Today, heading toward Holt, marked the start of two days of rain. I guess I can’t complain. So far, I’ve had nothing but sunny, warm days during this fourth and final trip on the Florida Trail. And in fact, during my previous three trips, I can’t recall any rainy days.
I lucked out for the most part. The first 7.6 miles (12.2 km) were on a lovely, wooded path through the final portion of Eglin Air Force Base. Trail Angel Nancy met me halfway in. It was gray and cloudy, but no rain.
Nancy and I parted when the trail emerged onto Hwy. 85, then headed uphill about 3 or 4 miles (4.8-6.4 km) in and through Crestview (hence the name of the city). There was a strong headwind which, combined with the incline, made a dreary slog. The positive side: I found 81 cents along the way. 🙂
Slogging Toward Holt
After passing all of the chain restaurants and stores, the route took me through the historic portion of Crestview. This was much more pleasant – less traffic and more interesting scenery. I also found a local coffee shop, where I treated myself to a toilet, warm building and a breve. Then it was back out into the cold.
The trail hooked west along Hwy. 90, so the wind wasn’t in my face anymore. Nice! But a heavy drizzle began falling around 1:45 p.m. It let up after a half-hour or so, but I was still fairly wet and pretty chilled.
I met Nancy again at the Dollar General in Holt, at the end of my day. What a trail angel! She brought me some chili for dinner, as she knows I’ve been eating salads in my room. Nancy rocks!
Today’s Miles: 25.1 (40.4 km)
FT Miles to Date: 1,026.4 (1,651.8 km)
FT Miles to Go: 173.6 (279.4 km)
