Pine Island (mile marker 20) – I75 Rest Area at Alligator Alley
I woke up early to start the day and couldn’t help but be surprised by my surroundings.
The days are long and hard, but all that fades when you are in such a majestic place.
Today would not only test how prepared I was, but it would also test my character and how much courage I had.
Brutal mud that would take away the confidence of someone who is not mentally prepared.
Knee deep water ready to chill you to the bone if not layered.
All these dangerous things, but it was still the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life.
Was 1 mph walking all day!! I even went a little off the path for a split second.
I ran into a hiker named Stitch (he makes his own gear) at Ivy Camp. He’s doing the Eastern Continental Trail.
His long legs and experience helped me get through the rest of those 4 miles out of the swamp.
I was very grateful to arrive at the rest area on I-75, but I will never take for granted what I was able to witness in that beautiful bayou.
PS: The water in the swamp tastes better than the water in the Rest Area. Ha ha.
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