Only 10 Days Left of My Epic 10,000-Mile Journey!
I woke up at the motel feeling refreshed, having recovered from a mild sun poisoning the day before. It's fascinating how these experiences become almost routine when you're on a long-distance hike. I've lost count of the sunburns and hives I've endured this year, but they've become part of the adventure. These are the stories you forget until you sit down to reflect on the entire journey.
As we prepared to leave town, we stopped at the same gas station as the week before. The familiar lady was there, and we grabbed breakfast sandwiches and snacks for the day. I indulged in a tasty cake snowball, a chocolate cake with marshmallow filling and a coconut-chocolate topping, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's rice balls. It was a rare treat for me, making it even more enjoyable.
We set off on the levee, and I enjoyed my coffee and breakfast sandwich while walking. The paved path was a welcome change, and I savored the snowball as a dessert. Our destination for the day was Moore Haven, and we planned to continue to Clewiston, just like a week ago. But this time, we'd spend more than one night in Clewiston, making it our base for the final push to reach 10,000 miles.
Walking along the levee as the sun rose, we knew these next few days would be crucial. We needed to calculate our mileage precisely to ensure we hit our goal. Spending multiple nights in Clewiston would provide a sense of stability, and the timing couldn't be better—it's almost Christmas! Waking up in a cozy bed on Christmas morning would be a dream come true.
But here's the catch: I've been struggling to keep up with my YouTube videos. The repetitive nature of this section has made it challenging to create engaging content. How do you make a monotonous hike entertaining for your audience? It's a dilemma I'm grappling with. I've created a wealth of content this year, but I'm my own worst critic. And hiking with a partner has made it tricky to produce regular social media updates. I'm working on stepping out of my comfort zone, but it's a process.
We reached Moore Haven and ordered food from the Mexican restaurant, enjoying breakfast burritos with chorizo and potatoes. We walked past the lounge and package store, admiring the mural of dogs playing pool and a curious cat. This time, we didn't get stuck behind a train as we left town.
After a few miles on the road, we returned to the levee and discovered a recreational area with bathrooms. It was a welcome sight, and we took the opportunity to dispose of trash, use the facilities, and refill our water. Slide had missed this spot last week, so it was a pleasant surprise for him.
As we neared Clewiston, we planned to grab dinner in town and then walk back onto the levee to add some extra miles. The sunset on the levee was breathtaking, with a thin layer of clouds creating a heavenly scene. We encountered a fellow hiker in the dark, and I realized how attuned I've become to the sounds of nature, even at night.
Slide had a funny story to share about mistaking a stranger for me in the dark, which had us laughing. We reached Clewiston and headed straight to my favorite Colombian bakery, Punto Rojo, for their mouth-watering pan de bono and other treats. We stocked up on food and even fed a stray cat some chicken. The Clewiston Inn welcomed us for the next few nights, and we were thrilled to enjoy some slack-packing.
We added a few extra miles by walking back onto the levee, savoring our Colombian treats. I can't recommend Punto Rojo enough for their delicious baked goods. And if you're hiking the Florida Trail, don't miss Tropical Cafe for their amazing rice, beans, and sweet plantains.
We checked into our room for the next three nights, a rare luxury. We'll have the chance to relax, resupply at Walmart, and celebrate Christmas in style. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for any support along the way. If you've enjoyed my adventures, consider buying me a soda or a snack—every little bit helps!
The Clewiston Inn, adorned with Christmas lights, is a sight to behold. And with a park nearby filled with festive decorations, it's the perfect setting for the holidays.
Affiliate Disclosure: This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. Your support helps us continue providing valuable backpacking advice and information.
