Syrup and Spirits

Posted Nov 26, 2006 by Mike DeWitt

Updated Nov 26, 2006 at 07:06 PM

Evenin’ Hikers,

Man, I don’t even know where to start!

Do I start where I tell you that I’m writing this from the kitchen of a 160 year-old cabin in Blountstown, Florida?  And that there’s a coffin in my circa 1846 bedroom?

Do I start from where I was filling my plate with black-eyed peas, fried cornbread and collard greens – all nestled around some smoked sausage and washed down with home-made sweet tea… seriously….while a bluegrass jam session involving at least eight varieties of stringed instruments tore it up right next to me on the porch?

Or do I start with learning about and participating in the creation of one of Florida’s most delectable contributions to civilization as I hope you know it – the languid amber sweetness of 100%, no additives, no preservatives, as sweet as true love sugar cane syrup.

I’m gonna need a bit of time to sort it all out.  It’s all too crazy-good to write about coherently after the day we’ve had on this trail, isn’t it?

Let’s go to bed… or coffin.  I did mention the coffin, didn’t I?  Did I mention the urn in the room that I was warned to not even think about, so hard was the life of its long-dead inhabitant.  And the pictures on the walls, all of very grim-looking people who may or not be occupying the room, depending on your belief in ghosts?

This trip just gets cooler and cooler, doesn’t it?  Ooooo, wait a minute! What was that chill that just passed through the room….even more coolness, that’s what.  I’ll fill you in on the details in the morning, OK?

And cheers from the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement along the Florida Trail! Mike

PS - If you guys don’t hear from me again, don’t worry… I’ll be lurking for you*….

* Thanks for the memories, Dr. Paul Bearer, WTOG Channel 44 “Creature Feature”

Good night.