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18 April Day 13 (37)
As I was hiding, got up about 5, still on SR 20. Went through Clarksville, got about half way to Blountstown, an old guy stopped his old pickup, asked me were I was headed. Told him Apalachicola NF. As it was Saturday, he was going fishing for the weekend there! That's why he stopped, as he saw the pack on my back! Trail magic again! Took the ride, because I'd be on the FT a day sooner. I had planned on eating a good breakfast, and if a laundrymat in Blountstown, to clean clothes, but just couldn't turn this ride down. Glad I took his offer, as I noticed that the bridge over the Apalachicola River was very narrow and long. It would have been extremely dangerous to try to cross it on foot, with traffic on it. So, he drops me off at Camel campground, as the river is nearby, were he fishes. He asked me to fish with him, and he would panfry fish for supper, cornbread, etc. I declined, as didn't have license, had plenty of food, and the great luck in getting to the forest. Spent 2 hours there, washed me, and clothes out by hand. A nice, sunny day. The campground is free, but I went down the trail aways, as I had told guy no for fishing.
19 April Day 14 (38)
Slept till 7:30 o'clock today, as finally on FT again. Think that wasn't wise, as about 4 PM, a severe thuderstorm came from the north. I hiked in rain for about 2 1/2 hours, started getting chilled, knew I had to stop, and put some warm food in me, and stay in sleeping bag.. Had to set tent up on very wet ground, in rain. hiked only about 24 clicks (14 miles) today, less than hoped to. Cooked in tent, as rain not letting up. Finally got warm, and fell asleep, rain still falling. This, so far, worst day of hike.
20 April Day 15 (39)
Day started out still misty. Hiked, and stayed on FS 107 for some miles, instead of actual trail. Some FT blazes on road, but off it, trail to wet, mucky and sloppy. Got about 7 clicks (4 miles) north of Porter Lake, when sun cameout strong. Took a long break, enjoying the warmth, dried out gear. Hiked to lake. Porter has picinic tables, good water, a john. This is end of section 24N.
21 April Day 16 (40)
Sun out. FT on other side of river reminded me of AT, up and down, for a least 12 clicks. Crossed a FS 314, and came upon the swamp of Bradwell Bay. What a swamp! Much more than the Big Cypress, at south start of FT had been. My boots were still damp, but changed to aqua shoes. Was in water almost waist high for about 3 miles. Then came across a dry spot. Camped here, as don't know how long swamp goes on, and if another dry spot. Lost some maps somewere in swamp, not going back to look for them. Did Found someones tent poles and flashlight! Kept light, left poles. Someone must have been very mad when they found out they lost, as know they didn't go back to look for.
22 April Day 17(41)
It only took about a 1/2 hour to get out of swamp, except for one big puddle, should have continued on yesterday. Came to blue blazed trail to FS 329. Took it to FS 346, then FS 326, back to trail. Cutoff 4-5 clicks of swamp.Arrived at US 319, end of section 23. There was water at bridge, so stopped for the day.
23 April Day 18 (42)
Hiked to 14 clicks St. Marks Refuge, and another 8 into it. Was going to camp, but Ranger saw me. I waited 1/2 hour, he came back by and stopped, but didn't see me. Decided to leave, as no camping here, and don't want to be fined. Hiked to, and over Wakulla River bridge, and hid in woods. Just ate cold food, as didn't want stove fire spotted.
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