SECOND ANNUAL FLORIDA HIKE-N-HANG (planning)

**olddog** · 02-28-2012, 10:23

A week before the hike I'll try to take a ride up and check the river at Pole Bridge Rd. Was looking for some rain around here yesterday and only got a sprinkle but Green Swamp picked up quite a bit. As dry as every thing is it could be gone quick.

**Flackfizer** · 02-28-2012, 13:12

It all comes down to the river. We don't have to (and probably don't want to) hang right at it, but close enough to send water parties will be fine. There is a nice stand of pines and low trees (if memory serves) a bit just past where the trail turns south from the river. We will need filters though. This is that awful tannin river water.

**Flackfizer** · 02-28-2012, 13:15

I should add, the area I am thinking of is before Blue Sink. I camped out there once and I remember it well--mosquito hell--but it was August. I recall though that when I came to the area I am suggesting for us (i was going clockwise) the next morning I remember cursing that I did not go just a bit farther to get there! Blue Sink was no friend--not even for water.

**MAD777** · 02-28-2012, 14:40

Do we intend to camp at the primitive campsite labelled "C6" on the map located just south or the trail near Blue Sink?

**Flackfizer** · 02-28-2012, 15:12

The place I was thinking is in fact somewhere between the C6 trail leg and the southward turn away from the river. I just remember a great little spot right along the trail--no undergrowth, pine needle cover and so on. We do have lots of flexibility though. As long as water is close by we are fine.

**Flackfizer** · 02-28-2012, 15:15

As the map shows it, somewhere between Pole Bridge Rd and the C6 site. These "roads" as just sugar sand track though.

**olddog** · 02-28-2012, 20:46

Sounds like you don't care for swamp tea FF.

**MAD777** · 02-28-2012, 21:39

Anyplace to camp is fine with me - that's the main reason I got into hammocking - but near water is a HUGE plus!!

**Flackfizer** · 02-28-2012, 22:59

Well, there is near the water, and then there NEAR the water. I don't think skeeters will be a big problem, but we don't need to invite trouble!

**MAD777** · 03-01-2012, 13:12

I was just doing some weather research of the Richloam area. Dade City is closest "metropolitan" area. I happened to see the temperature during our last year's hike, and lo and behold, that 33 degree night was the coldest for that date in recorded history!

Maybe we can attract another cold front this year