A Night's Rest in a Florida Church Fellowship Hall
A Tale of Unexpected Comfort
Despite a late night, I awoke feeling surprisingly refreshed, a welcome change from the usual hotel room fatigue. Perhaps it was the shallower sleep, but I felt ready to tackle the day. Our plan for the day was ambitious: a 38-mile hike, with the charming town of Christmas, Florida, as our destination. Little did I know, this town held a special surprise - a church with an open-door policy for thru hikers like myself.
A Delicious Start to the Day
After a quick Uber ride back to Chick-fil-A, our day began on a delicious note. I indulged in a frozen coffee and a breakfast burrito, a rare treat I hadn't experienced in a while. The energy boost was much-needed, and I even packed some snacks for later. As we resumed our hike, I reflected on the importance of staying connected with loved ones, especially when the trail demands so much of our focus.
Graffiti and Memories
As we left the road and entered the woods, a wave of memories washed over me. I recalled my last visit in 2023, the friendly encounters, and the not-so-pleasant ones. One particular memory stood out - an uncomfortable conversation with a stranger who seemed to have ill intentions. It's a reminder to always trust your instincts, no matter how hard it is to explain those feelings.
A Scary Encounter and Growth
Later, as I walked alone in the woods, that same man appeared, waving excitedly. It was a bizarre and unsettling experience, especially considering the isolated location. I felt vulnerable, but luckily, he had no malicious plans. This encounter, coupled with a similar one earlier this year, has taught me a lot about staying alert and trusting my instincts.
Navigating the Rainforest-like Trail
The trail today was a mix of dry, sandy paths and swampy boardwalks. At times, we walked through a forest of pines and palms, a beautiful yet challenging terrain. I recalled the swampy conditions from my 2023 hike and how I had navigated a longer road walk earlier this year to avoid some of these challenges.
Overcoming Obstacles
As we continued, we encountered flooded trails, our feet sinking into dark, swampy water. It was a slow and exhausting process, but we managed to find dry spots and navigate around the obstacles. I rewarded myself with a can of blueberry white tea, a small victory in a day filled with challenges.
The Gore Section and a Much-Needed Break
The trail widened, and we found ourselves on a dry, dirt road. But soon, the swampy conditions returned, and we had to navigate through flooded sections, our pace slowing significantly. We found a bench and took a much-needed break, stretching our legs and catching our breath. It was a welcome respite before continuing on our journey.
A Late Arrival in Christmas, FL
As the day progressed, it became clear that we wouldn't reach Christmas, FL as early as we had hoped. The AA meeting at the fellowship hall, which we had planned to attend, was no longer an issue. After hours of hiking through swampy conditions, we emerged onto a dirt road just as darkness fell. We decided to stay on the road, knowing that it would lead us to town.
Christmas Decorations and a Resupply
The town of Christmas lived up to its name, with beautiful Christmas decorations adorning the area. It was a delightful surprise, especially considering the time of year. We made our way to the general store for a much-needed resupply, stocking up on food and drinks for the next few days. I even treated myself to multiple drinks for the evening and the following day.
Meeting Pastor Ken and a Kind Offer
Pastor Ken, the kind soul who offered us a place to stay, arrived at the store. He had expected us at the fellowship hall earlier, but the swampy trail had delayed our progress. We chatted with him, ate our pizza, and packed our food for the next leg of our journey. Pastor Ken kindly offered us a ride to the church, but we declined, opting to walk the mile or so to the fellowship hall ourselves.
A Late Arrival and a Bobcat Sighting
By the time we reached the fellowship hall, it was almost 9 PM, and we had only covered a little over 30 miles due to the swamp hiking. Originally, we had planned to hike an additional 5-6 miles, but the late hour prompted us to call it a day. As we walked from the gas station to the church, we were treated to a rare sight - a bobcat crossing the multi-lane highway, narrowly avoiding traffic. It was a thrilling end to an eventful day.
A Comfortable Night's Rest
We settled into the fellowship hall, laying out our sleeping pads on the floor. I washed my shoes and socks and dried them near a space heater. Instead of a shower, I opted to wash my legs, too tired to do much else. We headed to bed, exhausted but grateful for the comfort and hospitality of the church.
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