Zeno’s Paradoxical Experiment

“0” Day Count = 8

Location : FTC MM 49.7

Weather :

N/A

Update

In real time, the following events occurred several days ago.  I’m now home in Baltimore, MD, but here’s the jist of what happened.

Completing 17.4 miles since the previous update led me to hit the “Pause Button” — again.

Forced from the trail …

6 nights mending in Homestead, FL, was precisely what the doctor ordered.  After returning to FTC MM 22.9 late in the day, I strode out ably, camping at FTC MM 28.6 that evening.

The next day, at FTC MM 38.7, I filtered water and visited El Pirata.  My goal, IIRC, was to camp at FTC MM 44.3.  As night fell, I considered camping in an unlit, grassy area just south of FTC MM 41.1, but pressed northward due to road noise.  If Garmin can be believed, much of the day was spent cruising along at 3.49 to 4.0 MPH.  For me, that’s fast — blisteringly fast!

Wherever I eventually dropped my pack, the FT levee was narrow, without the usual grassy berm between the road surface and the levee.  Unable to drive stakes into the compacted limestone road surface, I simply crawled into my collapsed tent to escape the handful of mosquitoes buzzing around my ears.

That’s when it began to rain.  🙄

The next morning, my gear was soaked.  Laying it out for 90 minutes while I ate breakfast 🥞🍳 ☕ and tidied up, dried the gear, cutting the pack weight.

Unfortunately, the previous day’s approximately 15 miles had undone the previous 6 day’s healing efforts.  The blisters returned.  This time, on my right heel.  The left foot’s toes were painfully tender, but no new blisters formed.

Calculating … I had 5-plus miles until arriving at US Route 141, and then 45 additional road miles on US Route 141 to arrive at the Everglades NPS Visitor Center, I knew — at least for the moment, I was done.

Getting to US Route 141 that day took AAaaall day.  I stumbled along at less than 2 MPH, arriving at FTC MM 49.7 long after dark.  Eventually, I arrived as US Route 141.  Instead of turning westward, towards the Everglades, I turned eastward, towards Miami and home.

I walked another 1-2 miles to the Miccosukee Casino and Resort.  The casino and resort were the closest facilities to the trail.  The facilities were nice enough (clean, new) , but I wouldn’t choose to stay there if other options were available.  For example, it’s at least 5 miles from the nearest shopping center for resupply runs, and everything is revenue generating centric.  The pool, buffet, and other family friendly “resort” areas were closed and demolished to make way for larger smokers’ gambling areas.  The cafeteria is expensive but not on par with most food trucks.  Chicken fingers, fries, and two sodas — no fountain drinks, rang up at $33, before the obligatory tip request.

Failing Forward 

I’m a fan of failing fast — and often.  I call it Failing Forward.

In order to attempt anything, you must risk failure.  Done imprudently, failure can be catastrophic.

For example …

• I’m happy to attempt to walk 5,500 miles to Canada.
• But, I won’t ever consider swimming the English Channel, tho’ just 20 miles.

Reasonable ventures’ failures provide priceless gifts — if you view the difficulties as lessons and learn from the events.

Ok, so … my initial foray into long distance hiking was a dud, but not a failure.

• A consoling family member texted, “I know you are disappointed. Safe travels.“.
• I responded, “Not really — just pausing, not quitting.  Life is a journey.  This delay is but a detour.  I’ll assess the problems.  Address them.   And hit the trail again.“.

I’ve already made an appointment with a podiatrist.  I do not plan to purchase expensive custom orthotic inserts just yet.  A podiatrist once burned me on that route, ie, “don’t worry — your insurance covers orthotics” — but not again.

In March or April, when Maryland’s weather is likely beyond the severe snow storm season, I’ll reaccomplish the C&O Canal Trail.  I covered the first 70 miles last fall.  I believe I can now do it again — in half the time.  If I can complete the route at a quicker pace and no blisters, I’ll know the FT’s (OHT, FTC) hard asphalt, concrete, and limestone levee were a prime suspect in blister formation.

The C&O Canal Trail’s MM 60.7 intersects the AT in Harper’s Ferry, MD.  If I get to Harper’s Ferry, without difficulties, I may switch trails, starting the AT in Harper’s Ferry, MD.

That’s enough for now.  After re-reading and wordsmithing, I may add more text and photos later.

— HW.