Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Florida Coast to Coast Trail
I returned to the trail cutting through Volusia County only to discover that it changed names again. This time to Florida Coast to Coast Trail.
Mile Marker 12 was right near my starting spot. But for the sake of consistency, I’ll still break up this section of Florida Coast to Coast Trail like the others. The sun looks bright in the pictures above, but this was early in the morning. It wasn’t too hot yet. And I learned my lesson and used proper sunblock and wore my hat.
Mile Marker 11.5:
The next section of Florida Coast to Coast Trail looked like some of the prior sections. I was back in the woods just a little away from a nearby road and several houses on both sides. What I found more surprising is that not every house had a large fence with countless warnings not to trespass. Maybe the people in those homes can’t afford the fences. But maybe I’m wrong. Perhaps not everyone in Florida mistrusts people checking out the trail.
I also passed another set of powerlines running through swamps. Strange that so many of these swamps have power lines. Then again maybe they have nowhere else to run them. Property values and all that. Not to mention all the space they take up.
This excursion has been an interesting one and now this trail’s mile markers are close to single digits. Only 11.5 more miles to go until I find out what is at mile 0.
Mile Marker 11:
Besides several driveways that crossed Florida Coast to Coast Trail, there was little that was different to describe in this part that I didn’t already mention both in prior posts. Not that this trail is boring. More that the pictures do much more work than any words I can add.
One feature that did stand out was the bridge I crossed. And more importantly, the canal that it crosses. I love rivers and taking pictures of them. I stood here for a bit just to watch the water. Eventually I’ll find a waterfall and you will see tons of pictures then. After all, I love waterfalls and all the ways that light gets bent by them.
I passed Mile Marker 11 and was eager to see what would be found farther east. Now, I was far from Orlando and Sanford. Closer and closer to the ocean with each step, I can’t wait to each the Atlantic. Its been a long time since the ocean made its way into my blog.
Mile Marker 10.5:
The next section of Florida Coast to Coast Trail took me back towards a nearby street. A change of scenery is always nice. Away from the wall of trees on both sides I got to see several farms instead. Naturally I took tons of pictures of the animals.
Special notice to the pigs just chilling nearby that calmly let me take several pictures of them. They noticed me and a few even made noises wondering what I was doing. But as soon as they saw I was no threat to them, they calmed down and let me take some photos that I’m sharing here.
I also saw a farm that told people nearby that they make sure to take care of their animals. To that end visitors need to be registered before entering for everyone’s safety, humans and animals. Props to this place.
Mile Marker 10.5 passed by and I’m that much closer to single digit ones. Remember I’m going down this trail backwards. Still not sure what I’ll find at 0, but at this pace, I’ll find out eventually.
Mile Marker 10:
Florida Coast to Coast Trail continued following the road and passing more homes and farms. Mostly it was the same as the last section though I couldn’t see any other animals through the fences. I could hear them though. Mostly roosters announcing to the universe how happy they were to be awake. I’m sure the people who live around here either tune it out or hate it. But I found it neat. Probably cause I don’t hear roosters very often.
I find it interesting how there is a fence to keep people from wandering off the trail and onto people’s property, but no similar fence to keep cars and pedestrians from crossing paths. Instead, at least on this section of the trail. Sunken land does the job. I wouldn’t want my car to go through the little creek to my left in the above photos.
Almost to single digits. Mile Marker 10 was here to be the arbiter to my journey towards the ocean. Still, I’m more than 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. What is this counting down towards?
Mile Marker 9.5:
I continued down Florida Coast to Coast Trail while following a nearby road. Its Osteen Maytown Road if you are curious. Must link the towns of Osteen and Maytown. A lot of roads in Florida are named like that. Notably major roads that connect two places. while I wouldn’t call anything in this area major, it doesn’t look like there are alternate routes. Probably has something to do with all the preserves and swamps.
Speaking of swamps, by this point I was deep in state park and preserve territory. Most of this state used to be a giant swamp after all. And places like where this trail goes, show what more of the area once looked like. I love going down these roads in history lane. Helps me a learn a lot.
I crossed another bridge on my way to Mile Marker 9.5. And just like that I’m in single digits for miles. I’m surprised that there are not more bridges on this trail considering how marshy the land around me is. Probably will see more rivers and lakes as I continue east.
Mile Marker 9:
With open green on both sides, a road to my left, and farms to my right, you might think that I’m about to say that this section of Florida Coast to Coast Trail was similar to the last few. Guess what I saved you the trouble.
Remember I am not saying that I am bored at all while hiking. Just that there are only so many words to describe scenes while each picture is technically its own story. Mostly I’m trying to avoid the exact same sentences over and over.
I did get a picture of a huge grasshopper. Or maybe that’s a locust. I’m not sure which. Maybe someone more versed on insects can tell me which one is in that picture.
Mile Marker 9 was the first true one digit mile marker on this adventure. Decimals increased the digits technically even if not as far as number theory is concerned. That means 9 miles till something special. Can’t wait to find out what it might be.
Mile Marker 8.5:
The next section of Florida Coast to Coast Trail turned away from the road and plunged back into the wall of trees that have dominated most of this trail. Its really interesting how different the Volusia County section of the trail is compared to the Orange and Seminole pieces.
Many driveways cross this part of the trail. I guess its cool to live right next to a major trail that can take you across Florida. Still I wouldn’t want to live around here. Too far away from the cities. I like taking hikes in the country, but I also like being surrounded by activity and lights.
Not sure why I was so far away when I took the picture, but that’s Mile Marker 8.5 over there. Naturally that meant the days adventure was coming to a close.
For the final section of Florida Coast to Coast Trail I took a breath and thought about something that is a big deal to me. I had Covid 19 less than a year ago and my lungs were absolutely ravaged. I had trouble even doing simple walks. But for this adventure I walked over 7 miles. I have to go back to where I started after all. To me, being able to casually walk 7 miles is an amazing feeling.
I’m excited to see my health improve as I continue these walks. Who knows what I might be able to do once I’m in even better shape.
Pokémon Go:
Let’s talk about Florida Coast to Coast Trail as far as Pokémon Go is concerned. I was disappointed. Besides the above image at a Trailhead, there were basically no stops. But that has happened before on this trail. So why am I making this one sound even worse? Well the spawns were terrible too.
At one point, my 15 minute lure was the only cause of spawns on the trail. I would have gone down almost half of this adventure without a single spawn otherwise. So, while this trail is amazing for visuals and health, this is not a place to play Pokémon Go. There are parks nearby that are much better. I’ll find out just how much better when I explore some of the ones I missed.
I hatched a Hisuian Voltorb which is a shame because I already have plenty of this Pokémon. Maybe my next couple eggs will be better.
Look at Krokorok being an edgy teen and standing in the middle of the road. Soon its gonna evolve and not do such silly things. But for now, it will continue to do silly things that it thinks are cool.
Here I am happy to have a hat and sunscreen on. My body is healed from the prior and more dangerous adventure. So that means I’ll continue to explore without fear. Look forward to my next adventure. I have something special planned.