Early Morning Gas Station Tragedy

This morning, Slide and I got up early and packed before the sun came up. We wanted to get an early start to the day and I was excited to find out that we would be passing right past the gas station from last night. Once we were ready to roll, I was able to throw some things away. Then we walked the short way to the Marathon gas station. Which much to our dismay, was closed! It also wouldn’t be open for more than an hour.

Honestly, that was an amazing way to start the day. I think that would absolutely ruin a lot of people’s entire day. That would set the tone from the beginning. But the two of us didn’t really care much. It was fun, really. And thinking about how annoying that probably would have made someone else actually made the whole situation even funnier. I’ve been having more fun here on the Florida Trail than I’ve probably had all year. At least in terms of hiking with someone else. And the reaction we both had to the gas station closing is the perfect way to sum up why. I definitely don’t tend to get upset over little things like that. And neither does Slide.

Good thing I also bought a few different drinks at the gas station last night. So I still had plenty of sugary goodness to keep me busy. And at some point today we will pass another gas station. After that slight disappointment, we moved on. There was a little further to go. Then around 7am we arrived at the trailhead where we would continue on a dirt and pine tree trail. Then we wouldn’t get back on the road until much later that day.

It felt good to be off the road and just walking down a flat dirt road. We ended up walking along a really beautiful river that was dark brown. Similar to the color of a pool or pond that has been tinted by the colors of fallen leaves. It was a calm and comfortable morning as we continued along the sandy trail. The trail was well maintained and easy to follow. The trails tend to be particularly nice when you are near trailheads and parking areas. And we only had to hike about 10 more miles before passing another trailhead as well.

The trail continued along this river for much of the first part of our day.

The morning flew by, as surely has been the trend lately. The second half of the day is definitely the hardest for me. Sure, I’m tired first thing in the morning. But once I get up, I usually feel great and have solid energy. And since we start so early in the morning, time passes even faster. This day was no different. I’ve been appreciating that trend.

I don’t think we’ll stop again until we get to the next trailhead. Unless maybe it was a quick break just to take off some layers or get something to eat. We were both cruising and I felt solid. But the next trailhead area had a port-a-potty and a water fountain. So it was a worthy place to stop.

There was a large pavilion covered with benches. Plus a trash can! And this entire area was right along the bank of the same big river we’d been following all day. We both drank some water from the dock area. The only way to achieve this was to go down a precarious ladder and lie down in the water. Luckily for me, Slide came down the ladder and offered to fill it for both of us. Although it was almost warm enough to enjoy a swim! Maybe if the river wasn’t so dark and we didn’t have so many more miles to do during the day.

A pedestrian bridge over a small ravine.

After grabbing water, he hangs and stretches in the pavilion for a while. Then he continued and returned to the real road. We made a brief detour to go down to the parking area and enjoy the amenities. The next few hours after leaving there were super pleasant. We continue along dirt roads and some dirt trails. Our path would take us along that same river a couple more times. We even went up and crossed a suspension bridge which is always a pleasure. In some ways it felt like one of the easiest days we’ve had here. I think a lot of that was just how I was feeling mentally.

Glide forward walking across the pretty bridge.

Around 2pm we had reached another dirt road. This would eventually lead us to the sidewalk and we would actually be walking on the road for the entire rest of the day. I had completely forgotten about this stretch of trail! I knew it was coming soon, but I didn’t realize it was today. The road took us past a dollar general and we headed inland to resupply. I had some drinks and things to enjoy now too. I’ve been eating quite a bit of ice cream over the past few weeks, so I had one of those strawberry shortcake bars. And as we were sitting outside the store, I realized something wonderful.

At that time we were only 7 or 8 miles from the hilltop Baptist church. Also known as the «Wilton Hilton.» An absolutely exceptional religious lodge with all the amenities a hiker could want. And since we can add miles whenever we want, we can just add a few miles to line things up and stay there tonight! I was so excited at the prospect of a surprise night inside. I called the pastor’s wife immediately to make sure we could stop by later that night. Apparently we’re the first hikers to arrive so far this fall, so they seemed excited. In fact I met the pastor and his wife in 2023 when he was passing through.

Walking down the path as the sun began to set.

After receiving that news, I was on cloud 9. We would pass the church in about two and a half hours. Then we could leave our things and continue walking for a few more kilometers. Or at least that was my plan. Slide actually hasn’t been busy at all this year! Which is absolutely crazy to think about. He really went through this whole year with basically no support. It’s interesting to think about this because this year I was blessed with absolutely immense support. That was one of the things I found most fascinating when Slide and I met in August. How we were both on the same journey, but have had such different experiences.

The glorious Wilton Hilton.

The next two hours walking along the road were great. Knowing I could charge my devices tonight meant I could turn on my phone and use it as much as I wanted. Which is always a lot easier when you’re walking on the road too. As we continued down the road we saw another stunning Florida sunset. I then arrived at Hill Crest Baptist Church around 6:30 pm where we were greeted by none other than Wilton himself!

None other than Wilton himself! I’m a pretty tall girl, and Slide is a tall guy, and Wilton made us look so tiny!

I never met Wilton in 2023. And when I stopped by earlier this year, the mileage wasn’t right for Punisher and I to stop here. I’m so glad everything lined up so Slide and I can stay here. It was great to be able to talk to Wilton for a while. Then the pastor and his wife came and we talked to them for a while too. We originally planned to cover a few more kilometers this afternoon. But the more we stayed and chatted, the less likely that became.

By the time everyone else came out and it was just the two of us, it was a little later. And we decided to just call it a day and enjoy the slightly shorter mileage. It’s nothing we can’t make up for! Plus, this place was too good not to enjoy every last possible second there. The unit is a hiker’s paradise. It is a large building with a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave and table. Then there is a television and a sofa. And two separate rooms for hikers. There is also another construction with a shower, toilet, kitchen and laundry room. Everything we needed and more.

We both ended up eating some microwave noodles and then taking a shower and doing laundry. The dryer wasn’t working, but I still washed a couple of things and then let them dry overnight. Not long after I was exhausted and settled in for the night. And I was beginning to realize something quite grim. This morning I woke up with a sore throat, but I thought it was nothing. Then tonight when I lay down I felt funny and started getting stuffy. I think I’m getting sick. And doing 38~ miles a day every day certainly doesn’t mix well with getting sick!

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