Hike 1 for the 'FLORIDA TRAIL'
Ya’ll, I could cry…. I started a new Journey.
Last month I discovered a Trail I honestly didn’t know existed. The ‘Florida Trail.’ It is about 1,300 Miles long, weaving through the Panhandle and Boot of my Home State. Who knew???
I guess I can actually thank the algorithms of Youtube as it knows Im always watching Through Hikers from trails like John Muir, or the AT, or lately even the CDT. One popped up about this guy, and I was instantly pulled in! Now, I can’t at this point in my life do an actual through hike—- Obvious reasons and then some—- but a girl can dream. She can also alter and plan and design what a trail finish can look like! It may take 10 years, but I plan to hit all of this gal.
Yesterday, for Val Day, Husband and I did this first bitty stretch. 15 miles out and back (as we needed to return to our car, and being in the Park, no ubers!)
(Just FYI- Ft Pickens does charge- so get yourself a National Parks Pass(free for Military), or if you are Military, bring your ID and you’re in!)
We started here at Battery Langdon Beach parking the car and walking down the trail to the Northern Terminus Trail Head. The trail technically starts here before the Fort, but you have to go explore while there! So we hiked all around the tip of the island before backtracking, and returning to the car for a picnic lunch of Hummus and veg and fruit (thank you Publix—- I miss you!) This section is approx 6 miles out-back.
Above: Biggest turtle I have ever seen in the wild—- he was amazing!!!
Below: A couple weeks ago, we were out on this Trail with the kids and spotted a Bald Eagle family nesting. Yesterday, Andrew and I spotted them again, this time the chicks at 8 weeks old! So so crazy cool…..
Then onto the Beach hike section of the trail— Now this part was more challenging for me! Water-bottles refilled, changed out sneakers for flops to carry with us, and we were off! Side note- growing up on the Gulf Coast will Beach ruin you. It doesnt matter where else we have lived, every time we come Home, its just so damn beautiful! Our day was windy, so waves rolled, and birds were out in abundance—- Just stunning.
This stretch of the trail runs down the sand and back another 4 ish miles. (so 8 for us, out and back) and my calves and feet were feeling it!!!!! Ouch!
Sandpiper—- these little guys are just so cute to watch! They stayed by our side through so much of this stretch!
We found 4 of these huge Cannon Ball Jellyfish…
I am so proud though, and giddy that I made this happen. We have so many miles to go to ever make it through every part of this crazy beautiful, diverse Trail…. But little by little, I’ll knock it out!
Let me know if you want to hike along, Ill take ya!
Till next time… -xoxo
PS…. If you’re famished after a long day of hiking, head over to our favorite Vegan Cafe! End of the Line ! I had the Veggie Burger, and Hubs had the Lions Mane Burger! SOOOO good, and hit the spot!