FL Green Swamp West>Gator Hole

**hangNyak** · 12-31-2017, 21:04

An end to another fine weekend in the woods. This was a Sherpa hang, of sorts, as we wheeled in coolers, Coleman stoves, cast iron pans and the like. Deer Hunter treated us to some sausage sandwiches, from a hog he harvested, for Saturday’s lunch. Man, was it fantastic! It was a small crew, with Olddog, Big Country, Moonshiner, Deer Hunter, Jimj, bomber21, subwayjim, myself and my dog, Trinity. We were treated Saturday night to a fabulous full moon, as well as temps in the low 40’s. Looking forward to the next one! I’ll post the few pics I took, when I get the chance.

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**juanchoman** · 12-31-2017, 21:15

What a great weekend it was. Happy New Year Folks

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**O-Boy** · 01-01-2018, 10:14

How was the taste testing?

**hangNyak** · 01-01-2018, 11:07

Originally Posted by O-Boy

How was the taste testing?

Intoxicating.

**Floridahanger** · 01-01-2018, 14:03

Glad yall had fun. The best way to end the year... friends, a hammock, fire and cold nights.

**MAD777** · 01-01-2018, 17:59

Sounds like great fun.
(definitely more fun than packing up a whole house)

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**olddog** · 01-01-2018, 20:18

[QUOTE=bomber21;1849390]What a great weekend it was. Happy New Year Folks

Great pics Bomber. I've been looking for another background. The first is great but the second has that serene feel. It has that feeling that the palmettos are reaching out to draw you into the unknown buried in the background mist.

Originally Posted by O-Boy

How was the taste testing?

Actually quite interesting and informative Chris. There is no better place to experience the many ideas of what a good bourbon should taste like. Sitting around a fire with dear friends sipping mediocre to fine bourbon is one of the rewards of life. Mine were bottom to middle shelf, jimj's middle to top and Bomber provided what has come to be my favorite, ****. Sorry if it's identity were to be revealed the price would probably skyrocket. Oh sh*t, Bomber, delete your post on the planning thread.

Originally Posted by MAD777

Sounds like great fun.
(definitely more fun than packing up a whole house)

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Mike, your expert palate was missed. Some of us are still searching for the nuances of floral, vanilla, oak, etc. But... packing up? Does that mean you've sold and can spend more time playing in the woods?

My turn. We ended up with a smaller group due to the time of year and illnesses. Those that didn't make it, of course, were missed. Sometimes that can be a positive by keeping everyone closer to the fire ring and involved in the conversation. This group and those that didn't make it are the reason I'll drag my self to woods at every opportunity we gather. Sometimes we get that one that steps in and immediately is one of us and that it is a great feeling. LighterKnot and Deerhunter are our two newest and it has been a pleasure to welcome y'all to the group. DH, you do not have to provide as you did last weekend to join in, contrary to some of the group, even though what you shared was fantastic. I could keep on but best to sum it up with " A great weekend".

I did have some reservations at one point during the weekend. jimj, Deerhunter and I went on a walkabout. Started out as a simple skirting of a Cypress Head to an old road grade. Followed the road for a while thinking the highway was close. Gave it up and decided to return to camp. I led us thru waist high Palmettos and Gallberries. I figured if we crossed a Rattlesnake it was better to be carried than to carry. Actually it was a unique experience. We go through life daily not even contemplating the consequences of the dangers we face by just getting in a vehicle. Yet get in the woods off trail and the senses become alive thinking every animal is there to kill us. Possibly that innate sense of survival buried deep in all of us. Probably basis of my love for the woods. Sorry thought I was 'summing it up' a few lines ago.

**Floridahanger** · 01-02-2018, 01:24

Don't apologize, Lamar. That's why we love you. I could sit by a fire all night long and listen to your stories. Actually, I have.

Happy New Year.

**Moonshiner** · 01-02-2018, 03:09

Another great trip unwinding with friends in the woods. Really nice to see everyone and meet some new to the group. Deer hunter that sausage was absolutely amazing, but Olddog is right on, i think Big Country lives pretty close and could help get a kit together to cover most of the typical items needed. I do have to say bike packing is something I am looking into since I've gotten home.

Looking forward to seeing you all and the ones who could not make this go round again soon.

**j-e-m** · 01-02-2018, 15:08

After working at the hospital all New Year's weekend, jim.j came home from the hang to assure me that I did not miss a thing:

it was cold and rainy
steaks were burnt and ash-covered
no exotic food to try
bourbon had all turned rancid
no new stories around the campfire
no impersonations of celebrities
Moonshiner didn't say a word all weekend

Sooooo, I'm just asking: what's up with all your Photoshopped pictures?

Here is the one photo jim.j had on his phone: a picture of the full moon through the downpour- thanks for suffering with him through that awful weekend.
Gator Hole full moon.jpg