Day 41 – 13 miles – 587 total

We woke up in the comforts of a motel room. Thank goodness because there were nearly freezing temperatures outside. We took our time getting ready and let the sun get high before getting started.

We had 10 miles to the Georgia state line so we were excited about that. We had to walk on hwy 17 which had a bike lane that was just wide enough for our carts. We always walk facing traffic so the cars coming at us were just on the other side of the white line. Some were coming within 2 feet of us. It became really fun when the big logging trucks came flying by and flinging wood chips into my face.

We fought through and after a few miles we crossed under Interstate 95. After that, traffic was lighter but we still had to pay close attention. We made it to the state line and took a break at the welcome sign.

Over 580 miles of Florida and we finally made it to Georgia. A huge milestone for us. We stopped to take photos and share them on facebook. I felt really good. I felt like I was home. I know that state lines are non-existent in the grand scheme of things but there is something about Georgia that I just love.

I grew up in these woods. My granddad taught me how to navigate the woods in Georgia since I was a little boy. I know this state well and understand the land and animals here. A comfort of familiar territory even though I’ve never been to this specific place before. I felt closer to everyone that I love. I couldn’t have been happier.

I found a playlist on spotify of songs that are about Georgia and it was perfect for the rest of the day. We walked about 3.5 more miles into town and got a really cheap motel.

Kingsland, Georgia has seen better days. It looked like it was a jumping town before I-95 was built and bypassed it. Now it was hanging on by the people who pass through on the backroads, which are usually a self-sufficient type of crowd that don’t pay much for comforts. We were still very happy to have a town to stop in though. The noreaster thing is still in effect so having some civilization available is a luxury for sure.

We grabbed a really cheap room and headed over for a meal at a local restaurant called Steffans. Apparently this place was a big deal. Opened in 1948 and every meal is made from scratch. It was cheap too. We ordered a meal appropriate to Georgia… fried stuff covered in gravy, and sweet tea of course. It was excellent.

That was that. Now time to relax and enjoy the accomplishments of walking across Florida!