Piney Woods Howdy, Hikers!

I’m not sure whether you’ll get this blog or not.. I’ve about half a bar of signal, overcast skies and NOAA Jack tells me that there is another wet cold front on the way, and I mean COOOOOOLD front- 25F.  Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, they did!

I’ve been wanting to blog you about the Suwannee, but since my print story in The Tampa Tribune (which, as far as I know ran yesterday or today) should give you a pretty good idea of how sweet and scenic is that section of the trail.  For those unfortunate souls who, by a wicked twist of geography do receive the Trib, tbo.com carries the story, as well.

The trail is remarkable, a thread of tread that stretches along the high bluffs overlooking the Suwannee River.  It’s a hiker’s trail, ya’ll, dotted with scenic promontories, rustic bridges and deep riverside draws thick with lush plants. 

Even better is that one can access the whole thing from White Springs, which, with or without a trail hike is worth a visit.  I had the amazing pleasure of headquartering at the Adams House Bed and Breakfast.  The proprietor of this beautiful Queen Anne style home, Watkins Saunders, was the host with the most. 

This was no truer than on the night when Florida took that deadly battering from the skies.  We were lucky, having lost no more than a few hours of electrical service and gained a bunch of rainwater.  The good fortune of being inside on those couple of ugly days and nights - a safety extended graciously by the kind heart of Mr. Saunders - is unforgettable. That is one good man!

But the sun came out, just in time for F-Troop diva and veteran backpacker Janette Davison to join me on a trail hike.  Janette is English.  You know what’s cool?  Cool is an English accent attached to a woman who is smart and literate and happy to be wherever she is.  That’s what cool is.

We did a bit o’ trail, not as much as either of us would have liked.  But hikers, the weather was cold and the view from one particular picnic table was very scenic.  It was kind of late in the day, and I think, frankly, that Janette is accustomed to hiking with grown-ups.  I like to stop and explore cool places that might make for a great photo or story or blog. After all, that’s why I’m here, isn’t it?

I’ll leave the rest of the story to Janette, who sent me a guest blog so that you might have her impressions of the trail as it is when corrupted by my participation. If you liked “Sense and Sensibilities” you’ll love Janette.  Her Kings English prose makes my literary efforts appear as if they are the product of a Neanderthal scribbling monosyllabically with a crayon clutched awkwardly in a filthy, hairy fist.  Hey, wait a minute…!

Geico commercial Cheers from the Florida Trail, Mike