Today, I hiked from the Leaning Pines campsite to State Route 20. I woke up early around 3:30 a.m. and began walking at 4:00 a.m. I was able to identify the orange blazes on the trees for the first one and a half hours but had to stop when I could no longer find the next marker. After sunrise at 5:40 a.m. came, I was able to find the markers and proceed on the route.

I arrived at SR-20 near Ebro, Florida around 6:30 AM and met Marion, then took me to the Ebro Motel where I was able to obtain a room for one night. Ebro has as estimated population of 258 people! We ate breakfast at Subway, the only restaurant in Ebro. I also picked up some supplies at Dollar General across the street from the motel. Marion then drove me to the next trailhead off US 20, and I hiked another 9 miles to the next intersection of SR 20. The area covered today was beautiful with many wooded areas, prairie and several ponds.I had no difficulty obtaining water from nearby streams for filtering. The last 2 miles was difficult due to walking in the hot sun and several very marshy areas. 

After meeting Marion at SR 20, we also discovered that the front tire on Marion’s car had a large bolt stuck in the tire. When the tire deflated, we had to put on the small donut tire after figuring out where the tools were located. Marion called AAA, and they sent a mechanic to plug the tire. Recovery from the hike and tire change came quickly with a shower, meal, air-conditioned room!

The plan tomorrow is to return to State Route 20 and hike to a campsite and water source approximately 15 miles northeast of Ebro. Marion may be able to meet me 10 miles up the trail if the roads are good.

 I talked to the pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church located about 30 miles away, and he is excited about hosting us at their church hostel for Florida trail hikers on Tuesday night.

Staying at the hotel tonight is super nice since I have access to hot showers, microwave, air conditioning, and a comfortable bed. We depart tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. so I can begin hiking at sunrise.