Groovin’ on the Greenway (ECT Days 32-34)

Holder Camp Area to Pruitt Trailhead Area (Day 32)

• Hiked Today: 27.6 miles
  • The Florida Trail (418.1 – 419.9 & 421.4 – 444.8)
  • Holder Mine Alt. (0.9 miles)
  • Inverness Resupply Alt. (1.5 miles)
• Total Hiked: 624.1 miles
• Total Paddled: 99.5 miles

Condensation on the tent fly seems like it’s going to be the norm waking up in the morning. I made coffee and oatmeal in the tent vestibule space, then got to packing. There were just a few miles hiking in the woods before I popped out to civilization.

I spent more time than usual last night researching on my phone for what to do today mileage-wise. The reason for this is that I still hadn’t figured out where to camp with it being a pretty populated area. Essentially, I could make it a relaxed day and not get as far, or try to make big miles still despite needing to get some town chores done. There didn’t seem to be much in between, so I decided to go for the big day!

In addition to food supplies, I had a few other items on my list to get… sunscreen, bug spray for the ticks, and wipes. I executed the plan efficiently and in good spirits. First, a quick stop at Winn Dixie, then right over to the post office when they opened at 9:00 am.

Unfortunately, my new shoes were delayed during shipping. The good news with that though is my current pair finally seem to be getting along with my feet! Hallelujah. I worked it out to have the new pair rerouted home and future Stevie will give them a try up the trail somewhere.

The rest of the day was mostly paved path walking. I started on the Withlacoochee State Trail, which was very nice and full of walkers, runners, and cyclers. Joining up with the Dunnellon Trail, I believe that started me on the Marjorie Carr Cross Florida Greenway. This is a massive public trail system that follows and utilizes the route of an unfinished historic canal system. Nowadays, it’s a super pleasant place to recreate outside. The part near Dunnellon was probably the most pristine and polished bike path I’ve ever seen.

The highlight of the day was a 5-10 minute conversation with a woman on the Dunnellon Trail. What an unexpected and wonderful treat chatting with Mary and hanging with her dog Ivy. I got to telling her what I was up to and she gave a big genuine smile. She said she hikes and kayaks, but mostly internationally, listing off about 17 countries she’s traveled to. “I’m probably old enough to be your grandma, but I just keep doing it… This is our time!” I told her I’d take her words with me. She wished me well and our conversation ended with an exchange of, “Namaste.”

Song of the Day: “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves

Pruitt Trailhead Area to Spot in the Pines (Day 33) 

• Hiked Today: 25.2 miles
  • The Florida Trail (444.8 – 449.7 & 451.1 – 469.5)
  • Ross Prairie Cg Alt. (1.9 miles)
• Total Hiked: 649.3 miles
• Total Paddled: 99.5 miles

Weather: overcast, sun peaking out midday but mostly cloudy, 57-77°F, no wind, quite humid 

I was pleasantly surprised to find that all of today was dirt trail when I’d been expecting paved path. And it was curvy with changes in elevation and with soft pine needle ground cover. Pretty wonderful, it was. 

At first I couldn’t put my finger on what was different about this forest. After pondering all day, I think it was that there was more variety of trees and generally more dense. Prior to this it seemed like it was primarily the palms or the oaks or the pines, whereas now I was getting a bunch of deciduous-looking trees thrown in as well. The over story was a giant tall canopy and underneath was a jumble of different vegetation, like there were layers upon layers. Maybe the photos will get this across or maybe it’s just a bunch of gibberish.

I had a very lovely conversation with two FT hikers during lunch. Suzanne and Katrina target different sections on their weekends and taught me a few new tricks about Florida hiking and being around ticks and such. They offered me a homemade baked goody, but sadly I have a tree nut allergy and these were apparently chock-full. 

Towards the end of the day I found myself at Santos Campground, which seems to be a haven for mountain bike riders. This whole area was a big biking spot. Instead of plowing ahead like I have been, I stopped at a pavilion and cooked dinner there. This would get me to my planned tenting spot just at dark, which is the thing to do when you’re trying to be slightly incognito.

I felt strong today. There was a sense that my legs could just go! Lots of factors are playing into that… a light pack with little food and water to carry, my feet being in good shape finally, but mainly having a few weeks under my belt and having built up some trail legs! And, the additional daylight hours I’ve been getting have boosted morale too. What was not as encouraging was how sticky it felt when I got in my tent. The humidity and sweat is making me feel particularly gross all of a sudden. I better get out of Florida soon before it gets any hotter!

Album of the Day: “Third Eye Blind” by Third Eye Blind 

Spot in the Pines to Powerline Clearing (Day 34)

• Hiked Today: 25.6 miles
  • The Florida Trail (469.5 – 470.3, 471.5 – 481, 482.5 – 495)
  • Dunkin’ Alt. (1.2 miles)
  • DG Resupply Alt. (1.6 miles)
• Total Hiked: 674.9 miles
• Total Paddled: 99.5 miles

Weather: Overcast and mostly cloudy, but sunny and clear late in the day, 60-80°F, very humid, and no wind.

Another great day on trail! I wasn’t feeling the write-up this time, so am going to let the photos do the talking. One thing I’ll address though… What’s with all these “alt.’s” all of a sudden. Basically, I’m strange about tracking my mileage, wanting it to be accurate. So, if I go off the FT to resupply or I take a road instead of the trail, I’m trying to document that. The screen below is of the “DG resupply alt.”

The trail followed a disc golf course for a bit. I felt compelled to give y’all a demonstration on correct form when driving off the tee. Take special note of the gutteral yawp. Much like professional tennis or chorale singing, the power comes deep from within, way down in the diaphragm. This is the key point I believe.

Let’s see that in a slow motion instant replay….

Hard to tell in the video above but that’s a spider. I walked right into a web and this giant thing kind of bounced off me. My best guess is that it’s a “Jumping Spider?”

Finished Dune: Messiah audiobook today