Overnighter at Rice Creek in Florida.

**kev138** · 03-18-2017, 20:07

On Wednesday night I did a quick over night hike and hang at the Rice Creek conservation area in Palatka Florida. 20170315_134941.jpg

It's about a 3.5 mile hike back to the campsite, most of which is on the Florida Trail.20170315_140516.jpg

Gorgeous hike through some swampy jungle terrain. Nice and shady. Also 20170315_140516.jpgsaw the 7th largest cypress tree in the state.20170315_140932.jpg
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They have a really nice shelter for hikers there called the Rice Creek Hilton. Picknick table below and plenty of room for sleeping up above. Screened in to keep out bugs as well.20170315_154825.jpg

Actually unzipped the bug net on my hammock for once. Got to test my diy top and bottom quilts down to about 30°. Worked great, except for my cold feet ( always have cold feet have learned to deal with it.).20170315_165018.jpg
Also tried my first diy dehydrated meal. Black beans and rice with chicken, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Very delicious. Glad I have another meal in the freezer for next time!20170315_174054.jpg
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Must have been toasty and warm because I ended up sleeping until noon after crashing out around 10:30.20170315_213311_Burst01.jpg
Had to answer a couple of calls of nature in the night, but after about 1a.m. did not stir until 8 a.m., looked at my watches and snoozed out till 12.
Had a great time and would highly recommend this place for a day hike or nice overnighter. I can't wait to go back with my son. He bailed our on me this time when he heard how cold it was going to be. Us Florida folks don't deal well below 50°!

**deckster** · 03-18-2017, 20:35

Looks nice, man! Just moved to SW FL and I'm enjoying the change of environment. Great pics!

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**MAD777** · 03-18-2017, 21:02

Sounds like a wonderful outing!

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**skyymallcorn** · 03-19-2017, 07:31

Great pics thanks for sharing...

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**tflaris** · 03-19-2017, 08:06

Fun area. Great pics.

Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.

**olddog** · 03-19-2017, 08:17

Great report.

**rick417** · 03-19-2017, 08:23

Thanks for the report. I'll have to put that on my list.

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**johnspenn** · 03-21-2017, 20:21

Looks like a great trip. Some really primeval looking scenery. Good job getting out in the cold temps!

**brswan** · 03-23-2017, 11:12

Looks like a great trip. Did you dehydrate the food yourself?

My parents live in Jacksonville. I was planning on dropping off my kids with them and then heading to Etoniah Creek State Park for a night. Have you ever been there? If so, which do you like better, Rice Creek or Etoniah?

**kev138** · 03-24-2017, 02:31

Originally Posted by brswan

Looks like a great trip. Did you dehydrate the food yourself?

My parents live in Jacksonville. I was planning on dropping off my kids with them and then heading to Etoniah Creek State Park for a night. Have you ever been there? If so, which do you like better, Rice Creek or Etoniah?

Yes I dehydrated the meal myself. The chicken and rice were leftovers that I dehydrated iand I dehydrated a can of black beans to add to it. My wife gave me a dehydrator for my birthday last month and I've been experimenting every since. I also had some pineapple and strawberries I dried out that I added peanuts to for my own trail mix.

I've never been to etoniah creek so I can't say. I'll have to check it out.