Hiking 900+ Miles in One Month
This morning I woke up before 3am to the sound of Fresh Ground making breakfast already! The time change has all of us confused and out of whack. It was actually an hour later on east coast time, but now we’re on central time. But we just rolled with it and got packed up. It’s supposed to rain later today, so the earlier start the better.
We had a delicious breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Then packed out a breakfast sandwich for the road. Once everyone was ready we drove down the road to where we got picked up last night. Then we started walking right after 4am. Bright and early!
We walked in the dark for a couple of hours along the road. Then caught back up to Fresh Ground who was parked and hanging out. He walked down the road to meet us and walk with us for a bit. Then I had my first coke of the day before it was even 7am. We continued along the road after that, heading in the direction of the Alabama border. Today we are crossing out of Florida, officially completing our first state of the year! And one of the longest we’ll do all year besides California.
After seeing Fresh Ground we continued on for another 8-9 miles to the border. And it was pretty dang exciting to walk out of Florida. When I first started this hike the only thing I was thinking about was finishing the Florida trail. Other than some mild logistical planning, I didn’t really think past that. But here I am now, at the end of the first chapter of this hike. Moving onto Alabama! Next we’ll complete the Alabama road walk. Then continue on to the Pinhoti Trail. The Appalachian Trail isn’t far off now either.
Fresh Ground was there when we crossed over the border. It was a brief celebration, but it felt like a massive accomplishment. It took over 900 miles to walk across Florida these last 4 weeks. Now we’ve completed one state, leaving 23 more to go! One of the longest is behind us now.
After crossing the border we continued along the road for another couple of hours. It was a fairly quiet road though thankfully. Because it had hardly any shoulder. I had service so I got all of my work done for the day. Then scrolled on my phone and watched videos to pass the time. And around 10:30am we met back up with Fresh Ground for lunch. We were over 20 miles into the day already though. That’s the benefit of starting so early!
We enjoyed a delicious lunch of patty melts and fries thanks to Fresh Ground. After we finished eating we kept it moving though. With another 10 or so miles remaining for the day. That will put us a little over 30 miles for the day. And we should be done super early, before the incoming bad weather rolls in!
The road walking continued, but we passed by some entertaining sights. We saw some adorable friendly horses. And Fresh Ground drove along side us for a long while so we could just talk to him while we walked. That was a blast and so fun. Then later on in the day we walked by a fenced in area filled with goats. When we talked to them the whole group of 30 or so goats ran over! It was the cutest thing ever. There were tons of baby goats too, which were teeny tiny and cute. All of the goats came to say hello. Then followed us down the road as we walked along the fence. Besides crossing into Alabama, that was definitely one of my highlights of the day. The whole experience was just absolutely adorable.
By 2pm we made it out to where the road crossed over the highway. Then met back up with Fresh Ground who was waiting there for us. He drove us down the road a ways to a small town nearby. They had a cheap motel there and just about everything else you might need. A storm will be rolling in shortly and I’m so glad that we got our miles in already! Now we can just wait it out, indoors.
Once we got into town we checked into our room. Then I showered and washed my socks too. They were so dirty after only a week days of walking! I had to wash them out 3 times before they were no longer turning the water dark brown. After that the three of us went out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. I got enchiladas with rice and beans, which was so good. While we were there we even called 9 Lives and talked to her for a bit. Other than texting I haven’t talked to her in ages. It was nice to catch up briefly.
Once we finished eating we headed back to the room to relax for the rest of the night. I got some work done and then we just watched movies and chilled out. It’s been a long month, but it honestly blows my mind how many miles we’ve done. By starting early and getting big miles in quickly we’ve still managed a lot of “rest”. The balance has been perfect and is allowing me to feel rested and refreshed without having to allot too much time.
Over the last 31 days we have walked 910.2 miles in total. Completing the entire state of Florida from Key West up into Alabama. That makes our average miles per day 29.36 for the month. Even while taking two “nero” days, where I did 11 miles one day and 9 miles another day. As well as the handful of “shorter” days that we’ve done, which have been more in the 23-25 miles range. We’ve certainly found the sweet spot and created a fantastic balance. 30 mile days now feel like a breeze. And although I know that the challenge will increase as we begin climbing mountains, in many ways another challenge will majorly decrease.
Road walking is monotonous and mentally easier at times. It’s a bit mindless and I’m able to multitask and do other things. But the repetitive motion is very hard on the body. Especially your feet and joints. So while other parts of my body will be getting sore and worked out once we’re climbing, I’m still looking forward to that change. Getting onto some actual trail is going to be a wonderful change of pace. I’m very excited to hit the Pinhoti Trail! That’s one of my favorite trails that I’ve ever done. The community surrounding that trail is unbelievable.
I know I’ve said it before, but I must reiterate one more thing. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for all of the support from those of you who are reading these blogs. The endless support and positive words that flow in make more of a difference than you all could ever imagine. Thank you so much to everyone who comments positive words and encouragement daily. I read every single comment, even though I don’t always have time to respond to them.
