Hi Ho Hikers!

We’ll I have a brief opportunity at signal so I thought I’d touch base with you before entering St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.  Man, I am jazzed about that.  I had a couple of good days off the trail, much of which I spent with Sopchoppy, Florida filmmaker Robert Seidler, better known as Sopchoppy Robby, a fascinating artist and outdoorsman currently shooting an informational piece on the Florida Trail.

Seidler is one of the most talented and progressive people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.  A more in-depth piece featuring Robert and Blountstown filmmaker Elam Stoltzfus will run in the Tampa Tribune once I can finish and file it.  There’s a lot to say about these two artists and it’s all cool.  So it comes down to a Bob Seger-like “What to leave in and what to leave out.”

I spent one night in White Springs where I was invited to the Florida Trail Association’s staff Christmas Party.  Man, I’m almost embarrassed to tell you what a great time I had.  I stayed in the Adams House, a Bed-and Breakfast on the bluffs of the Suwannee River.  This jaw-droppingly beautiful home is surrounded by humongous live oaks, as big as any I’ve ever seen- bloody leviathans.

Morning came around at, ohhhh, eight-ish.  I awakened from my slumber on a bed roughly the dimensions of a residential swimming pool and padded down the oak-accented tile floor to grab a hot cup of Joe before heading out back to appreciate an overcast dawn over a mist-strewn Suwannee River. 

At the ring of the breakfast bell I dined on (Really, I’m not making this up.) a breakfast of fresh fruit, sweet potato pancakes with walnuts and cranberries all mixed up in ‘em, country ham and three choices of home-made syrup, including my new favorite – sugar cane.  Add OJ, ice water and coffee as invigorating and black as an Apalachicola night. 

Laying siege to my plate and reenforced by the crystal galsses were at least a half dozen silver eating utensils perfectly arranged on a color-coordinated linen placemat. They confronted me with an intimidating gleam, as if they knew that all I had to fight them off with was a coffee-stained plastic spoon. 

Now, all this is taking place in a room that looks like it’s right off the set of an Ivory-Merchant movie. I mean, I’m half-expecting Hugh Grant to sashay into the room. Are you beginning to smell what I’m cookin’? This place has wainscoting. Look it up. 

So, taking her place with me at this regulation-sized Brunswick dining room table is Sandra Friend, the Communications Director for the Florida Trail Association.  Sandra is the author of about a bizillion words on worldwide travel so she’s absolutely no stranger to these refined surroundings. She calmly talks me through it in her best air traffic controller voice.  Thank you, Sandy.

Of course, there’s more to come.  Later today… I promise.

Gourmet Cheers from the Florida Trail, there Hikers!

Note 1:  Those of you who read my first Tribune piece about this trek have been very kind not to mention the passage where I wrote that “I know I will always be hungry.” I hereby issue an official retraction of that comment.  I apologize for my foolishly presumptive journalism.  I’ll try not to do that again.

Note 2: OK, my hiking compadres, I hear you thinking that I should be on the trail instead of reclining on satin and growing food blisters on my body.  Well, friends, here’s the catch… The Adams House lies directly on the Florida Trail!!  Yeah, I know. Cool, huh?  Yes, I know that’s a technicality.  But as a technical backpacker I have the skills.  Do not attemp this stunt at home, it’s only possible on the Florida Trail.

Every day spent along this magnificent footpath brings us new joys, doesn’t it?  Grab your pack and get up here.  But don’t forget your collared shirt, you’ll want to look good when Hugh shows up.

Extended pinkie Cheers from the Florida Trail!  Mike

Oh yeah.. Note 3:  Thanks to those who expressed concern that I may have bitten off more than I can chew by takaing the decision to carry on the trail my latest literary acquisition “Priceless Florida.” Well thanks, but please don’t worry.  I’ve decided to eliminate an item of similar weight from my kit – my food bag.  I can’t eat another bite.

And one more very important thing: To all my hiking buddies in harm’s way.  A day doesn’t pass that I don’t wish it were you instead of me on this trail.  I’m so proud of you, be you soldier, sailor, airman or Marine. Hell, we all are.  And we look forward to seeing you safe, back home and on whatever trail you’ve long since earned the right to choose.  OOORAH!  Semper Fi cheers from the Florida Trail. Mike