Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Spring to Spring Trail
After exploring some parks I finally continued my adventure onto Spring to Spring Trail. Continuing where Cross Seminole Trail left off, I was excited for all sorts of new discoveries.
Starting right where Cross Seminole Trail ended, right at the county line with Volusia County I found that the Spring to Spring Trail actually started here instead of across the nearby park. Far from a bad thing though. It meant I got to spend more time outdoors and get my legs some much needed exercise.
Convinenantly, the trail circled around Lake Monroe Park rather than travel through it. Helped avoid duplicate photos with the added benefit of dodging the large crowd visiting the park. Instead, I saw a neighborhood on the left after bidding farewell to Us Highway 17-92. I don’t think I’ll see that road again while exploring this trail.
Now that I am in Volusia County, the signage and markers along the trail has once more changed. And I like the updates. The signs and distance between major landmarks is clear. I’m a fan of the estimated times to each area too. Helps me plan these adventures better.
Mile Marker 26.5
Yes you read that right. I started at Mile Marker 26.5 when I started my proper hike down Spring to Spring Trail. It finally happened. This time I’m going down the trail backwards. What was not backwards at all was how amazing even the first section of this trail was.
I was greeted by a boardwalk and swampland once passing the initial welcome sights. There were warnings that parts of the trail were flooded. Well not any of the spots I visited on this adventure. But hurricane season is starting so that might change for future adventures.
I was happy for the shade on this part of the trail. It was near noon and it was scorching out there. Unfortunately with shade comes bugs. I was assailed by all sorts of gnats and mosquitos. But the wildlife didn’t stop me from enjoying the trail.
Mile Marker 26:
Unfortunately that shade didn’t last forever on Spring to Spring Trail. Once I started my way towards Mile Marker 26, the sun was blasting me at full force. Realizing how foolish I was for not bringing a hat didn’t help with the blistering heat and sun overhead.
At least some clouds above gave a little bit of relief. The sky was beautiful. One of the highlights of this adventure. That is why you might notice more of it than usual in this post.
Another issue I ran into was that my phone, trusty companion for taking photos on all my adventures was starting to run extremely hot. Not wanting to risk overheating and destroying such a vital tool, I snapped less pictures and gave the chance for it to cool down.
A shame that I couldn’t capture even more of what was around me. But take my word for it when I say, the immersive power of nature outdid my need to be out of the heat. This is one of my favorite trails that I have hiked. And I can’t wait for more. Maybe earlier or later in the day next time.
Mile Marker 25.5:
Mile Marker 25.5 put me more in the sun. The shaded spots were almost completely non existent by this point. My phone only grew hotter as the suns rays intensified too. But enough about that.
The sky continued to leave breathtaking visuals. And I took as many pictures as I could of that scene. Many people hate how power lines look overhead. I’m not one of those people. I think that the wires sailing through the sky add to the appeal. But I’m not a land appraiser so my opinion matters little on this matter.
Something I noticed as I went through this part of Spring to Spring Trail was signs of other trails that darted in other directions. Should I explore these other routes? I’m not sure. It could be fun. But I have no idea where these trails go and how far. Maybe come winter when it cools down in Florida I’ll take a look.
By this point in my adventure on Spring to Spring Trail, the heat was starting to really get to me. Seeing that I had another mile to go to reach the springs, and that there was a trailhead nearby, I decided to stop at this part of the trail and resume my adventure here next time.
This was an exciting find and I can’t wait to return to check out the next part. Given how the mile markers are counting down, I have plenty of trail left to explore.
Pokémon Go:
As you can see from the above image there were no Pokestops on Spring to Spring Trail. But that doesn’t mean it was a bad spot to play Pokémon Go. Quite the contrary in fact. Nonstop spawns with some being rare Pokémon like Gible is nothing to scoff at. Just make sure to bring some sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of Pokeballs if you want to play here.
I hatched 4 eggs on my walk. The Poliwag and Litten were welcome additions.
Sandile is still my buddy and the forest behind them looks strange with the lighting and quality of the camera that took the photo. Not that the little croc minds.
Here is a closeup of my face and a beard that is way too long. I was roasting in the sun and covered in sweat. But I had a great time even with all those things considered.