John and Sandy at the Big O kickoff (photo by Audrey Fitzgerald)
After a dozen years of attending bits and pieces and often the whole thing, the Big O Hike had become a welcome routine, a time to gather with friends.
This year was very different. Being in charge meant having to worry about both the big picture and the details. And worry was the operative word. Although long-time hike leader Paul Cummings often said “it’ll all work out,” being the new leader meant I didn’t know for sure it would. From mix-ups in communications to last-minute route changes, John and I were juggling it all behind the scenes.
What we discovered, as the hike went on, is that the hikers didn’t notice the hiccups. Everything worked out fine for them to enjoy the hike and camaraderie that develops over nine days. And they were most appreciative.
With our hands full for 10 days around the lake – and me getting sick after the kickoff – there was no time to blog during the event, as I usually do. No quiet downtime for reflection. So we’ll be sharing vignettes from the hike over the next few weeks. During the hike, we did post images on our Facebook page, which you can view (even if you’re not a member) at http://www.facebook.com/floridahikes
Exhausting and Exhilarating at the same time! Was great to be with old hiking friends and meet the new ones. A few minor challenges for me as the Campground Liaison, but happy to receive positive comments from campers for our stay at the two KOA’s, Okeechobee and Clewiston, “North and South”. USACE extended their greetings and gladness that we had a successful event when I returned the photo chart, and said we can borrow it again next year. We only lost one hiker, but that was in the campground so does not count toward the 5% allowance.
High winds did take down my tent, but may be on the mend before next year. Meantime, I am taking a break from Nutty Buddys, Hope you reading this Lynn M., aka trail name “Nutty Buddy”. I have the receipts…