SECOND ANNUAL FLORIDA HANG: Buck Lake, Ocala NF Jan 13-16 2012

[FLRider]

awesome guys thank you, Im asking cause my cousin wanted to hike in a further ways to take pictures and get some more miles under his feet. when we do the hike it shouldnt be more than one night out and back. hopefully back in time for some dutch oven cookin ; ]

Also, here's a photo of that 'site by Whiskey Creek.

[JPsax]

Yep, all of those are good. I did that section in August, and they're rather nice.

I will say that the water pump at Farles had a sign that said it needed to be treated before drinking back in August. I didn't notice it until after I'd drank quite a bit from it (August temperatures suck), and I did not have any ill effects. So, take that with a grain of salt.

Another site to add to the list is next to Whiskey Creek (mile 180.7), in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area. I stopped there due to an unscheduled encounter with bears along Farles Prairie earlier in the day. It's just north of the creek (maybe 150 yards or so, maybe less) and to the east of the trail (maybe 50 or 60 yards). You'll see a path among the saw palmetto that leads back that way. Since there's no hunting in the Wilderness Area, you don't have to worry about being mistaken for a buck any time of year. It's close to a water source, too.

Note, though, that as of August, Whispering Creek (the first one you will cross in the JPWA) had no water despite the 2010-2011 data book indicating that it did, and the bridge at Whiskey Creek detailed in the book was nonexistant. The bases of the pilings were still there, but the rest of the bridge was not. So keep your eyes peeled if you decide to go that way.

Edit: Here's a link to the post with my video of the section hike. The hang site at Whiskey Creek shows up at about 6:20.

this looks like a nice spot, maybe itll be a little more hospitable when we go in terms of water. I remember doing a 3 day camp out at Bear Island in Big Cyp. in august. high of 100 low of 80 with 100% humidity with <2mph of wind....I felt like a man after that, I also felt 10 pounds lighter. how long do you think a 16 mile hike like that will take?

[FLRider]

this looks like a nice spot, maybe itll be a little more hospitable when we go in terms of water. I remember doing a 3 day camp out at Bear Island in Big Cyp. in august. high of 100 low of 80 with 100% humidity with <2mph of wind....I felt like a man after that, I also felt 10 pounds lighter. how long do you think a 16 mile hike like that will take?

In August, it took me all day (~8:30 AM to ~8:00 PM). I was lollygagging, though, due to the heat and the fact that I thought I was going to stop at Farles Prairie.

Right now? Without having to fight the heat and the spiders, I figure you could probably do it in eight or nine hours, no sweat. If you wanted to push hard, you could probably get it done in six or seven, maybe less. Make sure you carry enough water to get from source to source, though.

If you want to pay the day-use fees, Juniper Springs is worth going into for lunch and easy water (just fill from the bathroom sink).

[mtucker502]

Quick question: is anyone bringing children and if so what ages?

[Detail Man]

Quick question: is anyone bringing children and if so what ages?

Three girls, 10 ,7 ,3.

[Detail Man]

If you have your own boat, I have a few ideas for some day paddles. I will be glad to lead the trips for anyone that is intrerested. Three of the trips will be quite easy trips that would involve a shuttle. One trip can either be an easy trip with a shuttle or a bit longer with an out an back. All would involve driving to to the locations. I have room for three people and boats with me. There is an access fee at Alexander Springs. I don't know if there are fees anywhere else.

Juniper Springs, 7 miles (easy with a shuttle).
Alexander Springs, 5 miles (easy with a shuttle). There are wild monkeys here.
Salt Springs, 5 miles (may not be a shuttle so maybe 10 miles out and back).
Oklawaha River, < 5 miles (unknown with a shuttle).

If you plan on going, please bring a lunch, drinking water and sun screen. I would like to start early so plan on leaving camp no later than 8:30 on Sat, Sun and Mon. You must wear your PFD when paddling on these trips.

I'll be at the Buck Lake gate at 8:15 Sat, Sun Mon and leave at 8:30. Friday I'll be at the gate at 8:45 and leave at 9:00.

We'd definitely like to join in.

[MedicineMan]

DetailMan-dont forget your AARN

[Flackfizer]

Three girls, 10 ,7 ,3.

Bearfinder is 10

[JPsax]

my cousin is a 28 year old toddler!

[MAD777]

DetailMan-dont forget your AARN