Eglin Air Force Base, a sanctuary of rolling hills, serene boardwalks, and quiet streams that soothe the soul, is one of my favorite sections of the Florida Trail.
It was here, amidst this tranquil landscape, that we reached two significant milestones: the 1,000-mile marker and the high point of the trail, a lofty Florida mountain peak of 272 feet.
Logistically, Betty White made the hike across Eglin easier for all of us. He lived not too far away and hosted us for two nights while his wife not only agreed to stinky hikers invading her home, but slack packed us as well. We all got to hang out with Lucy, his pug, and see the super fancy toilet/bidet that I’d heard so much about.
Though this was a fairly easy section of trail, I couldn’t help but think about how hiking with these people had made all the difference in my hike. The Florida Trail is a deceptively difficult trail, and yet, each day, amidst laughter and shared experiences, we discovered the joy in overcoming obstacles together.
As we wove in and out of each other’s paths, I couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude for the bonds forged on this trail. It’s these connections, these shared moments of triumph and camaraderie, that have transformed this hike into an unforgettable adventure.
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