I'm back on the Florida Trail for the second time this year, and it's an adventure like no other! The journey begins...
Last night, I arrived in Pensacola just before midnight, and with my trusty backpack and an Uber, I was settled into a hotel by 11:30 PM. Not a bad start to the day! The travel day was smoother than expected, leaving me refreshed and ready for an early morning hike.
Hitting the Trail
Slide and I woke up early, eager to begin our journey. We packed our gear, including some delicious Trader Joe's snacks, and set off from the hotel towards Fort Pickins. This is where the northern terminus of the Florida Trail lies, and we decided to add a little extra mileage by hiking there and back, creating a unique out-and-back experience.
A Trail Named After Me?
The Florida Trail, at 1,100 miles, is a significant challenge, but it alone wouldn't bring us to our goal of 10,000 miles for the year. However, with our determination to add extra miles whenever possible, we knew we could achieve it! So, this moment was perfect. Slide had already hiked this section the day before, and now we were doing it again, ensuring I could officially complete the entire Florida Trail.
A Year of Firsts and Lasts
As the sun rose, I was reminded of the beauty of Florida's sunrises, a sight I had forgotten since my last visit. It's a strange feeling to be back in November, just two years after finishing my longest thru-hike to date, the Eastern Continental Trail. It feels like both a lifetime ago and a recent memory, a unique chapter in my hiking journey.
The Plan Unfolds
The idea to hike the B2BCYTC first came to me when I was finishing the Florida portion of the ECT in 2023. It was a thought that grew and evolved, becoming more than just an idea, and here we are, ready to tackle it.
A Walk to Remember
Our walk from the hotel to Fort Pickins was a delightful start to the day. We strolled along the beach, enjoying the ocean views, sometimes closer to the water, and other times further away. Slide suggested walking along the beach later in the day, near sunset, to capture the magical light. For now, we stuck to the road's shoulder, knowing that walking on sand can be exhausting.
The Beauty of White Sandy Beaches
Getting back into the hiking rhythm felt odd, especially after only taking a three-day break for travel. This year, I had planned to be done with my hike by now, but here I am, back in Florida for the second time! It's almost as if it's become a tradition - finishing my hiking season by adding unexpected miles.
A Beachside Start
We began the day sitting on the beach, a truly incredible way to start. But we saved our beach walk miles for later, knowing it would be time-consuming.
Hiking with a View
After walking along the main road, we took a side road that led us to a camping and recreation area near the fort. It was a welcome change, offering shade and a quieter section of the road. Soon enough, we reached the official northern terminus of the Florida Trail, a place I never thought I'd return to, especially after re-hiking Florida earlier this year.
The Good Old Florida Trail
Along our route, we had the luxury of stopping at various points to grab some water, a much-needed break. It's exciting to be hiking with Slide for the first time this year, having both hiked over 8,000 miles individually. Now, we aim to hike 1,600 miles together over the next six weeks to reach our 10,000-mile goal. It's a challenging final push, but one that will make this year's journey even more memorable.
Back to the Terminus
Once we reached the terminus, we began our backtrack towards Pensacola. It was enjoyable to admire the beautiful mansions along the way and share stories with Slide. This section of the trail, with its sidewalks and wide shoulders, made for a fun and relaxed hike.
Appreciating the Little Things
I missed the incredible trees of Florida, and as we approached town, we stopped for lunch at a nearby Subway. We refilled our water bottles at fountains along the way, preparing for the remainder of the day's hike through Pensacola and towards Navarre Beach.
Heading Towards Navarre
After leaving Pensacola, we continued our road walk, primarily on a bike path. As the sun began to set, we decided to head onto the sand, taking off our shoes and walking barefoot. The ocean, with its stunning reflection of the setting sun, was a sight to behold. We walked for an hour, watching the sun sink into the sea, and I let the salty waves splash against my skin, a refreshing contrast to the desert of New Mexico just days ago.
A Perfect Sunset
The night was magical as we continued along the beach. Tiny sandpipers scattered across the beach, a marvelous sight as they glided above the crashing waves. I felt incredibly lucky to be back, and this time, I knew I would truly appreciate all that the Florida Trail had to offer.
A Barefoot Walk
Slide and I headed towards a parking area with tables and pavilions, a welcome break from the energy-exhausting beach walk. We sat, enjoying the ocean views, and then continued our journey towards Navarre Beach.
A Memorable Sunset
Once back on the pavement, we picked up the pace, our headlamps guiding us across the bridge to Navarre Beach. We checked into a room at the Days Inn, the same place I stayed during my 2023 Florida Trail hike.
The Challenge Ahead
After settling into our room, we ordered dinner from a nearby Indian restaurant that offered delivery. It was a much-needed break, and I knew the coming days would be challenging, hiking 38 miles daily for the rest of the year. But I was ready, and I looked forward to seeing how I would adapt after my previous 9-week stint of 37-mile days.
A Wonderful First Day
What a fantastic first day back on the Florida Trail! I'm excited for the adventures that await, and I hope you'll join me on this journey. If you'd like to support my hike, you can buy me a soda or a snack using the "Tip the Author" button below. Any support is greatly appreciated!
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