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"I wish outer space guys would conquer the Earth and make people their
pets, because I’d like to have one of those little beds with my name on it." Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey
TFC--I had started a Florida "issues" thread, but I will start a First Annual Florida Hang thread to get the ball rolling.
I'm glad the ball is rolling. I did notice the other thread--maybe a mod can combine the two threads. Where I live ~close to 4000 feet~ by February I'll need a dose of warmth (though I've frozen in Fl. in May!). So at this point I hope the group hang site is close to the C-F-G (cross fl. greenway); that way if people want to actually hike before or after the group hang it will be geographically close.
I went to second grade in Avon Park and my dad grew up there. There is a lot of wilderness in the state!
Great trip report! I have been wanting to go over that land bridge. Passed under it a bunch of times. Now that you posted this, it gave me some info so I can make it a reality one day. I love Dunnellon, mainly the KP hole, floating down the river there. Glad to hear thats about where you started. Watering up is the biggest challenge on the trail systems here. I would be interested in a group hang if I can get away from work. Cool stuff!
That was definately true for me although I think if you were to do the hike it would be a mistake to miss the Landbridge. It is a bit of an environmentalist's monument - one of the first of its kind. The section after the Landbridge is used a lot by mountain bikers (other trails but nearby). You don't get the sense of remoteness like with the earlier sections.
The trail is clearly marked throughout as it is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. I am sectioning bits and ppieces of this trail as well (I hope to post a trip report from this weekend).
I spoke with a ranger on the phone ahead of time and he gave me some GPS coordinates of ranch wells that were converted to pitcher-pump wells just off the trail. I mostly used the water sources at the trailheads. Unless you know where these wells are there is NO water anywhere on this part of trail other than the trailheads (including surface water). I treated the horse water from tap - proabably would be okay to drink as is.
Withlacoochee is right down the road from me. I'll trade you well sites at the Greenway for a custom Withlacoochee map.
Tom
Count me in of course!
This is Florida hiking in the summer. In the winter the reptiles hole-up so you do not see them as often. Usually on a sunny afternoon they'll come out to warm up. Sloshing through the swamp is what we have to put up with to hike here. So much of FL is developed that the available untouched areas are unbuildable. This is what is left to hike any distance. Most of the lands near me are low-lands managed by the water districts. It pretty much means there will be sections of trail under water.
Yes - you can camp anywhere in the greenway with a permit. The permit is free and you just have to ask for it. You also need a permit to park overnight at the trailhead parking lots. They are also free. The ranger suggested that I not park at the Landbridge trailhead because of some crime issues there so I chose the next one @ Santos. Santos has a campground and a "camp host" so there is someone on site all the time.
If you are on the FL Trail you can camp within sight of the trail anytime without a permit. I did not ask if you have to be a FT member (because I am not) but the rule may also include that.
I read some of that thread when I was planning. I am sad to report that much of it is true. According to the rangers at Rainbow Springs State Park, you cannot tie anything to a tree (including laundry). They wanted $32 to camp in the park (not to worry, the site has water, sewer, electric and I think cable and Wi-fi!) The State parks are a joke for pack-in campers.
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