trailhead at a little after 1 p.m. Behold, weary hikers---Trail!!! We haven't been on one since emerging from Apalachicola National Forest three days ago. Our efforts were rewarded by nature's hand as sunlight streamed through a break in the clouds. Our spirits rose dramatically as we transitioned from hard asphalt to a soft dirt path strewn with fallen leaves.
Pitching my tent on a small bluff overlooking the swollen waters of the Econfina, I had plenty of time to relax. With the miles of road behind me and the sun having again vanquished the clouds, I found it very hard to keep my eyes open. Oh, why fight it? Siesta time! It was Jon's shouting that roused me from my daytime rest. He'd come across a small rattler that had been sunning itself near the eastern end of Two-Penny Bridge and wanted to warn me about it. After taking some pictures, we sort of herded it away with a stick. Hopefully, it will take up shop somewhere other than the trail. Excitement over, I returned to the bluff and finished reading "The Prairie". Oh, to live a full life like Natty Bumpo. What do I do now that I've finished the leather-stocking tales? Oh yeah---start planning for the Appalachian Trail.
The Rattler
Econfina Creek from Two-Penny Bridge
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