And a huge thank you to those of you who have reached out and donated to help support me. Whether it be through money for a drink, snack, or to put toward staying in a room. That makes a world of difference and is going to help keep me going all year long. Especially by keeping the calories on!
I’ve gotten comments this year saying that all of the support I’m receiving is taking away from my hike. Making me too soft, or coddled. That perhaps a “real thru hiker” wouldn’t accept so much support from trail angels or other people. But I’m so grateful to everyone who is helping and trying to make this long journey mentally easier on me. If that makes me coddled, then so be it!
I do believe that I could do this hike without anyone coming out to support me, host me, or feed me. But every instance of support fuels my mind more than anything else. This is going to be a long year and an incredibly difficult journey. A great portion of that is the physical aspect, but often the mental aspect is just as hard. The miles are big, day in and day out. Whatever support I can take I will gladly and graciously accept. So, thank you so much to everyone! Whether you’re down here supporting in person, or cheering me on from home.
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to support my hike by buying me a soda or a snack along the way, there is a “Tip the Author” button below! It links directly to my Venmo. Any and all support is incredibly appreciated!
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Comments 12
“coddled”. LOL. that is hilarious! This FL walk, with all the road walking, sketchy areas, hard pavement, big miles, asshole drivers, murderers, rashes, and gas station food…my God it’s brutal and darn tedious. You have a goal and are accomplishing it your way….and that way is no one’s business. I can see why you are excited to start the Pinhoti, I am too. That’s one trail I’ve not “taken” with my Sunday morning coffee. I think tipping is great, youre an entertainer. Given the news, acts of kindness can’t happen often enough right now here in the US, it’s nice to hear of them. I’m glad your heart is full.
Pegleg, I have been following you since the ECT. I am inspired by all the hiking you do. My own section hike of the AT (Springer Mountain to Ashville NC) was derailed by a cancer dx. and subsequent chemo. But reading your blog keeps my dream alive. Who knows I might even run into you on trail. In the meantime, I am happy to support you (once I figure out venmo), and it most certainly does not diminish your thru-hike. I am glad Fresh Ground is anle to support you and Punisher. 912 miles in 31 days is fricking awesome.
I have just started following you, so I’m not really up to speed on all of your adventures.
I have started backpacking again at 60+, hell of a lot more challenging than when I was a child on the west coast! Worth it.
Anyway, welcome to Alabama, hope you enjoy your trip though our state.
Are you going near Flagg mountain?
I’ve been there.
Great job, Pegleg! During these trying times, you’re like comfort food for my soul. I feel like I’m the coddled one. Thank you.
Peg Leg
Don’t let any negative comments linger in your mind. These are coming from couch hikers who haven’t completed 13 miles at one time, compared to you 13,000. I have hiked to the Base Camp of Everest, and Inca Trail and got some of the same negative remarks about sleeping in Teahouses instead of tent camping. You and Punisher have my utmost respect, and Fresh Grounds for the support he is giving. I am soon to begin training for Mera Peak in Nepal at nearly 22,000 feet, so y’all will be my motivation while training. Stay safe and have a Blessed Journey.
I’ve been a follower of your blog since your early AT days- each morning I hope a new one pops up. Your long journey this time is enhanced by the support you happen upon, kind friends, a room now and then, a hot breakfast, and all the friendly critters that greet you and Punisher. This is your journey, keep positive and try to ignore those who question your supporters.
Hello- I have been following you since your AT days. I look forward to your posts every day. I am just dropping a note of encouragement. I admire your sense of adventure and courage. Prayers for a healthy and safe trail year. I hope someday I can provide some trail magic for hikers. Keep on keeping on!
Yay! You 2 made it all the way to Alabama!! I’m on the opposite corner of Alabama NW corner Muscle Shoals. Not really my state but visiting & living here for the time being my daughter & her family & spending time with my grandkids. I’m originally from Seattle Washington but have lived in many states over the years new Jersey & New York on the east Coast & when you do the PCT Washington & northern California lake Tahoe & when you do the CDT Montana & north west Arizona half hour from new Mexico. So I’m going to be reminiscing while reading your trip through the states this year! Fun for me, too thanks to you!! Have fun & keep eating so we all can have fun with you this year 5 thanks for taking us along!!
NE corner of Arizona!
A couple of years ago when you were doing the AT, at some point in the trail you took a detour or something and I posted that you should be a purist and walk every step of the designated trail. Otherwise you couldn’t really say that you completed the trail. I want to apologize for that post. What you have done and are doing is truly remarkable. So what if you get some assistance, or you chart a different route from time to time? What you are actually accomplishing is what matters, and it is truly staggering.
Who cares what everyone else says? If they aren’t out there doing it I don’t think their opinion matters.
Good going, Pegleg! Ignore the critics and walk your walk. Those of us who can’t do what you do really appreciate your posts and photos.