Day 291: 35 miles
This morning I slept in till 6:30am after which acquired packed up. Setting out from camp we have been solely about 3 miles from Juniper Springs. Back in 2021 I lived down within the Orlando/Ocala florida space for about 5 months doing work for keep. While I used to be down there I went to only about the entire springs in Florida that I might. Juniper spring and Alexander springs have been a few of them. Now immediately, over 2 years later, I’m again right here on foot. It’s humorous how issues work out.
Fog rolling in over a pond within the distance.
When I handed the junction for the springs I used to be shocked to not see Beer Run. I figured he would wish to go over to the springs to have a look. I’d seen Juniper springs earlier than, however he’s by no means actually seen any of the Florida springs earlier than. He had continued alongside the path so I made a decision to do the identical. I remembered juniper springs was stunning however I didn’t really feel like going out of my method. Especially since he had continued alongside.
A broken Ocala National forest monument.
I wound up walking for hours earlier than stopping subsequent. It was a lovely day and I used to be feeling nice. I put some music on and was cruising alongside the path and singing to myself. I used to be in my very own little world and having fun with myself. One of my favourite issues to do is sing to myself whereas I hike. That’s one of many good issues about being far behind different hikers alongside the path, or about mountain climbing solo. I don’t wish to belt it out with different folks round. I’m positively not good at singing and simply do it to entertain myself.
The time was flying by and the path was stunning. I walked by some extra marshy areas and ponds. The path was sandy and coated in pine needles. After walking for about 4 hours I handed an unimaginable recreation space. I used to be shocked that Beer Run wasn’t there. We hadn’t stopped but for the day so I anticipated I’d run into him there. I figured he should simply be pushing arduous and doing his personal factor.
A stupendous lake on the recreation space. Boats might enter the water from this ramp.
I sat down on the picnic space and laid my tent out to dry. I used to be curious so I texted Beer Run. He stated he hadn’t stopped but and wasn’t going to for an additional few miles. So I loved a pleasant break alone. I used to be capable of throw out my trash, use a pit bathroom, and dry my issues out. It was a very nice break.
I discovered this balloon within the woods. Clearly somebody launched it and it wound up out right here. I carried for just a few miles after which threw it within the trash at this recreation space. My good deed for the day!
Leaving there I used to be feeling rejuvenated. I’d gone about 12 miles already and it felt just like the day was simply flying by. At this level I used to be pondering I most likely wouldn’t be seeing Beer Run once more immediately. He didn’t say something this morning about pushing arduous or heading for city. But I figured that was what he was doing. That’s alright although. Sometimes you gotta do your individual factor. There’s nothing improper with that.
Hiking on my own brings me a stunning quantity of pleasure. I simply wind up singing and speaking to myself. I discuss to any strangers that I see. You’d assume it will be lonely or boring, however one way or the other I all the time handle to entertain myself. Over the final couple years I’ve spent most likely cumulatively months mountain climbing alone. It’s a novel expertise fairly completely different from mountain climbing in a bubble on path with a number of different hikers. It won’t be for everybody, however I don’t thoughts it. When I’m alone I really feel like all the things aligns completely and I all the time wind up having superb experiences.
Leaving the recreation space I continued alongside the path. The climate was nice and the path was huge open and completely manicured. The miles got here straightforward and the time flew by. I listened to some “Two Hot Takes” podcasts. They are principally the trash TV of podcasts. Listening to them all the time makes me snort and has my jaw on the ground.
Couldn’t resist posing with this florida path marker.
Around 2pm I used to be about 18 miles into the day. Soon I’d be arising on Alexander Springs. I hadn’t determined but whether or not I needed to go off path to see the springs. I’ve been there earlier than and truly hiked about 15 miles via the world again in 2021. I bear in mind it was stunning. But there’s additionally solely a lot time within the day, particularly solely a lot daylight. There’s gonna be some highway walking immediately and I don’t actually wish to hike the highway alone after darkish. That’s simply frequent sense to me.
Around this time I handed a trailhead and will see one thing within the parking space. I almost stored going however determined to cease to see if it was Beer Run. He was hanging on the market drying out all of his issues. I used to be shocked to have caught up as a result of he was pushing so arduous. I joined him there and frolicked. I’d already dried my issues out so I didn’t have to fret about that.
Clouds of smoke from a managed burn within the space.
When we have been on the brink of head out Beer Run let me know that he needed to push on. He needed to hike his personal tempo and get to city as quickly as he might. At this level we have been nonetheless 40 miles out from Lake Mary. I wasn’t positive how a lot additional I’d make it immediately, so it was arduous for me to say for positive after I’d get there. He needed to get into Lake Mary early tomorrow morning. I figured that even when I hiked arduous one of the best I might do is get in tomorrow a while within the afternoon. I didn’t wish to put stress on myself or rush myself. Personally I want to only float.
