On the northern edge of Athens, I unexpectedly walked past a fire station. I figured it would be worth taking the time to stop in and meet the crew, and solicit their good advice. They first told me to reroute my path through Ila instead of Danielsville, which would only make a mile’s worth of difference by the time I reached the South Carolina border. They guaranteed me that Hwy 106, to Ila, is MUCH safer than Hwy 29, to Danielsville. They then gave a phone call to the volunteer fire station in Ila, and I was told that I’d probably have at least floor space in the volunteer fire station for the night. (!!)