This morning I decided to start my hiking training by heading up to Wekiwa Springs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wekiwa_Springs_State_Park). The park opened at 8 so I was there a few minutes early only to see a cue of cars waiting to get in, so I was about the 10th car into the park when they opened. The initial plan was to hike 5.3 miles along the Volksmarch Trail (orange line)… at least that was the plan. I ended up on the main hiking trail, which is 13.5 miles (white lines). The good thing is I had plenty of food and water, so as long as my legs held up I would be ok.
The trails were empty, I saw 2 groups of women hiking and that was in the first 2-3 miles, then I appeared to be on my own… which should have been a sign! I keep following the signs waiting for the trail to split but I just never saw the split. Finally I ran into another lady who was looking to turn around or something, it was then I realized I was on the white trail an had been for probably an hour. I had a choice to make at this point turn around or keep going? The trail ha been more like a walk in the park than a tough trail and I had plenty of food and water so I decided to push on.
It was quiet for awhile and I decided I needed to save the battery on my phone as I was going to be out for longer than I planned. Eventually I met a guy hiking that looked like he know what he was doing, so I at least knew I was on the right path. The funny thing was he told me “good luck” now I didn’t know if it was because I clearly looked like a beginner despite all my new gear? Well about 20 minutes later I figured out why he said good luck…
I would say the next few hours I was hiking through a swamp. It was full of bugs and who knows what else… my shoes were waterproof but not above my ankles and I wanted to keep my feet dry. There were several placed that I really wanted to quit, but I didn’t have that option so I kept moving (really wishing I had some bug spray on).
Eventually I made it to camp cozy and finally took a break for some lunch. For lunch I had small piece of cheese, smoked salmon and some cauliflower crisps. I brought these date bites, but they didn’t fair well in my backpack.
After lunch it was back on the trail (no other option) and I could tell I was getting tired as I missed the trail once and I started to get a bit grumpy! Eventually I made it back (5 1/2 – 6 hours later) and went over to the springs to dip my tired feet and boy did it feel nice!
It was a really nice way to spend a Sunday morning despite the issues! Now it is time to rest my feet and take a nap!
Lessons Learned:
- Do not put your bug spray in the bottom of your pack (you can’t get it when you need it)
- ALWAYS bring a hat
- Double/triple check the map
- Make sure your GPS is working
The Johnsons 
Looks amazing
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