First Annual Florida Hang (a monster event in the making....)

[TFC Rick]

Have we determined a length yet? Are we talking a three dayer? I wouldn't mind a little hiking, but if the purpose of the hang is to meet others, it might be cool to be close to "base" to facilitate cookouts etc.

[Damifino]

...if the purpose of the hang is to meet others, it might be cool to be close to "base" to facilitate cookouts etc.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I know the stock campgrounds are pricey (although the cost is per site - I'm not sure how many hammocks that could be) and also not very adventurous. On the other hand; having a few shin-dig dinners together would be a lot of fun (and possibly a beverage). I think a good compromise would be to have an organizing "base" where we'd meet, eat and hang out. Plan and do excursions from there.

I'm not very good at sitting around in camp so I'll probably log some trail miles or if the weather is nice dive or canoe the springs. (The water is 72 degrees from the spring year round).

I don't think anyone's feelings will be hurt if a portion of the group hikes off for a couple of days. With a larger group you could probably arrange a ride with someone out to a distant trailhead so you only have to hike one-way back to camp.

[Flackfizer]

That sounds like a great plan--something for everyone. Given that this is Florida it is nice to keep things open for folks who just want a winter break but are not up for milage. We need to get the details on campsite costs and figure out how we would get that paid for. One thing I would like to see us do though is set aside some central time so that this gathering of the tribes can discuss the formation of a Association of FLorida Hammock Campers (or some such thing) so that we can set about getting the legislature to change the no hanging rules in state parks rule. I mean what the heck is that about? We have no helmet laws or auto inspection! You'd think that this would be a no brainer.

[TFC Rick]

I'm digging the thought of some good day hikes. We don't have to be in a campsite per-se, but I would like to be somewhere safe.

I have family in Ft. White that owns a 100 acre tree farm. I could see if we could hang there for a small fee. Lots of parks and whatnot real close to them.

[Damifino]

...Alexander Springs is my personal favorite...

Has anyone looked into Hidden Pond? Its quite a primitive spot, about a 2mile hike starting @ the Yearlying Trail Head off of SR 19. It over looks the Juniper Parie Wetland and has a spring fed pond that is very clear.

I downloaded the GPS data for the FL trail and it looks like Alex Springs would be a good "basecamp" choice. Clearwater Lake trailhead is about 9-10 trail-miles to the South, it'd make a nice day-hike. Juniper springs is about twice that distance to the North and would make a nice 2-day. I think Hidden Pond is a bit farther North of Juniper. The trail to it it might make a good drop-off point for a multi day back to Alex.

The wetlands are not so undesirable in the winter as there are fewer mosquitos and gnats and it is the dry season. It should be cool and dry.

If you don't want to spend the $$ on the campsite-in-a-can, the primitive camping rules alng the FT are very friendly, you could hang 100 yards down the trail.

[Damifino]

... One thing I would like to see us do though is set aside some central time so that this gathering of the tribes can discuss the formation of a Association of FLorida Hammock Campers (or some such thing) so that we can set about getting the legislature to change the no hanging rules in state parks rule....

Good idea. If nothing else, we could sit around and complain like most deliberative bodies.

[molawns]

The "base camp" concept is a good one, in my opinion, and should be given serious consideration.

It sometimes helps to remember that not everyone here on the forums is a hiker/backpacker. Hammockers can have a number of different hobbies, and I see no reason to potentially ostracize someone (by choosing a "hike in" location) just because they don't backpack.

A "base camp" gives everybody a chance to meet-and-greet and check out the hammock rigs (the whole primary reason for a group hang), but it also allows for a central location from which to take side jaunts of a person's choosing, whether it's hiking/backpacking, kayaking/canoeing, birdwatching/sightseeing, fishing, etc.

Whereever or whatever we all choose, let's try to remember that the main focus is hammocking, not some other, but possibly related, outdoor hobby.

That's just my $0.02

[molawns]

I should add that I may be able to get us access to a private university-owned primitive campground on the Hillsborough River. It is on a 2.5 mile loop trail in pretty typical local flora covered patch of woods. Just something to add into the mix.

Wow! That would be a pretty incredible opportunity, if you could score access to that!

[skrewloose]

Hey molawns, I was not trying to overlook anyone with Hidden Pond. Having hung their a few times before I saw a real nice place that offered alot and might be worth a 2 mile hike in.

[iggy]

Juniper springs is about twice that distance to the North and would make a nice 2-day. I think Hidden Pond is a bit farther North of Juniper. The trail to it it might make a good drop-off point for a multi day back to Alex.

I've done this Spring to Spring hike a few times. Car shuttling isn't too hard and there's a campsite somewhere in the middle between Alexander and Juniper Springs. I think it's called Farles (?) lake, and has a hand pump well for water and some primitive campsites along the lake. You'll hear the gators making noise all night long.

Look for very sugar sandy trails that can be a little difficult at times.
Sorry, I can't remember the distance from Alexander to Farles lake, but there's no other water source other then the well. Think it's 4-6 miles.

The springs are awesome to swim. They're both national parks and require a small day use fee to swim.

Salt Springs is north of Juniper on the FT if you add another day or two to the hike.