Imagine setting out on a journey with a goal so ambitious, it seems almost impossible. Well, that's exactly what Slide and I did, and today marks the culmination of an extraordinary year of hiking. As we woke up in our motel room in Big Pine Key, we knew we had just 35 miles left to reach our final destination: the southernmost point of Key West. This is not just any ordinary hike; it's a year-long adventure, a "10,000-mile year" to be precise. And the best part? We're not alone in this achievement. Slide and I are about to join an elite group of hikers who have pushed their limits and surpassed the 10,000-mile mark in a single calendar year.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that the method of completion matters. After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and in our case, those steps were taken in a more traditional hiking/backpacking style. However, others might say that the distance covered is the true measure of success, regardless of the method. It's a debate that sparks curiosity and invites discussion.
One year ago, on this very day, I found myself in a similar situation, but in a different location. Little did I know then that I would be back here, having hiked over 10,000 miles and completing an incredible journey. When I set out on this adventure, known as the B2BCYTC, I never imagined I'd go this far. In fact, hitting 9,000 miles would have been a dream come true, let alone surpassing that by a significant margin.
There were moments of doubt and injury along the way. I remember begging the universe for a chance to continue, promising to endure any suffering if only I could keep hiking. And my wish was granted. The injury healed enough for me to keep going, and over time, I became accustomed to the occasional aches and pains. It's a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges.
As I reflect on this journey, I can't help but wonder: what happens when you achieve your biggest, most unimaginable goal? Where do you go from there? This year has taught me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to. If I give it my all, the only obstacles that might stand in my way are those beyond my control, like the weather or an unexpected injury. And yet, even when faced with adversity, I persevered. I pushed through the cold, the discomfort, and the fear, just as Frank Sinatra would have done, chewing it up and spitting it out.
Today is a day of celebration and reflection. We began our day crossing bridges alongside the ocean, a beautiful send-off to this calendar year of hiking. I tried to be present and take in every moment, knowing how quickly these final days can slip away. It's a delicate balance between introspection and zoning out, allowing the miles to pass while also cherishing each step.
And as the day progressed, a special surprise awaited us. My friend Sparkle, who is about to embark on her own 10,000-mile journey, joined us. She will be starting her adventure tomorrow, and tonight, she's here to witness our accomplishment. Sparkle is an incredible friend and a fellow hiker who understands the challenges and triumphs of this lifestyle. I have no doubt that she will conquer her own 10k mile year next year, and you can follow her journey on social media @sparklesummits.
As we continued our hike, we encountered a fun twist on the sidewalk in Cow Key, which brought us closer to the ocean. We even ran into another hiker, Gram's, whom I knew from my AT hike in 2023. It's a small hiking community, and these connections make the journey even more special.
As we approached the iconic sign for Key West, Slide's brother, Eric, joined us on his bike. We had some miles left to cover to reach the southernmost point, but we were in good company. Eric was there when we passed by the hotel where I stayed back in January, a reminder of how far we've come.
As the sun began to set, we realized we needed to add a few bonus miles to ensure Slide surpassed the 10,000-mile mark. So, we turned around and hiked backwards, a fitting tribute to the extra miles we've covered in Florida over the past 44 days. And as we did, another surprise awaited us - Sparkle, Snacks, and Jocelyn drove by, offering us a lift. They wanted to join us for the last few miles, and I was grateful for the company as Slide and I hiked those final steps together.
Arriving at the monument, we were met with a sea of people and a sign held by Sparkle, celebrating our achievement. It read, "Peg Leg Makes HERstory - 1st Woman to B2BCYTC + 10K Miles." It was a heartwarming moment, and I felt a mix of emotions, including a touch of anxiety as people asked questions about our journey. But this is a public place, and these moments of connection are part of the experience.
Hikes often end in an anticlimactic way, but this one had its own unique charm. After a year of hiking, the emotions and thoughts cannot be summed up in a single moment. It's a journey that will take time to process and understand fully. Slide and I both hiked over 10,000 miles this year, an achievement that only a handful of men had accomplished before us. Now, we've added another woman to that list, and it's a privilege to be part of this exclusive club.
As we sat at the monument, laughing and enjoying cake, I felt a sense of accomplishment and fatigue. It's been a long 44 days, and we've hiked over 1,600 miles since I joined Slide in Pensacola. I'm ready for some rest and relaxation, to sleep in and enjoy a well-deserved break. Tomorrow, we'll witness Sparkle and Jocelyn's journey begin, and I'm excited to be a part of their adventure.
If you've enjoyed reading about our hike and would like to support us, you can buy us a soda or a snack along the way. There's a "Tip the Author" button below, linked directly to my Venmo. Any support is greatly appreciated, and it helps fuel our adventures!
So, here's to pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and achieving the unimaginable. Slide and I did it, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.
