Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: E Central Regional Rail Trail 2
After exploring the nearby park, I ventured down E Central Regional Rail Trail 2. This section had a lot of similar areas. But they kept me safe from the sun.
If you read my last post from this trail, you might feel like your seeing double. And in a way you are. E Central Regional Rail Trail 2 is similar to the prior part. As this is a former railroad route, there is a wall of trees on both sides. And even though I am not far from homes and even the city of Deland, it looks like I’m in the middle of nowhere.
I passed Mile Marker 17 and noticed that the swamps on the side of the trail increased. I’m hopeful that means more bridges and boardwalks. Its turning out that they are among my favorite features of Florida trails.
Mile Marker 16.5
The next part of E Central Regional Rail Trail 2 exposed me much more to the sun. Which was a shame because I was foolish enough to forget sunscreen when I came out on this hike. Good thing I was here in the early morning and not in the middle of the day.
Speaking of being here in the early morning, I saw something that I have never gotten an opportunity to get on camera. I still didn’t get pictures of what happened, but on my way down the trail I saw several deer crossing ahead of me. Admittedly I was more concerned about a buck appearing. Otherwise I would have tried to get some pictures of the animals in their natural habitat.
Although I had a chance to change it, I ended up passing Mile Marker 16.5 without a picture of wild deer. Maybe next time I won’t be so afraid of animals that are significantly more afraid of me.
Mile Marker 16:
The next section of E Central Regional Rail Trail 2 had a feature different from the parts leading up to it. Development nearby means many of the trees have been cut down revealing the houses and yards just to the side of the trail. But these gaps revealed something that made me sad.
Recently I watched a video about how Florida has historically sold land for more than it is actually worth and created serious problems. And on this hike I passed by a new neighborhood being built with lots of empty land. This image reinforced what I had watched and read about.
Hopefully as this pretty forest and swampland is cut down, it will be used in a way that respects nature. But then again, it wasn’t respectful to nature when it was cut down in the first place. Well enough about my personal opinions on Florida.
Passing Mile Marker 16 means I’m that much closer to whatever is considered the end of this trail. Still doubtful its the ocean. But more than ever I am curious to know what I’ll find there.
Mile Marker 15.5:
E Central Regional Rail Trail 2 has a lot of areas that look different, but are described in words the same. And this part was not much different in that regard. The tree lines vanished for a time to reveal the swamps that lurk just beyond. Many of these areas seem to be on personal property. Mostly showcased by all the signs telling me to stay out.
I like being in nature, but I’m still a city boy true and true. I wouldn’t want to live out here. But more power to those who do. I mean, I guess they experience what I do with this travel blog every day. Still wouldn’t quench my wanderlust though. I like being different places constantly.
Speaking of new places, Mile Marker 15.5 means I’m only that far away from wherever this trail ends. Still don’t think its the ocean.
Mile Marker 15:
E Central Regional Rail Trail 2 took me out of Deltona by this point, but only maps told me so. This section still would be described in similar words to the parts leading up to it. But this wouldn’t last. For not only was I getting near my journey for the day, but approaching a major feature that I’ll be talking about in just a moment.
Mile Marker 15 came and went. The sun was now coming up to a spot where it was harder to see and the Florida heat started to be noticeable. But that was why I started on this hike early. Helped avoid problems.
The last section of E Central Regional Rail Trail 2 was the most unique by far. I now found myself in the town of Osteen and my introduction to this place was a large bridge that carried me over the main street. For those of you who have read my blog for a long time, you might already know that I love bridges. Almost as much as tunnels.
Anyway, I was happy to escape from the walls of trees. Different pictures to look at after all. And a change of scenery is always nice. Given that this trail follows an old railroad line, I have to wonder if that bridge was for the tracks or was built for the trail specifically. Sounds like something worth researching.
My journey for this post ended at the bridge. But a trailhead starts underneath it. And my next adventure will start right where this one left off. And I couldn’t be more excited to continue this adventure.
Pokémon Go:
E Central Regional Rail Trail 2 isn’t much better than the last section as far as Pokémon Go is concerned. With few to no Pokestops and mostly the common spawns you would find anywhere, this is not the place to play.
Don’t let that stop you from exploring the trail. Its a beautiful place to be and for those looking for peace and quiet a perfect get away. But for Pokémon Go needs, there are much better options.
I hatched several eggs, but only one of them was a big deal to me. And that was Deino. Hydreigon is my favorite Pokémon out of all of them. And I never say no to more candy to power up the ones I already have. But the true icing on this cake is that the one I hatched is worth keeping in its own right.
I promised there would be a big surprise with my buddy and here it is. Sandile got the best buddy ribbon and to celebrate all the walking this Pokémon has done with me, I evolved it to Krokorok its second stage. It still needs some candy to evolve one more time so look forward to seeing its teenage form for a bit.
I love bridges and even more, love being out early in the day so that I can maximize my free time. With so much horrible stuff happening in the world, going on these walks is genuinely something I look forward to each week. Staving off depression is not click bait. I really mean it.
Can’t wait for my next adventure. This one was a three mile walk there and the same distance back. My next adventure is roughly the same distance. I can always use the exercise.