Florida Trail - Segment 5 (The First Version)

Wayne's making progress on hiking the Florida Trail. Steven accompanied him on the first segments; now it's Michelle's turn. Isn't it nice that they're such good sports in helping their dad accomplish his goals?

Starting point for this segment was John Stretch Park, ending point was Okee-Tantie Recreation Area, for a total of about 56 miles. That's a bit much to complete in one day, so we divided it into four, camping in Pahokee to cut down on driving time. I dropped the hikers off each morning, met them at each road access point, and then we relaxed at the campground in the evening.

Day One: John Stretch Park to Pahokee Marina - about 16 miles - with stops at the South Bay RV Park, the Torrey Island Bridge and Paul Rardin Park 

Day Two: Pahokee Marina to Port Mayaca North - about 13 miles - with stops at Canal Point and the LOST/NENA Trailhead

Day Three: Port Mayaca to Henry Creek - about 14 miles - with a stop at Chauncey Bay

Day Four: Henry Creek to Okee-Tantie Recreation Area - about 13 miles - with stops at Taylor Creek and Lake Okeechobee Park

They made it to the end! Or, at least I thought they did. A while later Wayne decided there were too many of these "dike closed" signs - leading to road walks - and he needed to hike the dike again once the repairs were completed. It took ten years, but he finally did, and because our kids were all grown and married by then, guess who accompanied him!!