A simple miscalculation led to a Christmas adventure like no other!
Our journey began in the charming town of Clewiston, where we had the luxury of staying put for a couple of nights. This meant we could leave most of our belongings in the room, a welcome break from the usual packing and unpacking. With a plan to cover as much ground as possible, we set out on a series of out-and-back trips, starting with a 10-mile walk to a park where we had met a friend a week earlier.
The day was divided into manageable chunks, making the miles fly by. As we walked along the levee, the morning sun rose in our faces, a reminder of the unique challenges of hiking in Florida. But the real adventure began when we reached the park and a curious family approached us, worried about the mysterious hill-like structure ahead. We assured them it was a safe, paved bike path, dispelling any fears of alligator-infested swamps!
Our next stop was the heart of Clewiston, where we had a time-sensitive mission: to get our hiking permits notarized. These permits, required for entering the Seminole Reservation, added an element of excitement to our journey. We found a bank that offered this service for a mere $5, a small price to pay for peace of mind. While long-distance hikers are often met with skepticism, our experience at the bank was surprisingly pleasant, with the staff treating us with kindness and efficiency.
With our permits in order, we headed to Walmart to stock up on supplies. The ability to stay in Clewiston for two nights allowed us to indulge in a variety of treats, from tasty bite meals to coconut Jasmine rice. It was a rare luxury to have a hotel room as a base camp, and we intended to make the most of it.
As we continued our walk, heading west along the levee, the sun began to set, casting a beautiful glow over the landscape. Little did we know that a simple math mistake would soon change the course of our journey.
Slide, my hiking companion, had a concerned look on his face as he approached me. He had re-calculated the mileage needed to reach our 10,000-mile goal, and the results were startling. It turned out we didn't need to add as many bonus miles as we had initially thought. This meant we could leave Clewiston earlier than planned, but it also meant we had to say goodbye to the idea of a relaxed Christmas Eve in town.
Instead, we would be hiking out of town the next morning, carrying a heavy load of food with us. Our original plan to resupply at the store on the Seminole Reservation on Christmas Day was now off the table, as the store would be closed. We would have to carry our provisions into the swamp, spending Christmas in the heart of Big Cypress.
The realization hit me hard. While I don't need luxuries to be happy, it's a different feeling when they're offered and then taken away. I had envisioned a cozy Christmas morning in bed, but now we were facing a challenging hike and a swampy celebration. It was a bitter-sweet moment, made even more so by the knowledge that we could have turned back earlier, shortening our day.
As the sun set, I reflected on the day's events. The pink Red Bull and tasty bite meal I had enjoyed seemed like a distant memory. I was now focused on making the most of my time in Clewiston, knowing that tomorrow would bring a new set of challenges. With a bath and a full stomach, I prepared for the road ahead, ready to tackle whatever Christmas in the swamp might bring.
And this is the part most people miss... sometimes, it's the unexpected twists and turns that make the journey truly memorable. So, will you join me on this unexpected Christmas adventure?
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