Posts
The Support Crew (ECT Day 64-65)
As I neared the end of the day, I kept in touch with my mom, texting back and forth. Why? Not because I was terrified it was getting dark and being attacked by the dogman. Rather, she and my dad were actually in route to find me. Surprise!
Southern Alabama Hospitality (ECT Day 63)
This was probably the most amazing trail magic I've experienced on any of the long trails... it turned out to be much more than just an ordinary potluck. Apparently, it was a Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday themed shrimp and crawfish boil! Are you kidding me!
Starting Alabama: Conecuh National Forest (ECT Day 62)
Going north from the Florida/Alabama border there is about 28 miles through Conecuh National Forest... it was two track walking the majority of the day. The two exceptions being a brief paved section and a brief bit of trail!
Gently Rolling Into Alabama: Completing the Florida Trail (ECT Day 61)
I started noticing that the terrain kept a gently rolling pattern. Very gradual, but sure enough up and down on repeat. Was I imagining it or was this a sign that I was heading away from the flat coastlands to the inner mountain regions?
Burns, Bluffs, and Blackwater Beaches (ECT Days 59-60)
The trail followed along Burnt Grocery Creek, which was aptly named seeing as it was actively burning! I mean, kind of a fun coincidence, but to be honest it's not surprising... so much of the forest in this area was burning or had evidence of been recently burned.
Son of Poseidon (ECT Day 58)
I hugged close to the waters edge; the waves charging towards shore, flattening, and then retreating. My preferred lane was the space where the sand is packed down and still slightly saturated. The dried out loose stuff is some of the most difficult walking out there.
Go Your Own Way (ECT Day 57)
It seems I'm treating the ECT along the choose-your-own-adventure strategy. It's important to me to keep a continuous path (if I can help it), but I'll continue to be loose about it needing to be this trail or that, etc... Each time I go off like this, including now, I have Fleetwood Mac on repeat in my head singing, "You can go your own way (go your own wayayay)."
The Creeks Day (ECT Day 56)
To top off this already stellar day I bumped into not one, but two trail angels each insisting I partake in their top-notch goodies they provided. Sandblaster had hiked out Jersey Mike's and Nimblewill offered a variety of tasty treats.
The Pavilion Life (ECT Day 55)
I got into some hills this morning! That's what inspired me to start the elevation low point and high point for the day. I was curious. The mega hills contained nice pine forest complete with needle covered ground and swaths of moss patches.
Thankful Along Econfina Creek (ECT Day 54)
It's up to us hikers to keep a positive relationship with our hosts and oing our part to help keep things cleaned and maintained in these spaces is huge. So, as my Grandpa Mearl used to say, "Leave it better than you found it!"