When I left Ann and Scott’s place they kindly drove me to the road intersecting with the trail so I could continue on my way. Since then I have been in the interior of Florida’s land reserve and wetlands hiking through swamp, ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss and grassland. I am enjoying the wildlife. Cranes and ibises of all kinds fly against the golden grass in the morning light and deer frolic. I saw a bear with two cubs (far ahead), a couple of iguana’s, ripples from alligators, vultures pecking away at carcasses (happily not mine) and a multitude of creatures that scurry out of my way and nothing has paid me any mind at all. These are peaceful places that seem far more removed from civilization than I think they actually are.

This section of the trail is also a designated hunting area. Funny, I wouldn’t have thought that hunting and hiking would be a great mix. But here in Florida I guess it’s ok. When I entered into the actual reserve area, the lady at the gate gave me a hunters orange vest and said to wear it all the time and to be careful. So I have been wearing it and I have been careful. So far it’s good, I haven’t been shot. But I did get a funny little scare. I was walking along humming away to myself when a large, fit man in full combat gear with a blackened face and a very big crossbow emerged from the trees directly in front of me. I hadn’t seen a soul in three days and hunters don’t scare me, but I just about peed myself. He nodded to me and I nodded to him and he melted back into the forest. No harm at all, but it was a little spooky. Afterwards I conjured up a whole screen play in my mind.

That night I stayed at my first actual designated camp spot on the trail called Gator Hole campsite (right beside Gator Hole Pond). I was resting in my tent when out of nowhere I heard, “Is that you Blueberry?” I poked my head out and it was two hikers (Calf and Feltspar) that I met at the breakfast with Freshground and a couple of their friends. I asked them how they knew it was me and they said, your Big Agnes tent. Holy! We visited for ten minutes or so and, knowing I’m not on social media, they invited me to Florida trail hikers party a couple of towns away in a few days time. Imagine! I thanked them but said I probably wouldn’t. See you up the trail they said, and merrily kept on their way.

I really didn’t want to leave the trail but getting a charge on my phone had become a top priority. My percentage of power was in single digits and still no sun. I didn’t even want to turn my phone on to check my trail app to find out how much further to a road intersection. I figured I’d just keep walking and take the first opportunity I could. A few hours later the trail intercepted with a small dirt road and I saw a white vehicle parked a couple of kilometres down. I beelined it and on arriving saw a group of women sitting around a campfire. They invited me to sit, brought me fresh water (to replace my pond water), snacks and a battery pack to charge my phone (so now I can write my post:)). Such a treat they were! A group of van lifers who had connected on Lulu’s you tube channel (called Lulu’s way). Lulu showed me her adorable van that she outfitted herself and I danced with them on her channel (it’s one of the things she does). It was a super cool and inspiring interlude. I love the sisterhood of women! And then I was on my way again.

The weather has been warm and blessedly without rain. And today there was actually a short period of sun. I am doing well. I have adjusted to the sounds of the forest and am sleeping peacefully at night. I walk for about 6-7 hours a day and with the exception of a slight twist of the ankle causing me to fall off a narrow pole into a fairly deep swamp, I have been injury free. And my slow shuffle is acquiring a hint of a stride! I like it!