Beer Run headed out forward of me and I knew I most likely wouldn’t be seeing him once more immediately. I wasn’t actually positive when or if I’d be seeing him once more. That’s the secret although out right here. Everyone has to hike their very own hike, and that’s completely okay. I’ve had a good time mountain climbing collectively. But I additionally know that I’ll be okay alone and have my very own journey. That’s all simply part of it.
I headed out alone which was a novel feeling. It’s been some time since I’ve been solo on path. The final time was on the worldwide Appalachian path. I hiked about 300 miles solo throughout Maine and New Brunswick. Then after I acquired injured in Quebec I hiked for per week solo via the Matane reserve and Gaspesie National park. Both of these events I had a very nice time and it was fairly the journey. Everyone I met handled me nice and I truly skilled quite a lot of path magic too which was sudden. Now I’m solo as soon as extra! For now at the least.
Leaving that parking space I continued alongside the path. It went on for just a few miles via the woods. Then I acquired as much as a bit of the path that was flagged and blocked off. It was actively being burned as a managed burn. Some of the world was actually on fireplace as I walked by. I wound up having to highway walk round to keep away from the closure.
Because it was getting late I made a decision to not cease off at Alexander springs. That was a little bit of a bummer, however I’ve been there earlier than. I hiked there, loved the springs, and even camped there again in 2021. So I didn’t really feel like I used to be lacking out an excessive amount of. I walked alongside the highway for some time. A bunch of forestry automobiles drove by as they have been monitoring the managed burn.
The florida path burning within the distance.
Later on a bunch of hunters drove by too. They will need to have been ready round to see if any deer ran out of the woods to get away from the fireplace. What a strategic transfer on their elements. One man stopped and talked to me briefly. Then I continued alongside. I used to be walking alongside a sandy highway for some time. The highway glided by some homes and at one level I appeared down and realized there was a canine at my heels! At first it made me nervous, as a result of I do know you’ll be able to by no means belief a random canine. But I let him sniff my hand and it was clear that he was a sweetheart.
My good-looking little canine good friend.
This massive black and white noticed canine adopted me for ages. He was proper at my heels and walked alongside me. Then he would run up the highway to smell stuff and pee on stuff. But he all the time got here again! This went on for about 3-4 miles. Literally over an hour. It was a tremendous expertise. The canine was so cute and it warmed my coronary heart to get to hang around with him. It did make me slightly nervous when automobiles glided by. Every truck that handed acquired the canine so excited. I figured that his proprietor had a truck.
After an hour or so a truck lastly drove by and pulled over. I requested if it was his canine and it was! Apparently he lived about 4 miles again. The man was slightly mad at me for some cause. I knew it wasn’t my fault although that his unleashed canine adopted me down the highway. I used to be simply glad that somebody got here to get the canine. Especially earlier than I acquired off of the grime roads and onto a busier major highway.
Within the following half hour I used to be moving into the city of Paisley. The timing couldn’t have been higher for the canine to get picked up. I walked via city and stopped off at a greenback basic. It was nearly to get darkish and I’d be getting again into the woods quickly. That felt like nice timing as nicely. I acquired an ice cream sandwich and water within the greenback basic. Then continued alongside the path. At this level I completed the Ocala Northeast Far Out Map and began the brand new map, Central Florida. I’m getting nearer and nearer to the top of my journey!
A large agave plant. I’d by no means seen one with these colours earlier than.
Before I knew it I used to be again within the woods. It acquired darkish and I put my headlamp on. Then I performed some music out loud to maintain my power up as I walked via the darkish. The path went previous a boys scout camp. Then it bounced between grime roads and precise path. I walked for an additional hour or so at nighttime. Then discovered a pleasant secluded place to arrange for the night time. When I’m mountain climbing alone I’m a bit extra cautious about the place I camp. I attempt to be tucked away a bit simply in case.
Walking alongside the florida path at nighttime.
Ok I acquired my tent arrange after which acquired inside. I charged all of my units after which did some writing. Today I did about 35 miles which was nice. That means tomorrow I’ll positively be moving into Lake Mary. The timing was good too, as a result of my energy financial institution lastly died tonight! I plan to have a pleasant early morning tomorrow so I will be on the town at an affordable hour.
Day 292: 26 miles
This morning my alarm went off at 4am, however I didn’t have it in me to stand up but. I wound up sleeping till about 5am after which lastly acquired up and packed my issues. It was pitch black out however I used to be desperate to get going in order that I can get to city as early as potential.
