With great support from John and Marion today, I was able to hike 17.5 miles from Brown’s Grocery in Holt (SOBO mile 67.3) to the Pearl Trailhead at 84.8 on the northern edge of Eglin AFB. After reviewing the PAM (public access maps), we discovered that the Florida Trail is closed in multiple sections. Therefore, we will travel nearly 2 hours tomorrow to begin the Eastern Panhandle section on the Far Out app maps.

I enjoyed hiking on US 90 through rural America with many farms, homes with large lots, well-shaded hiking paths near the road, beautiful river crossings, and helpful small businesses. I eventually came to Crestview, a much larger town than expected with nearly every known chain business. We ate breakfast at a wonderful Mom and Pop restaurant, Tropical Palm, in the gorgeous historic downtown Crestview. An old friend from F3 Island Coast, Kyle “Moose” Waltz, met us at the restaurant and shared news about his recent marriage to Heather and the selling of his pest control company to a large UK firm, Moose could retire at age 38, it he still plans to continue working.

I was able to meet John and Marion every 6-8 miles, rehydrate and eat a snack, and easily walk 17.5 miles today by 12:30 PM when the temperature rose to 95 degrees.

Marion Hoffman, his friend John Hafer, and I began hiking the Florida Trail at 5:30 AM from Fort Pickens through Pensacola Beach followed a bike ride to Navarre Beach, a total of 27 miles!

For 2-3 hours we were entertained by the US Navy’s Blue Angels who were practicing for an upcoming air show this weekend. I cannot recall ever seeing this amazing team operate at such a low altitude performing stunts in very tight formations, inverted, and high G maneuvers.

The Florida Trail was very urban after Fort Pickens and before the 13-mile segment to Navarre Beach. Unfortunately, the bike I rented was heavy, very slow (slightly faster than walking), and very different from my personal road bikes. Despite drinking about 5 liters of Gatorade and Liquid IV electrolyte containing drinks. Recovery came quickly with lots of fluids, air-conditioning, and snacks. Tomorrow will be interesting since several sections on Eglin AFB are closed. We hope to make it to Holt and Crestview before returning to the east side of Eglin AFB.