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| Photos: Along The Trail | Map: Track Mike |
A St. Marks Welcome, hikers!
Today I head back to the refuge, having filed my story and photos in an almost timely manner. And while we’re on the subject of newspaper deadlines, I’d like to share with you something I didn’t know about newspaper reporters until just a couple of years ago. Now, I’m not a reporter any more than having a drivers license qualifies one to race in the Daytona 500. A reporter - real life hard news reporter - is critter that leaves a completely different set of tracks.
I’m sure all of you have a reporter or columnist in the Trib that you enjoy reading. I do, too. What’s amazing about these men and women is that they cover the story, figure out the facts, and then write it accurately and succinctly. OK, so what’s the big deal? The big deal is that they are often called upon to execute this routine (and somehow they do) in less time than it takes me to find my laptop. There is no loud, hollow ticking down of the deadline clock to be heard in the newsroom, but there might as well be. Day after day after day. That, hikers, is reporting.
Then backing up those guys and every bit as much in the pressure cooker are the photographers and copy editors and page designers and computer dudes and press(persons?) and drivers and deliverers and I know I’m leaving some important people out.. because it’s a big team.
What prompted this impromptu (two prompts in the same sentence?) was an essay I read this morning in Wakulla News, the local newspaper. The essay was penned by humorist Garrision Keillor. Newspapers are just plain cooler, he opined, because it’s hard to appear suave and debonair when hunched over a laptop. Right now, I can see my reflection in the screen of this laptop and do you know what? He’s right.
Where’s the sports section? I need to see a man about a dog.
Suave and debonair seeya’s from the Florida Trail, Mike
Posted by Rhonda Waples, Winter Haven, FL on 01/18 at 06:53 PM
Hello dear friend,
Long time no see. I was truly filled with happiness when I saw your site. You have the perfect job for you. You are so right about being on the trail. After reading your blog, I can not wait to put on my hiking boots. If you need a side kick just let me know.
One of the herd,
Lady Buffalo
Posted by Tom Montoya, Mora, New Mexico on 01/17 at 02:17 PM
Mike:
Reading your blogs from the beginning, I,ve gotten a great urge to be with you along the Suwannee Section. I was the first section leader along what at that time was section #18. My family of wife Jackie and 4 daughters spent many hours (40 years ago)helping to build that section. Lots of wonderful memories. Do you have some idea as to when you will be on that section? My wife and I will be at the FTA Annual meeting in March. As you see from our location, it would not be just a trip aroud the block to be with you.
Keep on trekin’
Tom Montoya
Posted by Rick Yonke, Lutz, Fl. on 01/14 at 11:39 PM
More great blogs from Mike! This hike has turned into a Hobbit-like epic! The people and places are nothing like I imagined it would be at the start.
And what interesting writing! Don’t you think there’s a book somewhere in the future?! With plenty of pictures, too!
Keep going, Mike! Personally, this is my favorite web item.
Posted by richard vickers, temple terrace on 01/14 at 07:04 PM
your post holiday articles have been great reading. you’re on a roll!
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Posted by Shari Allore, Palm City, FL on 01/18 at 10:00 PM
Way to go Mike! Great story! I am starting a hike next week with a group and we are going to Key West. They started New Years Day in Orlando. I will join them for the final 2 weeks. I can’t wait, although I hear from the trail that there have been some lightweights, I hope I keep up my end of the bargain. I’ll keep up with you, so far, I feel better in the weeks leading up to and preparing for the hike. I must say, the trail is beautiful (the parts of it that I have experienced, at least)
Good Luck!
Shari Allore