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The One Where I Make Amends
Location : Layton, FL
Starting Point : It’s Complicated
Weather :
Several days ago, I promised 2 women at the Bahia Honda State Park (BHSP) I’d call ’em out in my blog. I don’t remember doing that — and if I did, their generous actions deserve a second shout-out.
While still several miles “south” of BHSP, I called to reserve a campsite. Janice answered the phone, stating they had 1 campsite available, but I had to reserve it in person — and, IIRC, “the office closes at 1730”.
Needing a space to spend the night, I hustled along as quickly as I could. I was approximately 4-5 miles away, so even my best efforts meant I’d be cutting it close.
As I arrived, a young, female park ranger taking down the flags, shouting out to me, “Hurry! Mary’s waiting for you!” After arriving, I learned Mary remained late at the office to check me in, which really touched me.
Seeing I was really wrung out, Janice offered to give me a lift (in her car 🚗), to my campsite … 2 miles away.
Neither woman had to do what she did for me — without any likely reward, so I’m using this platform to tell you good, generous people are out there … and the trail provides.
That’s how trail magic happens.
Thank you, ladies.
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Comments 2
What an idyllic site for camping. gemütlich
Agreed 👍🏼
I can’t be sure the following is “true” but I read somewhere some of the FSP’s set aside a location for thru hikers. Perhaps that’s why I had to apply in person … sweaty clothes, pack, and all.
A few items make me think this might have been at play here.
⭐. The rangers referred to me as “the Hiker”, eg, “are you ‘the Hiker’ that called?”, “I’m running”the Hiker over to his site “, etc. While the rangers didn’t use my name, they had a ready made name for me before I arrived.
⭐. My campsite was as far away as possible from the office and showers. Not really a big deal if you’re driving, but not the first (convenient) choice for tent campers staying several nights.
⭐. The location’s rocky shore isn’t conducive to young kids wading into the water. Additionally, the rocks catch thick mats of dead sea grass … which “gets stinky”. For some reason, my sense of smell is wrecked, so if it stinked, stank, stunk, I didn’t notice.