Howdy from South Florida!

[olddog]

Just noticed that we had not invited you to the 3 rd Annual Florida Hang in Jan. come on up and meet a great bunch of other hangers.

[Sunbiz]

Cool,

what are the dates?

[MAD777]

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=60647

There you go!

[Sunbiz]

perfect!!

thanks Mike

[Doc B]

Welcome Sunbiz,

Boy do I know all about those silver dollar sized mosquitoes in the Glades! I grew up spending every vacation and free weekend near the Big Cypress off Turner River Grade before the government came and took (eminent domain) the camp away that had been in my family for generations.

Even folks up near Tampa who have never been south will believe me about the size of those boogers! BTW, I'm going to pick up a new Valley kayak this weekend.

Happy hanging and paddling!
Doc

[Doc B]

Hey Dean... up your way there's a terrific place to camp with your son it's called Manatee Hammock Campground.

I don't know how old your son is but this is a great place to start and learn the art of hanging in a great setting. Go check that link I think you'll like it.

When you both get more experienced then sky's the limit down in the Everglades. But I suggest you don't do the Glades till you feel very confident in your skills.
Lots of things to get you down there... huge gators, huge anacondas, and of course our friend Skeeter.

You're never ever going to win the battle against biting insects down here because we have no see um's, sand fleas, biting black flies, gnats, and love bugs.
The number 1 rule for hammock's down here is to make sure you always have an UC on your hammock. You don't need anything in there like a pad or space blanket because it's warm. But the undercover will assure you won't get bit and let me tell you it sure makes them angry they can't get to you.

Some guys spray their hammocks with chemicals like permethrin, but I don't. Instead I use the wind. And you'll find in South Florida the wind always comes up late in the evening. Wind= no skeeters.

So when picking your campsite make sure you're getting a good movement of air, preferably right off to sea.

Whatever you do, do not use DEET. That stuff will put a hole in your hammock and turn you into a cast member of the "Walking Dead".
If you must put something on your legs and arms use something like "Skin so Soft".
When you do go camp, please let me know how it was.
There's nothing quite so lovely as swinging in your hammock, looking at the stars and listening to the gentle sound of the waves hitting the shore.

Paradise!
Mike

I can second the advise above. I think we used to keep the Avon lady in business buying jugs of Skin-So-Soft. It is hammock friendly as well and will not put the DEET holes in your hammock or clothes. The python problem has actually worked its way as far north as southern Hardee County now! I have permits to kill them in the Glades, but I have heard it has gotten so bad they don't care about the permits, they just want you to kill them!

Cheers,
Doc

[docterusa]

I can second the advise above. I think we used to keep the Avon lady in business buying jugs of Skin-So-Soft. It is hammock friendly as well and will not put the DEET holes in your hammock or clothes. The python problem has actually worked its way as far north as southern Hardee County now! I have permits to kill them in the Glades, but I have heard it has gotten so bad they don't care about the permits, they just want you to kill them!

Cheers,
Doc

doc,
which skin so soft do you recommend? there are so many variations it is confusing. They seems to also make skin so soft repellent.
Thanks for your help.
D

[Doc B]

doc,
which skin so soft do you recommend? there are so many variations it is confusing. They seems to also make skin so soft repellent.
Thanks for your help.
D

HOLY COW!!!

I have not looked at Avon's site or catalog in years! My mind went mushy looking at all of the SSS products.

What we used was the original version. I think they called it "bath oil" back then. I am 34 and used to get lathered up with the stuff from childhood on anytime we were at camp.

I found a link to the original stuff here:
http://www.sears.com/avon-skin-so-so...SPM7272738902P

Do any Gladesmen remember the old "Southern Comfort" orange bottles of insect repellent so many of us used down there? It was some kind of industrial strength insect repellant "liberated" from some of the phosphate mine storerooms in central Florida. We used that until someone came across Skin-So-Soft. The original stuff does feel a little oily, but that is a heck of a lot better than getting eaten alive! In the Everglades, the mosquito is classified as a bird!

Best to all,
Doc B

[Sunbiz]

In the Everglades, the mosquito is classified as a bird!

Now thats funny right there!!

@Doc... yeah I remember those bottles, I think I used to bath in it. And you are correct, use the original Skin-so-Soft formula and you should be good to go. For some reason I can't figure out Skeeters hate it.

But here's the thing, as it's getting toward dusk, that's when the mosquito starts becoming a problem, and there is nothing, and I mean nothing that will drive you out of your mind sooner than not being able to get away from a cloud of those.

But with a little preparation and some experience not only will you find the Everglades a beautiful place to explore but a national treasure to be appreciated.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and did I mention you must hydrate

@Doc...Valley is this super kayak,my friend just bought an AVOCET... loves it. I'm more of the SOT kayaker (Ocean Kayak) but sit in side's are very popular down in the 10,000 Islands area.

@docterusa... one more thing about the Everglades, and this may sound funny but it can get kind of grim, the raccoons are experts at stealing your water as in chewing through anything plastic and drinking it. I usually either hang it or put it inside my kayak.

[blackd]

Welcome from windsor!