‍The pigs last night caused quite a bother. They really wanted to come by my tent as it was a well beaten down path to the road. That was my first mistake, camping in the middle of a heavily used wildlife trail. And eventually the big hog came over and I was a bit freaked out. I scared them off twice but they stayed close for what seemed like forever but probably only a few minutes. It was 9:30 by this point and I really wanted peace. So the last time they came up the trail I walked over towards them and shined my headlamp and clapped my hand really loud. It actually echoed off the trees surrounding us. This they really didn't like and I kept on doing it and they scattered quickly and soon they were out of earshot and the rest of the night was quiet. Despite all this commotion I slept really well. I got going around dawn and made good time to my first stop at Hahira. The dirt roads were very good and fast and the pavement was deserted and also fast with no wind so early. I stopped at a recreation complex park by the interstate first thing and took the opportunity to take a nature break, put on sunscreen and take off my warm clothes. Hahira was pretty busy mid Saturday morning and it was a bit longer wait but I grabbed what I needed and was on my way. The next miles over to Lakeland were also very fast and so I was in good spirits when I made a big stop at a little grocery store I was headed into a 100 mile no store stretch. I grabbed a gelato and ate it in a nearby park.. And then I had to leave for South to go into what I figured would be the hardest part of the trip. And boy was I right. I avoided a couple parallel dirt roads beside highway 129 and just rode the highway because it was very deserted and I was hoping to make up some lost time. By the time I got to Stockton for my first dirt road, I encountered a gate straight away and then did a little loop around town to get back to the highway again. This road was super sandy and I actually went down in a rut, no damage but I had sand all over me and the bike. Well by this point I was pretty over the sand roads so thankfully the route had me on pavement for awhile anyway. I turned off the highway for a side road that was paved but I knew led deep into the forest. I figured I'd give it a try and turn back if it got too bad. The first dirt road was pretty good and I just kept on following the route and it kept on being open and passable. I didn't have to walk at all and soon I was really deep in the middle of nowhere with only trees around. I was using water like crazy so when I crossed a major creek that is the border of Echols and Clinch counties, I stopped to filter some. Normally this low lying area is full of water everywhere but I just wasn't seeing any at all, it's just been so dry lately. I managed to filter a couple bottles from the tea colored water and it actually tasted pretty good. I was in good spirits but in a bit of a hurry to make my daily mile goal. And then the adventure started. The Clinch county side was a whole nother beast. Soon I encountered deep sand and had to walk. Now on the east side of rivers and creeks it's not uncommon for there to be large sand deposits from wind deposition. So I thought nothing of it and pressed on. Walking all of it. Every curve I kept thinking it has to get better. But if course it didn't. For 6 long miles I had to work really hard to push myself and especially the bike through the deep sand and I really hoped it would be fine once I got to the next road. Of course the next road was exactly the same. I looked at the map and decided to alter course and get to highway 441 as soon as possible. So I went opposite the route and hoped it would improve once I got near the railroad in a few miles. I was able to ride bits and pieces but not much and this entire time both walking and riding my effort level was really really high. It was frustrating to see the sun set and I had no idea how much longer it would take to get out of there. Eventually I passed a road that crossed the railroad that on the map looked private but there was a hunting camp there and it was public and the shortest way to the highway. So I took that and even road some parts and by 8pm I finally came out to the highway. I was so thrilled and relieved. I looked up and could instantly see the Milky Way it was so dark. The traffic was almost completely non-existent and I made good time north. Improvised a campsite at a long ago abandoned church. On a decent dirt road. I'm in the woods not far from the church outhouse. 🎷🐛 109.4 new miles -- From Wandrer