Junction CR 419/Nova Road to Tiger Branch Campsite---March 3rd

Up before the sun in order to break camp before the county sheriff asks me what the heck I'm doing here. Another five hours along asphalt, but it wasn't as bad as yesterday. It was in the morning so temperatures were cooler, the weather was cooperating, providing a little cloud cover, the roads were tree-lined, creating plenty of shade since the sun was still low and, as an added bonus, there was even ground next to the shoulder. In addition, very few cars travelled these roads. However, one that did pulled over and stopped beside me. The driver asked if I was doing the Florida Trail. Almost before I could reply, I was given a V8 and a banana. Turns out he was a trail angel giving a section hiker a ride to the Taylor Creek trail head.
Finally finished with paths built for cars, I walked the last couple of miles exclusively for those on foot. It was a pleasant surprise to see benches, a picnic table and a port-a-potty when I arrived at Tiger Branch Campsite. Took my time setting up my tent, airing out my sleeping bag and reading from The Last of the Mohicans. Margaret, the section hiker/passenger in the trail angel's car arrived at 3 p.m. She's done quite a bit of both the Florida and Appalachian trails, but only as a section hiker. Only out for the weekend, she offered me some dried apples and strawberries which she had dehydrated at home. She also had a surplus of drinking water which she threw into the bargain. How could I refuse for just like Little Scrub Campsite, no matter how much I tried to prime the pump, I couldn't draw out even a drop of liquid from the well. I learned that in the hot weather the rubber seals dry out and crack so when you crank the handle there's no suction because they won't seal properly.
Anyway, Margaret teaches physical therapy at a university in St. Augustine. She earned the trail name "Hammer" from her students due to her being strict and very demanding in the classroom. She's also a retired Colonel (full bird), having served in the Air Force Reserve.
As the conversation waned, I retired to my tent before the mosquitoes got too thick. Camped in the midst of pines and palms, a breath of wind was stirring the treetops and rustling the fronds as I drifted off to sleep.

The Long and Not So Winding Road

Shelton Park to Econfina Creek---March 31st

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