Training Hikes

Over the last couple weekends I've done some training hikes.  Last weekend was about 9.5 miles and this weekend was about 9.25 miles while carrying about 20 lbs on my back.  Unfortunately in Florida the hiking is pretty limited so I'm stuck doing the same areas over and over.  The hiking might be a little boring, but it's more about getting my body used to doing big miles again.

Here are some pictures I took over these hikes:

The beginning

It's hard to tell, but in this picture and the following the trail actually descends about 20 ft or so.  Not mountains, but the best I can do in FL

 

The Hobe Tower.  The sand dune it's built on is the highest point south of Lake Okeechobee at 93 ft. above sea level.

Scrub brush

One of the bigger trees in the scrub area...unfortunately the trees don't provide any shade on the trail.

Onto the wet section.  Some of these areas were knee deep.  Most offered no way around.  This one actually had a flow going across it. 

This one descended into a little valley and then up again into the trees in the background.

Having half of the 9.5 miles be wet in places is actually good training for Scotland as it'll most likely be raining and wet.  In addition I'll probably have multiple stream crossings per day.  No ill effects for my feet from being wet for so long which is a positive thing.