We Talkin’ Practice

April, 15, 2025 - Florida Backpacking Trip

With my start date for the Pacific Crest Trail less than a month out, I wanted to get my legs in shape and test some of my new gear.

I perused AllTrails and found some pristine Florida wilderness less than an hour away from me in Myakka River State Park. After deciding on a trail, I waited a few days for a cold front to provide ideal conditions.

To miss the hottest part of the day, I got to Myakka around 1 pm and started hiking at 2 pm. I took Fox Low Road to Mossy Hammock Campground, about 3 miles, and had a snack under the oak canopy. I was blown away by the Florida beauty I had taken for granted when I moved to the west coast. Giant oak tree canopies cast natural halls for any idiot dumb enough to face the southern heat. The Spanish moss hung like streamers, while the ferns below made a soft landing for them if they ever decided to fall. I ate banana chips and nuts while I watched a beehive buzz in the tree next to me. I laughed because I was going to camp at Bee Island, but surely this spot could’ve shared the name.

After the oak grove, I hiked another 3 miles to Bee Island Campground. I crossed a palmetto desert in the blaring sun and definitely did not drink enough water. I took breaks at the tree lines and made it to camp around 5:30pm.

I picked the spot with the best view of the sunset and set up my new tent, a Durston X Mid Pro 2. Once I figured out the setup, I really liked this tent. It only weighs a pound and uses my trekking poles to pitch it.

Once my camp was set up, I ate some ramen with chicken for dinner and watched the sunset. Unfortunately, I couldn’t have a fire due to drought conditions, but the bugs weren’t too bad.

Once I finished dinner, I put my food away and watched the stars glisten as I listened to the coyotes howl in the distance. The moonrise was so bright that it woke me up. I thought it was someone with a headlamp getting to their campsite late at night. I went back to bed for some restless sleep and woke up with the sunrise.

I ate a protein bar for breakfast and hiked the 5 miles out, finishing around 10:30 am. I ate 2nd breakfast at the park food truck. Pancakes, eggs, and sausage capped off the trip.

With my gear holding up and my legs feeling good, my excitement increased for starting the Pacific Crest Trail on May 7th.