Imagine embarking on a journey that pushes the limits of human endurance, a quest to conquer over 10,000 miles in a single year. This is the extraordinary tale of two hikers, Slide and myself, as we near the end of our ambitious adventure. But here's the twist—this isn't just any hike; it's a thru hike, a continuous journey that will test our physical and mental boundaries.
The morning of our final day began in a motel room on Big Pine Key, with only 35 miles left to reach the southernmost point in Key West. This marked the end of my year-long hiking adventure, a feat only a handful of male hikers had achieved before, but never in a calendar year. As I reflect on this journey, I can't help but think of the day it all started, January 1st, when I embarked on the B2BCYTC (Border to Border Calendar Year Triple Crown) challenge, covering an impressive 32 miles on my very first day.
The goal I set for myself seemed unimaginable, yet here I am, surpassing 10,000 miles, and Slide is about to join me in this remarkable achievement. But the path to this success wasn't without its challenges. I recall a time when an injury threatened to derail my progress, and I pleaded with the universe for healing, promising to endure the rest of the journey in silence if only I could continue. Miraculously, my wish was granted, and I learned to appreciate every step of the way, even the painful ones.
As we hiked through the Florida Keys, I couldn't help but ponder the question—what if you set an unimaginable goal and achieve it? What comes next? This journey has taught me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to, and the only real obstacle is the unpredictability of weather and injury. Whether it was enduring harsh weather conditions or facing my fears of hiking alone in grizzly country, nothing could stop me from reaching my goal.
Our last day on the trail was filled with joy and celebration. We started with delicious pastries and empanadas, a perfect energy boost for the day ahead. We walked alongside the ocean as the sun rose, a picturesque way to end our calendar year of hiking. We island-hopped, enjoying the ocean views, and I made a conscious effort to stay present, knowing that these final moments would pass by in a flash.
The day flew by, and I was thrilled to be in touch with my friend Sparkle, who was about to embark on her own 10,000-mile journey the next morning. We met up with her and other friends, sharing stories and celebrating our achievements. As we hiked, we reminisced about the challenges and triumphs of the past year, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the companionship and support of fellow hikers like Slide and Sparkle.
The sun began to set as we approached Key West, and we encountered another hiker, Gram's, who I had met on the Appalachian Trail back in 2023. It was a delightful surprise to see a familiar face on this epic journey. We even had a brief reunion with Sparkle, who drove by with Snacks, another hiker I met on the CDT in 2024. They joined us for a while, and we shared our excitement for the upcoming adventures.
As we neared the southernmost point, Slide and I decided to walk to the old monument for a private celebration. We wanted to ensure we hit the 35-mile mark for the day, and my watch confirmed it as we walked towards the new monument. There, we were greeted by Sparkle, who had made a sign for me, celebrating my achievement as the first woman to complete the B2BCYTC and hike over 10,000 miles in a year. It was an emotional moment, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and pride as onlookers tried to understand our accomplishment.
Reflecting on this journey, I am in awe of what we've achieved. I never imagined I'd be the first woman to hike and backpack over 10,000 miles in a single year. It's a testament to the power of setting goals and pushing boundaries. As I look back on the past year, I realize that the most significant part of this journey isn't just the miles hiked but the lessons learned and the friendships forged along the way. And now, as I prepare to rest and recover, I can't help but wonder—what's next? What new adventures await on the trail?
If you're inspired by our story and want to support our adventures, consider buying us a soda or a snack along the way. Your support means the world to us as we continue to explore and challenge ourselves on the trail. And remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so keep pushing your boundaries and see where the trail takes you!
