Day 35 – White Springs

Day 35
Miles today: 22.1 miles
Miles so far: 615.6 miles
Campsite: Swift Creek Campsite

Woke up to shiny specs all over the inside my tent. Frost, it was frost. It had gotten so cold overnight, things started to freeze. I packed up quickly and grabbed my wet shoes and wet socks from the day before. They were no longer wet but frozen! Hard as a rock. I decided to carry them to the Milton’s country store. They were able to thaw out while I enjoyed my breakfast. A few country boys came in and chatted with me. Sadly, I have a terrible understanding of the country twang and slang and the entire time they talked to me I had no idea what they were saying. I picked a few words here and there but it was too country for me. The folks were really nice! I did understood when they asked if I carried a gun. Why does every ‘Murican needs a gun? Haha I finished my breakfast and wish them a good day.

On my way back to the trail, there was a section on a dirt road. A utility truck coming my way stopped next to me. We greeted each other and he reached out and gave me a bag of cantaloupe. Yay! Trail magic! He knew I was a hiker and was delighted. He informed me one hiker was ahead of me not too far away.  HMMM who could it be? Alex? FrontPage? Syd? Who?!

On another road walk, I met up with 4 section hikers who were going southbound. They all had ULA packs but one had my pack. The six moons design one. They asked who made my tent, and we apparently all had the same make and model! Yay! Other tarptent enthusiasts! After they informed me what was coming ahead, they were back on their way. It was nice to meet more southbound hikers.

I hiked until noon and rested to dry my tent out in the sun. It was so cold in the shade all morning that I feared stopping. Upon unrolling my tent, snow dropped on the ground. It was still frosty!

Armed with a slim jim and my trekking poles, I hurried to town. White Springs wasn’t too far away and knew I wanted to check out the local restaurant, Fat Bellies. It was delicious! I highly suggest thru-hikers to eat there. It’s cheap and portions are great for hungry folks like us. I went outside to repackaged my food resupply that I had gotten from the dollar general, when 3 man approached me asking if I were a hiker. I said yes and reassured them I was not a homeless person. One of them told me I had way too nice of shoes for being a hobo. Ha!

The Suwannee River section was very pretty and dry! I didn’t get my feet wet today! Yay! Or else I would of froze to death. The constant wind and shade from being under the trees was chilling. Saw another snake, which seemed to be a non venemous kind.

I stopped at the post office to see if they had post cards. They didn’t but the sweet lady told me I could have her last valentine’s day cards so I could send one to Bryan. How sweet?! When I was about to leave, she told me they were having their customers appreciation day and all the food on the table was up for grab. Too bad I already had my fill at Fat Bellies. *beware TMI ahead* so after spending a night talking with Hammock Hanger and hearing her stories. I decided to give the pee rag a try. After all, I know a few more female hikers that does it too. So if you see a funky colored bandana hanging on the outside of my pack… DON’T TOUCH IT. I’ll report my experience in a few days haha

As I strolled down the street, I noticed a figured ahead coming my way. It looked like… Like a hiker!!  It was Joey! From skipping the road walk yesterday I had “caught” up to him. We laughed and shared a few stories from the past few days.

We decided to sleep at the same campsite. Being done at 5pm meant we could set up our tents and be warm early. It is supposed to be, yet another cold evening. Brrrrr I am ready for some 70° days again.