I started mountain climbing via the woods at nighttime. I performed my music out loud to entertain myself but additionally to make me really feel protected. That’s a hack for all of you guys, in case you’re mountain climbing at nighttime and also you’re feeling scared play some music. It’ll assist to make animals conscious of your presence and in addition simply makes you are feeling way more protected. At least that works for me.
The solar got here up and I proceed to walk via the woods. I used to be pleasantly shocked however I didn’t run into any spiderwebs this morning. I’ve had two encounters just lately the place I walked into huge spiderwebs. Both occasions I wound up with the largest spider ever touchdown on me. That shit is horrifying. Fortunately this morning was easy crusing with no animal or insect encounters.
Passing an indication within the darkness which states searching is at present occurring within the surrounding space.
Even after my 35 mile day yesterday I used to be nonetheless feeling an excellent immediately. I used to be transferring alongside pretty rapidly and the path was good and simple. I wound up walking for hours and hours earlier than stopping.
An image of my head with the bushes above me.
While I walked I handed by a hiker relaxation space. Someone had made a coated space with some chairs and a garbage can for hikers to make the most of. There was additionally water and a few first support gadgets there. It was a bit early for me to take my first break of the day so I simply loved it briefly after which continued to lengthy.
Signs for the hiker relaxation cease.
Around this time the path rerouted for about 5 miles. Some sections have been a bit overgrown however nothing too horrible. I’m undecided precisely what the reroute is about or why, there was only a signal indicating such. As I walked I hearken to music for some time and saying out loud. Then I actually needed to zone in and let the time fly by so I put a podcast on. Sometimes after I hearken to music I pay an excessive amount of consideration to what number of songs I’ve listened to. I do know which may sound odd, but it surely usually makes the time really feel as if it’s going by slowly. When I hearken to podcasts I normally zone out much more and the time flies by.
While I walked alongside the path and varied grime roads I might see foot prints within the sand. I assumed that they have been Beer Runs foot prints and he was up forward of me someplace. After our break collectively yesterday round 2pm I by no means noticed him once more. Last night time was my first night time tenting alone on the Florida path. Also my first night time tenting alone since Quebec on the worldwide Appalachian path. I wound up having a very nice day although yesterday. It didn’t really feel like I used to be alone as a result of I spent over an hour mountain climbing with that lovely canine.
Later on within the morning I handed by some forestry guys. Some bigger vehicles drove by me whereas I used to be walking alongside a dust highway. I’m undecided precisely what they have been doing on the market however they gave me loads of house and waved at me from the vehicles. I additionally noticed a ton of banana spiders immediately. At one level I almost went face first into a large internet. Banana spiders for my part are essentially the most terrifying spiders in Florida. They are nasty trying and big. Their legs are lengthy and almost look sharp. Every time I see one it freaks me out slightly bit.
After walking for about 4 or 5 hours I handed by a deer searching station. There have been picnic tables, a kitchen space, and what should’ve been a deer cleansing station. I used to be most excited as a result of there was working water there. So I used to be capable of splash some water on my face and run some water via my hair. I haven’t showered or achieved laundry in 10 days and I’m feeling fairly greasy. It was good to really feel a bit refreshed earlier than persevering with alongside. I sat there briefly and did some stretching. Then I stored on walking to city
Jumping for pleasure as a result of by the top of immediately I’ll have walked about 5000 miles this 12 months alongside, all around the final 9 months.
I used to be making good progress and at this level I used to be solely about 6 miles out of Heathrow, FL. That meant I used to be solely about 9-10 miles from Lake Mary the place I plan to spend the night time tonight and doubtless tomorrow night time too.
I left the deer cleansing station I walked alongside grime roads briefly. Then acquired out onto a extra major highway. Fortunately there was a paved bike path that adopted alongside the highway all the best way to Heathrow. It was nice not having to fret about automobiles as I walked alongside the highway.
The searching and deer cleansing space.
I noticed this chicken and initially thought it was faux as a result of it sat so nonetheless.
I’ve been seeing these birds loads these days. I like their pink heads!
The solar was out in full power so I used my gossamer gear solar umbrella as I walked. By god did I miss that factor after I misplaced it in Suwannee. The umbrella is nice for rain however I take advantage of it much more for solar. After a pair hours of walking I arrived in Heathrow. It was a fairly busy city with eating places, inns, and a grocery retailer.
My gossamer gear solar umbrella.
I handed by McDonald’s however determined to go to Publix as an alternative. The concept of getting a sub sandwich sounded nice. But after I noticed that there was a Starbucks inside I made a decision to get a Frappuccino. They are such a tremendous supply of energy and go down so simply.
