FL>Hidden Pond, ONF>Sept 28 - Sept 30, 2018>7th Annual Summer's Last Gasp Hang

[Floridahanger]

Because there are 5 weekends in September this year. Because Summer was raining for mostly every day since early May. Because the days are getting shorter. Because we just love to get out in our hammocks. Because Hidden Pond is a Gem in the middle of the woods.

What is your reason to go hammock camping in the middle of the Piney Woods, in Florida, in September?

It's that time of the year when the heat is waning for some, or hanging on too long for others. Will it be hot, warm or cool(for us)? Will the nights give us CBS or make it a hot Summer night? Either/any answers are best left for Summer's Last Gasp Hang in the middle of the Ocala National Forest at the very high-water level of Hidden Pond.

Bring your kit, your gear, your hiking soul, your bathing suit, your adventurist spirit. We will be hiking in to the 7th Annual group hang with some awesome friends and hangers. It's backwoods hiking to a very primitive location. No privy, no fire ring, no benches, no shelter. Just what the doctor ordered to start the hiking season and get the Summer blues shaken out.

You can choose your hike;
-Shortest route: Hidden Pond Short trailhead. Head East thru the Florida Scrub and some wetlands until you hit the Florida Trail. Turn South until you see Hidden Pond and move down the right side into the common area. ~2.5 miles.
-Medium route: Pat's Island trailhead. Start on the Florida Trail moving South thru rolling ridges and valleys until you see Hidden Pond then...see above. ~3.5 miles.
-Longer route: Juniper Springs trailhead. Parking at the Springs for a fee also gives you another destination to swim, shower and eat at the concession after leaving the hang. Start on the Florida Trail between SR 40 and the gatehouse. Head North on the Florida Trail thru the Juniper Prairie until you see Hidden Pond. Then...see above. ~5.5 miles.
-Possible longer alternative: Been kicking around this idea for ~14+mile hike in. Start at Pat's Island and head South on the FT until crossing the Hidden Pond Short. Hike out to the trailhead. Turn South from FR33 to SR 40 and East to Juniper Springs trailhead. Take the FT North until Hidden Pond. Easy peasy sweaty and queasy.

Weather? Yes. All of it before the end of the weekend. It can be rainy, dry, cool, hot, windy, still, stormy, foggy, sunny, cloudy and all the bugs that come with it. I have had to use my UQ for most hangs here due to cool breezes(location,location,location). This also means no bugnet for certain spots if breezy.

Hope to see you there.

1) Floridahanger: Pat's Island or Hidden Pond Short, Fri-Sun, 7am

[juanchoman]

I’m a maybe for now. I’d like to try Pats Island Fri-Sunday, will confirm as we get closer. Wanted to get the thread rolling.


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[Life Scout]

We will try to make it out for this one. No excuse for us since we are so close(except work).

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[aikirunner]

Sounds interesting. I might make that outing.


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[Floridahanger]

Like Trip Smith likes to say, "Just get out there".
Hope to see you there.

1) Floridahanger: Pat's Island or Hidden Pond Short, Fri-Sun, 7am
2) juanchoman: Pat's Island, Fri-Sun, ?
3) Life Scout: (Probably) (Pat's Island, Fri-Sun, evening)
4) C+1: (Probably) (Pat's Island, Fri-Sun, evening)
5) aikirunner: Someplace, Somedates, Sometime

[aikirunner]

I saw your dates and location on the title Sept 28-30, Hidden Lake Ocala National Forest. If we’re coming in on Friday night, it would be best to use one of the shorter hikes. Because I can’t be there until late afternoon. If we go in on Saturday morning, the longer hike would be fine for me.


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[richtorfla]

I am a maybe for now also. Will need to see what life will be at the time!

[Floridahanger]

Very cool. Hopefully yall will get to make it.

Any of the trails coming in are very nice. The Pat's Island is probably the prettiest with the small ups and downs on the ridges. You can really see how big the prairie is.

[O-Boy]

I'm in, Friday-Sun, from Pat's Landing for sure! Reminder that this hike is during Florida Deer Hunting Season. SO BE sure to wear ORANGE when hiking. I may come in on Thursday if so, I'll park at short on Thursday and move the car to Pat's on Friday.
For anyone interested, I'm planning to hike on the Foothills Trail, SC, October from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park, 7 days/13 miles per day. Just waiting for information from up there as to typical water availability during the fall. Plenty of access if you'd only be able to do a 2-3 day hike. PM me if you're interested, include your phone number. That of course includes Birdie's Girl since it closed to Augusta.

[juanchoman]

Chris I’m gonna look into this. Not compromising right now but this sounds really good. I’ll let you know for sure.


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