Imagine embarking on a journey that pushes the boundaries of human endurance, a quest so extraordinary that it leaves you questioning your own limits. Well, that's precisely what two intrepid hikers, Slide and I, have just accomplished. We're not just talking about any ordinary hike; we're talking about a 10,000+ mile thru-hike spanning an entire year, and we're about to reach the finish line in Key West.
This morning, as we awoke in the Big Pine Key Motel, we had a mere 35 miles left to conquer before reaching the southernmost point of Key West. This marks the final day of my year-long hiking adventure, a day I never imagined would come. Last night, I surpassed the 10,000-mile marker, but I'm not stopping there. I'm continuing on to Key West with Slide, where he, too, will hit the 10,000-mile milestone for the year. Before this year, only two other male hikers had achieved this feat in a 12-month period, but not within a calendar year. In 2022, another hiker completed the 'border to border' calendar year triple crown, covering 8,500 miles. And just a few weeks ago, Punisher, a hiker I had the pleasure of hiking with earlier this year, also surpassed 10,000 miles. However, the last few thousand miles of his journey were more akin to an ultra-marathon than traditional hiking or backpacking, a distinction that varies in importance depending on who you ask.
Packing up this morning was surreal, knowing it was the last day of thru-hiking for the year. Exactly one year ago, I woke up in the same place, ready to embark on the B2BCYTC journey. On January 1st, I managed a 32-mile day, which meant I slept in the same spot on my first night this year as I did on my last night. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be back here, wrapping up a 10,000-mile year of hiking in the Florida Keys. When I set out on the B2BCYTC, I never imagined I'd go this far. If you had told me I'd hike 9,000 miles, I'd be blown away, let alone 1,000 miles more.
It's a privilege that my body held up and that I could set such an unimaginable goal for myself, and even more so that I surpassed it. I remember joking back in January about what I'd do if I completed the B2BCYTC, a mission so unlikely. But what if you push your boundaries and find no limit? What if you learn that limits don't exist?
Now, I stand on the other side of that question. Earlier this year, when I was injured, I wasn't sure I'd complete the B2BCYTC. I begged the universe for healing, promising to suffer in silence if I could continue. I believed I could finish the remaining 4,500 miles, and my wish was granted. My injury didn't disappear, but it healed enough for me to keep going. Over time, I healed and learned to live with the occasional aches and pains.
As my journey nears its end, I can't help but ponder: what if you set the biggest goal and achieve it? What's next? Today, I reflected on these questions. This year, I proved to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. When I give it my all, the only thing standing between me and my goal is the unpredictability of weather or injury. This year, I faced cold, discomfort, fear, and challenges, but I never gave up. Even when I took on more than I could handle, I persevered.
Today was a celebration, starting with delicious pastries and empanadas at a gas station. We walked with coffee and pastries, marking the last morning of our 10,000-mile, border-to-border triple crown. We crossed bridges, walked alongside the ocean as the sun rose, and enjoyed the beauty of the Florida Keys. We island-hopped, taking in the ocean views all day.
I tried to stay present, knowing these final moments on a thru-hike pass quickly. I wanted to savor every moment of this hike before it ended. But it's a challenge to be introspective and 'in the zone' simultaneously. Even on the last day, we had to mentally prepare for another 35-mile road walk, which would take around 12 hours.
The day flew by, and I was thrilled to be in touch with my friend Sparkle, who is joining us tonight to witness Slide and I finish our 10,000-mile year. Tomorrow, we'll pass the torch to her as she begins her journey. Sparkle is a dear friend from the thru-hiking community, and we've shared many challenging moments together. I believe she can achieve a 10k mile year, and you can follow her journey on social media @sparklesummits.
We stopped at a food court with food trucks, enjoying a well-deserved break and a steak burrito. With about 12 miles left, we continued, walking alongside the ocean as the sun set. Slide, wanting to ensure he surpassed 10,000 miles, added an extra mile or two. We even walked backwards for a mile, a fitting gesture after adding over 400 bonus miles in Florida. As we walked, Sparkle drove by with Snacks, a hiker I met on the CDT in 2024. They joined us, and we walked together before they drove to the monument. Slide and I hiked the last 3 miles together, a fitting end to our journey. We hiked further and faster with each other than anyone else, and I can't imagine a better partner for this adventure.
As we reached the southernmost point, Sparkle surprised me with a sign, celebrating my achievement as the first woman to complete the B2BCYTC and hike 10,000+ miles in a year. It was an emotional moment, and I felt a mix of anxiety and disbelief. We spent time at the monument, laughing, eating cake, and reflecting. I was exhausted, ready for a well-deserved rest after 44+ days of continuous hiking, covering over 1,600 miles.
Later, we headed back to our room, stopping for pizza on the way. I was so tired that I even fell asleep in the car. But a second wind kicked in, perhaps because, for the first time, I didn't have to wake up and hike 38 miles the next day.
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