The Final Countdown: 10 Days to 10,000 Miles!
I woke up at the motel feeling refreshed, both physically and mentally, after a mild sun poisoning incident the day before. It's fascinating how quickly you adapt to the challenges of long-distance hiking, yet each experience remains unique. From sun poisoning to hives, these have become familiar companions on my journey, and I've learned to take them in stride. But here's a fun idea: compiling a list of all the ailments and adventures I've encountered this year. It would be a hilarious reminder of the trials and tribulations of hiking!
As we prepared to leave town, a delightful breakfast awaited us. We savored leftover pizza and indulged in breakfast sandwiches from the gas station, where the same friendly face greeted us as a week ago. I couldn't resist the temptation of a tasty cake snowball, a chocolate cake filled with marshmallow and topped with a coconut-chocolate mixture, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's rice balls. It was a sweet treat to start the day.
Our journey took us back to the paved levee, where I enjoyed a coffee and saved my breakfast sandwich for later. The simple pleasures of hiking never cease to amaze me. As we walked towards Moore Haven, we knew the day would mirror the week before. But this time, we had a mission: to reach the 10,000-mile mark.
The plan was straightforward: hike from the motel through Moore Haven to Clewiston, and then spend multiple nights in Clewiston to add those crucial miles. With a finite number of miles left on the Florida Trail and the Overseas Heritage Trail, these next few days are crucial. We'll spend tonight and the next two in Clewiston, doing out-and-back hikes to maximize our mileage.
But why Clewiston? Well, it's not just about the miles. Spending Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in a cozy bed in town is a dream come true. And the paved levee offers a delightful, easy walk with plenty of amenities. It's a perfect way to wrap up this adventure and celebrate the holidays.
However, there's a catch. My motivation to create YouTube content has taken a hit due to the repetitive nature of this section. How do I make it entertaining for my audience? It's a challenge I'm grappling with. But I remind myself that I've produced a wealth of content this year, and it's okay to cut myself some slack. Hiking with a companion has also made it tricky to create regular social media posts, but I'm working on stepping out of my shell.
As we strolled through Moore Haven, we indulged in breakfast burritos from the local Mexican restaurant, a delightful repeat of the previous week. We even managed to avoid the train delay this time! The mural of dogs playing pool with a lone cat watching over them caught my eye once again, a charming detail in Moore Haven.
Back on the levee, we passed a recreational area with bathrooms, a welcome sight for a quick break. Slide was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem, having missed it the week before. We enjoyed a delicious burrito with rice and beans as we left Moore Haven, a perfect hiking fuel.
As the sun began to set, we made our way towards Clewiston. The sunset, with its thin layer of clouds, was a breathtaking sight. We encountered a fellow hiker, and I couldn't help but appreciate my heightened senses, allowing me to navigate the dark with ease. Slide, however, had a hilarious encounter with the same hiker, mistaking him for me in the distance. It's these unexpected moments that make the journey memorable.
Reaching Clewiston, we indulged in the delights of my favorite Colombian bakery, Punto Rojo. Their pan de bono is a must-try, and their smoothies and savory dishes are equally delightful. We stocked up on treats for the trail, including a tres leches cake in a cup—a sweet indulgence. Even a stray cat joined us, though it swatted at me when I tried to pet it, content to enjoy some chicken instead.
Checking into the Clewiston Inn for the next few nights was a joy. We're excited to slack-pack and explore the town. Clewiston truly is a foodie's paradise, with Tropical Cafe offering delicious rice, beans, and sweet plantains. It's the perfect place to celebrate our achievement and the holidays.
With only a few days left, we're savoring every moment. From the stray cats outside our hotel to the Christmas lights adorning the town, it's a magical time. If you've enjoyed this journey, consider supporting my hike by buying me a snack or soda. It's been an incredible adventure, and I'm grateful for your company along the way.
