Cuban cuisine and Calhoun Cheers!, Hikers

What a weekend!!  It began on Friday when Trish, one of the lovely women who work at the 88 Store informed me that my buddy Terry Foster had called and that he was on the way.

Now, I haven’t had cell phone signal in weeks, and somehow Foster had divined my geographical location and was headed up to hike with me.  In tow was Karen Jacobi, a fellow scout leader and her son, Jammin’ Jake.  Jake got that name while a student in my climbing and rapelling class.  A fearless little dude, he is, and a real good kid.

Well, no sooner had Terry and Co. settled in than in walks Janette Davison, who also somehow had sniffed out my hideout.. it was turning in to a dadgum mini FTA convention.  But not so fast, there was yet another visitor on the way, Marti Vickery, Grand Poobah of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, arrived the next day for some Florida Trail R&R.  We had a grand time.  I’m still trying to figure out how they found me.

If I had to choose one highlight, I think everyone present would agree that Karen’s backpacking cuisine swept the blue ribbons.  She came loaded and seal-a-mealed for bear with delicious Cuban offerings loaded with roast beef and yellow rice.

We got in some good hikes north and south, some awesome scrub jay pictures (gallery) at Grassy Lake and a pile of laughs and fellowship.  Jammin’ Jake built and tended a safe and outstanding fire and everyone else supplied the Class A camaraderie that made every minute of their stay a blast.

And just as quickly as they got there, they were gone.  My camp site, which looked like Woodstock the previous day, was bare but for the sturdy form of Big Agnes.  I’m still shaking my head, wondering if all of this happened.

But I know it did, and do you know how?  Karen hooked me up with all of her leftover meals, an act of charity and kindness that has earned her a permanent spot in my last will and testament.  I can’t wait to eat some of that chow on the trail.  OORAH! 

Well, I’ve got to get to work.  I’ve been trying to find an internet connection around here but folks in these parts care little about the world outside of the Ocala National Forest. I find an odd comfort in that but I’d give a kidney to see a bar or two on my aircard.  Connectile dysfunction I think they call that now.  Jeez, there’s a term for everything, isn’t there, hikers? 

Spoiled rotten, full-bellied Cheers! Live from the 88 Store on the Florida Trail, Mike

PS – Thank you Terry, Karen, Jake, Marti and Janette for your kindness.  You guys rock!