No hiking today. I’m on my way to Lake City. Unfortunately it’s 17 miles down a highway where you see a vehicle maybe every couple of minutes or so. It’ll be a difficult hitch into town.
I packed up my wet tent, again. It rained last night. Joey was nearby and a couple of other hikers had come in after me. After saying goodbye to Joey, I walked the short distance to the highway. It was discouraging, but after about an hour, a truck pulled over and I got my ride.
The driver was an interesting guy. He had some property right on the trail and planned to open it up to house hikers next year. He also wanted to buy a sailboat and sail the Caribbean. All that led to a lively discussion and the drive time flew by.
When we reached Lake City I offered to buy him breakfast. We stopped at the Lake City Cafe and ate there. Afterwards, he took me down to the post office where we parted ways.
I picked up some provisions at the PO and then walked down to the office of the property manager who rented me a cabin. Actually, it was my sister, Angela, who got the cabin for me. I asked her for help since Internet and cell reception was almost nonexistent for the last week. There was not a single place to rent in town, but she somehow found a place at a mountain community called Argenta Falls. She saved me from having to go back on the trail. This old guy needs a couple of days off that’s for sure.
And so here I am in Lake City. My sole plan is to do nothing and eat. I have got to gain some weight. I’ve lost over 15 pounds and the loss has sapped my strength.
