Chandler Slough

Alan and Sherry dropped me off after breakfast to hike solo today. It wasn’t the same without them, but I applaud their courage to decide what works for them and give me the experience of the Florida Scenic Trail. It was a very different hike from the previous days when we were walking atop the levee in full sun. I had breaks in the hardwood hammock with shade and dirt track through ranch land.  The only negative was the sound of gunshots in the not too distance. I believe it’s turkey season in Flotida now, so I made myself look so not like a turkey.  😎  The campsite is next to the Kissimmee River, which has undergone some straightening and restoration over the decades.  In fact there are a couple of front loafers working here now. One of the guys, Gabriel, just offered me a cold bottle of water. 😇. Another trail angel—they show up just when you need them. Speaking of water, a shout out to Mike Gormley, the “water boy” who provides water caches at campsites without water sources.   I stopped st one that still has 8 gallons of water, so I wasn’t shy about topping of my bladder.   That one , too. 😜. I had a successful rendezvous with Alan and Sherry who brought potato chips and me a cold beer. How thoughtful. We had a lovely evening near the river under the live oak trees.i