The woman working on the Starbucks made slightly bit of additional Frappuccino. She requested me if I wouldn’t thoughts bringing it exterior to the woman who’s ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. I introduced the additional Frappuccino out to her and acquired to look at her face gentle up with shock. Even although I used to be simply the messenger it’s nonetheless felt good to try this for somebody.
A giant bruise on my wrist. The different day I slipped on a picket walk method and caught myself with my arm. It harm my shoulder and left this massive bruise.
Before leaving the Publix I purchased a brand new pair of headphones. The microphone on my telephone has been damaged for some time. The solely method that I’m capable of make telephone calls is utilizing headphones. But after all my headphone microphone is damaged as nicely! That meant that I haven’t been capable of make any telephone calls just lately. I’ve actually been keen to speak to my dad and mom and a few mates. I felt a bit disconnected due to it. I acquired a pleasant 5 greenback pair of headphones at Publix after which continued walking the highway.
As I walked from Heathrow to Lake Mary I referred to as my dad and we caught up for some time. It felt actually good to speak to him and fill him in on all the things that’s been happening just lately. I’m trying ahead to moving into Lake Mary and having the ability to get clear and actually chill out. On my method in the direction of the motel that I’d be staying at I finished off at a grocery retailer. I needed to get journey dimension bottles of shampoo, conditioner, physique wash, and different issues like that. It’s been about 10 days since my final bathe and laundry so I actually needed to deal with myself and get further clear.
I acquired all the things that I wanted after which some. I even remembered to get laundry detergent to make use of on the motel. While I used to be there I additionally referred to as and made a reservation on the motel for tonight and tomorrow night time. I’m trying ahead to resting immediately after which additionally taking the break day tomorrow. It’s been some time since a break day so I’m positive my physique would respect it.
It wasn’t far to the motel from there. I acquired in someday earlier than 3pm and was capable of test in immediately. When I acquired as much as my room I pulled all the things out of my backpack and acquired located. I started to collect all of the laundry as much as do a load in slightly bit. Then earlier than I took a bathe I truly used my telephone to order some meals to the motel. Luckily there’s tons of various eating places round so I had my choose of the litter.
The timing couldn’t have been higher. I took a tremendous bathe and washed my hair. It felt so good to get clear. I used to be additionally pleasantly shocked that I didn’t discover a single tick on me anyplace. I’ve been making an attempt to look periodically but it surely’s arduous if you’re within the woods on a regular basis. I’ve one set of garments that I put on all day lengthy and I even put on them to sleep. You don’t actually have a look at your self on the market the best way that you just do on the town with mirrors.
By the time that I completed up within the bathe my meals arrived. Then I lounge on the room and ate Indian meals in mattress. I acquired an unimaginable unfold with paneer tikka masala, garlic naan, and an appetizer platter. There have been tons of various appetizers and you bought to attempt one or two of every which was good. That’s my favourite option to eat sometimes. Recently I haven’t been capable of eat any kind of number of meals. It looks like I’m consuming the identical factor on a regular basis. This was a pleasant change of tempo.
The massive unfold of Indian meals that I acquired delivered to the room.
After lounging on the room for a very long time ultimately I made a decision to move out. I actually need a brand new pair of shorts and a pair different issues. The couple of shops that I went to immediately didn’t have what I used to be searching for. In the top I wound up taking a fairly low cost Uber down the road to a plaza with a Walmart. I acquired what I wanted at Walmart after which walked down the road to a dicks sporting good retailer. My present mountain climbing shorts have about six holes in them. I used to be so excited to get a brand new pair of shorts.
The sundown within the Walmart car parking zone.
Some of the snacks that I acquired in Walmart. I’ve been loving these just lately.
By the time that I completed up procuring on the plaza it had gotten darkish. I referred to as an Uber and whereas I waited for it to reach I talked on the telephone with my mother. Then I headed again to the lodge to chill out for the remainder of the night time. I felt completed that I acquired nearly all the things achieved immediately. When I acquired again to the lodge I put a load of laundry in and washed actually all the things. I wore my puffy and put my new shorts on so I might wash all the things.
My new shorts! I acquired my earlier blue ones again in July on the Appalachian path.
The remainder of the night time I laid in mattress and watched TV. I felt so good to chill out. The better part was figuring out that I’ll be capable to relaxation all day tomorrow too. I wound up staying up fairly late watching TV and in addition doing a little writing. But I can sleep in as late as I need tomorrow so it doesn’t actually matter. By the time that I truly went to sleep it was round one within the morning.
