{"id":7077886,"date":"2026-10-06T08:12:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T08:12:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7077886"},"modified":"2026-10-06T08:12:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T08:12:03","slug":"how-these-cards-inspire-mindful-exploration-solo-travel-girls-adventures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7077886","title":{"rendered":"How These Cards Inspire Mindful Exploration \u2013 Solo Travel Girl’s Adventures"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Disclosure: I received a complimentary deck of This Big Travel Challenge however, all opinions are my own and have not been reviewed by the gifting source. Some posts on this blog may contain affiliate links. As an\u00a0Amazon Associate<\/a>, I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.<\/em><\/p>\n

Living in a digital world, reconnecting with nature is essential to me. It keeps me grounded and resets my soul and spirit. Before you read on, know that this isn\u2019t a post about using AI or digital tools to travel \u2014 it\u2019s about how a simple deck of travel challenge cards gave me a deeper perspective on an already meaningful experience.<\/p>\n

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A group participating in a wet walk led by volunteers with Six Mile Cypress Slough in Ft. Myers, Fla., Aug. 15, 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Saying Yes to a Travel Challenge<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I recently joined Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve<\/a> (slough is pronounced \u201csloo\u201d<\/em>) for an incredible wet walk in Fort Myers. August in Southwest Florida is hot, but this two-and-a-half walk through the preserve felt refreshingly cool. Tall trees provided shade, and stomach-deep water kept the heat at bay.<\/p>\n

Before the adventure, I selected a card from the This Big Travel Challenge<\/a><\/em> deck. Created by This Big World, each deck includes 50 challenges across six categories: food, discovery, playful, photo, connection, and mini courage. My card was titled Soundtrack This Spot.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t know the challenge until you scratch off the silver area with the provided pick (think guitar pick). For an extra twist, you can add the Spice It Up<\/strong> bonus. And yes, you can share your challenge on social media and tag @thisbigworld.<\/p>\n

The rule is simple: do the task. Travel is about stretching your comfort zone, and these cards nudge you toward growth. Especially if you\u2019re a solo traveler, like me. <\/p>\n

My challenge: create a playlist that captures how my experience feels. The Spice It Up bonus: dance to it in public (a hard pass from me \u2014 I\u2019m fun, but not that<\/em> fun).<\/p>\n

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Obligatory selfie during the wet walk in Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Ft. Myers, Fla., Aug. 15, 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

What a Wet Walk Really Feels Like<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A wet walk is exactly what it sounds like \u2014 walking through water. Southwest Florida\u2019s rainy season (mid-May to mid-October) fills sloughs, which are seasonal wetlands with wide, slow-moving, shallow water. Exploring one is an incredible way to understand the Sunshine State\u2019s ecosystems.<\/p>\n

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Knobby cypress knees \u2013 part of a cypress tree\u2019s root system \u2013 pokes out of the water in Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Ft. Myers, Fla., Aug. 15, 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Navigating the Slough<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Walking through water takes coordination. You\u2019re navigating uneven land and submerged obstacles like cypress knees, roots, branches, and whatever else nature hides beneath the surface. Walking sticks are provided for walk participants \u2014 mine saved me from falling at least once.<\/p>\n

Stepping into the water felt like entering another world. Although the water reached almost chest-high on me (I\u2019m 5\u20194\u2033), most of it disappears during the dry season. In some areas, the water is clear to the bottom, still enough to reflect the trees, sky, and even me.<\/p>\n

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Serentiy in Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Ft. Myers, Fla., Aug. 15, 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Cathedral and the Grandfather Tree<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I gasp when our guide led us into an area called the Cathedral<\/strong>. Tall cypress trees surround an open space that feels spiritual and peaceful. Whispering seemed too loud here.<\/p>\n

Another awe-inspiring area is the Grandfather Tree<\/strong>, believed to be Lee County\u2019s largest standing tree. It survived 2004\u2019s Hurricane Charley and still stands strong. Being near it felt like standing in the presence of wisdom. If only trees could talk \u2014 or if only we could understand what they\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n

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A volunteer with Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve leads the wet walk in Ft. Myers, Fla., Aug. 15, 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Monday Group: Stewards of Six Mile Cypress Slough<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Volunteers with Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve guided the walk and shared information about the ecosystems and history. Thanks to The Monday Group<\/strong> \u2014 local high school students from the late 1960s and mid-1970s inspired by environmental educators Bill Hammond<\/strong> and Rick Tully<\/strong> \u2014 these 3,500-plus acres are preserved today.<\/p>\n

Their activism convinced voters to protect the area from development and logging. Their legacy is the reason we can experience this incredible wetland today.<\/p>\n

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The water offered some cool reflections during the wet walk into Six Mile Cypress Slough in Ft. Myers, Fla., Aug. 15, 2026.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Creating My Wet Walk Soundtrack<\/strong><\/h2>\n

During my hour-long drive home, I thought about the perfect soundtrack for the experience. I kept returning to the Pure Moods Vol. 1<\/em> CD<\/a> from the 1990s (initially released in 1994) \u2014 quintessential Gen X. My generation. <\/p>\n

My Wet Walk Playlist<\/strong><\/h2>\n