SECOND ANNUAL FLORIDA HANG (planning)

**DoWhatIDo** · 08-30-2011, 21:00

Originally Posted by Damifino

Scouting/Hidden Pond weekend in early November?

I'm down for that.

**SGTDoxsee** · 08-30-2011, 21:04

+2 my wife and I will be there just name the place and time!

**JaxHiker** · 08-30-2011, 21:23

I don't think Hidden Pond is anywhere near large enough for the anticipated crowd. Not to mention it'll be a challenge to say the least to get all the cooking stuff there for the feast.

**dpitalo** · 08-30-2011, 21:27

Ooooooo...I've got me +1 girlfriend and +2 dogs that will more than likely be there depending on the dates.

Also going to try to bring a couple more that just got into hanging. :-)

**hangNyak** · 08-30-2011, 21:54

Sounds like a blast! Count me in. How do you guys do the food. Is it bring your own or everyone chip in?

**Timberrr** · 08-30-2011, 22:16

I tried not to.
I did it anyway.
I couldn't stop myself.
I went and read through the trip report for the 1st Florida Hang. All 21 pages. I even watched the slideshow and all the videos.
Now I'm totally jones'n for this hang.
(not to mention I could use a break from this heat already)
Please keep Gumbo and me in the loop for the scouting trip(s).

**Gumbo** · 08-30-2011, 22:24

Originally Posted by Flackfizer

Just echoing that MLK Weekend is Jan 13-16. If there is a positive feeling, let's just claim it and have that little detail in the bag.

In defense of Buck Lake I would say a few things. Firstly, I am not sure we really filled it. There was plenty more room if we had needed it--we only made it half way along that path on the lake's east side. We were 50 last year and we can expect at least that many this year, though probably not twice that. There is an argument for going with what we know until we know we have outgrown it. It was very "user friendly" with the lake, water pump, firepit, nice walk in from the main road and access to the FT. On top of that we are on the ranger office's radar (in a good way) and Sunny has a wood contact. So, Buck Lake means not reinventing too many wheels. On the other hand, we invented the wheel pretty well last year, and I have no doubt we can repeat the feat this next year as well if we choose to. One thing I would suggest though (and I think was said already) and that is we should try to stick to central Fla for so many reasons.

I'm confident that I speak for most (if not all) the women who may be attending that we will be happier with a flushing toilet. Ocala has some other group sites, before we book Buck Lake, let's at least check the others to see if one might better serve our needs.

**Gumbo** · 08-30-2011, 22:28

Originally Posted by Muskrat

I have been waiting patiently for you guys to post this event

Trying to put together a small posse from SC to come and visit our hangin' compadres in the Sunshine State

. Right now we have talked about the event but have been waiting to hear the final details as they develop.

Will be watching this thread on a daily basis . . . and excited to see it is in the planning stages now . . .

I am so looking forward to meeting you Muskrat! I'll confess that I've followed a few of your trips and hope to one day make it up there for one.

**FLRider** · 08-30-2011, 23:16

Well, after looking my map over and the ONF website, it would seem that the two sites already being put forth are probably the best bets.

Doe Lake offers flush toilets, showers, and a dining hall to cook in. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to offer much in the way of hiking. There's the LAM equestrian trail--it's thirty-four miles--but, with the way the page reads, I don't think they allow hikers on that trail. I'll try and call tomorrow to find out for certain.

Buck Lake offers everything that it did last year.

So, I'm not sure which is more preferable to everyone; I could go either way.

Thoughts?

**Great White** · 08-31-2011, 00:00

Originally Posted by MAD777

Good point about the capacity of the Buck Lake site.
Yeah, we're going to need a bigger place

Don't you mean we are going to need a bigger boat? And thanks for the PM. I want to go to this one.

I took a quick glance at the Recreation Guide and according to that guide the only other large group options in the ONF are Mill Dam, Doe Lake and Lake Shore. I have not been to any of them so I can't recommend any of them, but I think they could be options assuming the price is not out of this world.

Mill Dam is a lake area with a capacity of 150 people. It has a beach, picnic area, a boat ramp and restrooms. I don't know if they are flush toilets though.

Doe Lake can handle up to 250 people and has a Dinning Hall with Kitchen and refrigerators. Restrooms with showers and flush toilets are also there. I have no idea about the camping conditions.

Lake Shore is at Fore Lake and is designed for up to 50 people and has hot showers with flush toilets. It appears to have a camping area, but I have no idea of its hammock suitability.

I thought I would bring something to the thread with some other options. I don't know if they are any good though. They are designed for Front-country camping, I don't know if a Back-country environment will work for a gathering like this. There are also no apparent hiking opportunities within a short distance to any of these areas.

Buck Lake may be the only practical option in the ONF.

How do the rainbow people do this sort of thing?