[at-l] Staying home: the Journey Begins

[bluetrail at aol.com]

In the style of Grey Owl:
 
Woke a few minutes before the alarm went off, about 6:45.  Heard folks in the kitchen.  It's the FT long-distance hikers who've camped their conversion van in the driveway the last two nights.  I noticed the  heat was on; I set it to turn on at 58, and it was definitely on.  There were wind chill warnings for the low 30's for last night.  I think the temp actually dropped into the upper 30's before it began to warm.  That's right chilly for central Florida.  I got the winter morning I'd been wanting!
 
Popped in the shower, dried off, and got dressed. The Dr. Bronner's peppermint castile liquid soap looked milky.  It does that when it's really cold in the bathroom. 
 
Had breakfast with the hikers--Tom Conover ("Silver," a triple crowner) and his girlfriend Camille. Camille has done a lot of hiking and is a peak bagger.  She and her former husband (deceased) have been all over the world mountain climbing.  Great conversation over a very simple breakfast of hot English breakfast tea/coffee, cheese, leftover cornbread, hard boiled eggs, clementines, whole grain sourdough toast, and butter, jams and jellies.  They're heading out this morning to continue Tom's FT thru hike/road- walk turned bike ride.  Camille is doing some of the hiking and doing support with the van.  
 
I lingered at the table quite a while because of the great talk around the table.  Tom & Camille were still organizing things when I left for work.
 
While the Rucksters are having a great time this weekend, I'll be making pans of lasagna and brownies/bars and freezing them for the F-troop dinner I'm hosting in mid-February.  F-troop is a volunteer trail work vacation on the Florida Trail.  Looks as if they'll be at least 20 folks, probably more like 24.  I'll also be prepping food for this Wednesday night when a group of 5 section hikers will be spending the night.  Another duo finishing the FT in sections will probably arrive Thursday night.  
 
I'll stop cooking long enough to hit the trail for a couple of hours each day.
 
It's hiking season in Florida!
 
Joan
bluetrail at aol.com    
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