Fl>LWRSF>April 6-8, 2013 circuit hike

[Tuck]

A couple of quick questions:

1. is a hanging food bag a necessity?
2. What time is everyone planning to arrive? (It might be nice to meet up with some people in the parking area to hike in together)
3. Would it be ok to bring my dog?

I'm really starting to look forward to this trip!

[olddog]

Tuck, a couple of quick answers.
1. MAY not be necessary but why take a chance. I would hate to lose my food and have to eat Armadillo and Cattails.
2. My wife is recuperating from surgery she had Monday so she won't be dropping me off this trip and I'll have the truck. Plans were for 4:00 pm but the early bird gets the worm or the better hang site.
3. They are allowed but will have to be leashed. Something I need at times.

[MAD777]

Tuck, there's plenty of wildlife out there in addition to bears that would love to see you go hungry. Always hang your food and toiletries.

I will be there a little before 4:00 but will wait until then to hike in with those unfamiliar with the area or just want company.

[Duffy]

We might get there a little late..if I hiked as if I was going to the Sherpa Hang site, and stayed on the orange blazes instead of turning left to the Sherpa campground, I would be on the correct trail, right? If we are very late I intend to use the shortcut posted earlier, but we will probably get there early enough to hike all the way in.
Thanks!

- Duffy - (twisting arms to get work off early..AND blow off my Saturday shift)

[samsara]

We might get there a little late..if I hiked as if I was going to the Sherpa Hang site, and stayed on the orange blazes instead of turning left to the Sherpa campground, I would be on the correct trail, right? If we are very late I intend to use the shortcut posted earlier, but we will probably get there early enough to hike all the way in.
Thanks!

- Duffy - (twisting arms to get work off early..AND blow off my Saturday shift)

Yep, just make sure that you locate an orange blaze before you continue because there is a turn or two that you will miss if you don't pay attention. It is pretty well marked though so as long as you are looking for your next blaze you'll be fine.

In the two maps that I posted on the first page of this thread the first map (the Google Earth version) is taking a slightly different route because I think it is more scenic. Basically when you get to the old rusted out truck you are supposed to go left but I go straight/veer right instead, follow that service road until it runs into the "shortcut service road" and I hang a left and go in the same way as those taking the late night shortcut. It's just my own preference but if you follow the blazes you'll be fine.

The second map I posted shows the actual route of the orange trail. I'm planning on being out there around 4 or so and will hike in with that group (even if it is just Mike and I )

Dave

[Duffy]

Thanks! Packs are being packed here!

[MAD777]

My wife baked a ham for Easter so I took the leftover bone that still had a pound of meat on it, and made thick white bean soup. I managed to dehydrate some for this trip before I gobbled it all down.

According to a couple of weather sources, the forecast is calling for high's around 80 and lows in the upper 50's with a chance of rain on Friday. It could be worse this time of year.

I'm bringing a throw bag for collecting water, which everyone can use. (Water needs to be treated).

As of today, a burn ban is still in effect for Polk County.
I was planning to bring a wood burning stove, but my greater concern is that we protect our reputation as a group. If cook fires are permitted, I will stick with my wood stove, but will change to alcohol without complaint, if it violates the burn ban. Samsara, can you check on the official requirements?

[samsara]

My wife baked a ham for Easter so I took the leftover bone that still had a pound of meat on it, and made thick white bean soup. I managed to dehydrate some for this trip before I gobbled it all down.

According to a couple of weather sources, the forecast is calling for high's around 80 and lows in the upper 50's with a chance of rain on Friday. It could be worse this time of year.

I'm bringing a throw bag for collecting water, which everyone can use. (Water needs to be treated).

As of today, a burn ban is still in effect for Polk County.
I was planning to bring a wood burning stove, but my greater concern is that we protect our reputation as a group. If cook fires are permitted, I will stick with my wood stove, but will change to alcohol without complaint, if it violates the burn ban. Samsara, can you check on the official requirements?

Cooking fires and stoves are fine. We have received about two inches of slow, steady rain in the last 24 hours so your bigger concern will be if Rucks Dairy road is still the consistency of baby poop or not (I don't understand why the county started grading the road just prior to and during all of this rain... I think they just hate my car)

We are good

Dave

[MAD777]

Ahhhhh, the wet wood should present a fine challenge for me -
and great amusement for Grinder.

[islander]

...and Muddy Luxury sedans! Strap on those mud tires Mike.

Ahhhhh, the wet wood should present a fine challenge for me -
and great amusement for Grinder.