03 Dec 2013 5 min read

The Big O, Differently

After a dozen years of attending, the Big O Hike had become a welcome routine. This year was very different. Being in charge meant having to worry!

Hikers who completed a circuit of Lake Okeechobee at the 2013 Big O Hike

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 hike 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.

From t-shirt and program design to logistics, it was a huge amount of work

The amount of planning and on-site coordination that goes into an event this big is truly daunting. On top of that, we dealt with construction-related trail closures that could change at any time.

Nearly a third of the loop - 35.5 miles of the Florida Trail - is closed to public access. It took some creative thinking to work around it. John was on last year's Pahokee to Port Mayaca roadwalk, which required a law enforcement escort. It was hard on participants and complicated to arrange. To avoid roadwalks, we skipped closed sections, adjusting the daily mileage downward and providing alternative guided hikes on public lands.

We provided alternate guided hikes on the Rafael Sanchez Trail, Dupuis Loop, Florida Trail north from Okee-tantie, and the Fort Center Trail in Lakeport

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.

Of course many continued their longtime volunteer roles, and newcomers jumped in to volunteer: for shuttles, for Happy Hour, for setup and cleanup of the meeting rooms, and as hike leaders for the alternate hikes.

Mike served as Wagonmaster, Paul as shuttle coordinator, and Ginny and Bill organized the talent show

With our hands full for 10 days around the lake - and me getting sick after the kickoff - there was no time for me to blog during the event, and no downtime for reflection. The best I could manage was capturing the goings-on around me.

The 22nd Annual Big O Hike

Campgrounds: Okeechobee KOA, Clewiston Campground (former KOA)

Day 1

Kickoff: Saturday November 23, 2013, 9 AM
Port Mayaca Recreation Area to J&S Fish Camp, 8.5 miles
Wimp Walk: Rafael Sanchez Trail, 3.5 mile round trip