Rose and I went to Florida!!!! Here were the hikes (using that term liberally) that we did, as well as a couple other photo highlights from our trip :)
(Prepare yourselves for a VERY long blog post ahead, with MANY photos!)
Nature trail at Long Key State Park (#8)
We traveled with my sister-in-law and Rose's same-aged cousin, so we counted this as our "hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet"
Dry Tortugas National Park (#9)
We snorkeled and wandered all over the place here. I know we walked well over a mile. It was so beautiful, and I only wish we could have camped here!!!
Bahia Honda State Park (#10)
The purple flag was up, indicating "marine pests." Portugese man-o-wars sure are beautiful, but we were very careful not to touch them!
Kayaking at Key Biscayne NP (#11)
I know it's not exactly (or at all) a hike, but we decided that we can count kayaking if we can count biking. We can set our own rules for our challenge, right?! :) Also, MANATEES!!!!
Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo trails - Everglades (#12)
Apparently this (the Anhinga trail) is the most popular trail in the Everglades, and people come from all over the world to see the wildlife. The fish, turtles, and birds were absolutely incredible! We added on the Gumbo Limbo trail to make it about 2 miles total.
 |
| we called this the "candy corn bird" due to its beak |
Guy Bradley Trail at Everglades (#13)
We camped in an eco-tent at Flamingo, and it was incredible to experience glamping! I may never want to go back to a sleeping pad after "camping" with a real bed :) After we set up in our sturdy tent, we hiked back to the marina, where we saw manatees and crocodiles! The drawback was that this mile-long hike was absolutely swarming with mosquitos. Even with bug spray, I was completely eaten alive! Thus Rose and I dubbed this the "mosquito hell trail."
 |
| crocodiles, not alligators |
Shark Valley Trail at Everglades (#14)
Another "hike," this was actually a bike ride. A 14 mile bike ride, to be exact! (7 miles to/from the overlook at the end.) Rose said this was her favorite experience of the whole trip. So many alligators!!!
 |
| alligator!!! |
 |
| another "candy corn bird" |
 |
| the Anhinga bird |
 |
| baby alligator!! |
And, just for kicks, here are a few other highlights of our trip:
 | |
| Robert is Here was an amazing fruit stand with incredible | milk shakes for breakfast!! |
 |
| Sunset at Mallory Square in Key West |
 |
| Key lime pie!! |
 |
| huge tarpon! |
 |
| Cubano with Cafe con leche!!!! |
 |
| 20 min to go 0.2 miles?!? |
So proud of the work our girls did to become three-time junior rangers!
Thanks for the incredible trip, Emily and Annie!! Rose and I had a fabulous time :)
52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE
hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey.
hike #2 - 1/2/22 - 1.3 miles, down the
dry river bed and up the road - 16. Touch five trees on your hike
(remember to stay on trail!)* we touched 103 trees!
hike #3 - 1/9/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next.
hike #4 - 1/15/22 - 1 mile meandering around our house - 42. Use your imagination on the trail.*
hike #5 - 1/22/22 - biking around the Craig campground - 40. Hike a loop trail.*
hike #6 - 1/29/22 - 1.75mi bike/hike at Giant Springs State park - 7. Hike in a state park.*
hike #7 - 1/30/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike.
hike #8 - 2/2/22 - 1.25 mile nature hike at Long Key State Park (Florida) - 11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet.
hike #9 - 2/3/22 - hiking and snorkeling at Dry Tortugas NP - 5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.*
hike #10 - 2/4/22 - hiking around Bahia Honda SP - 12. Take a friend on a hike.
hike #11 - 2/5/22 - kayaking at Biscayne NP - 4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek.
hike #12 - 2/6/22 - Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.*
hike #13 - 2/6/22 - Guy Bradley's Mosquito Hell Trail at Everglades NP (2 mi) - 43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)*
hike #14 - 2/7/22 - biking the 14-mile Shark Valley Trail at Everglades NP - 18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike.
52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO
2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.*
3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing.
6. Hike outside of your city.
8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc.
9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day.
10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.*
13. Enjoy a meal on trail.
14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break.
15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy.
17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc.
19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them.
20. Go on a geology hike.*
21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them.
22. Go outside at night and stargaze.
23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them.
24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.)
25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles.
26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.
28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike.
29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc.
30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms.
31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds.
32. Bring a new friend hiking with you.
34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by.
35. Go on a designated nature walk.*
37. Hike to or in an historical place.*
38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.*
39. Hike an out and back trail.*
41. Go on a geocaching hike.*
44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood.
45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc.
46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail.
47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination.
48. Hike in a canyon.
49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail.
50. Hike in a forest.*
51. Hike in a desert.
52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge!
53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.