Hanging in FL?

[fhill6]

After years of ground dwelling I've started the transition to hanging. Just received my new WB Blackbird and would like to hook up with others to teach me the fine points of hanging. Any group hangs planned for the near future in or near Ocala/central FL? Would appreciate feedback on other options for learning.

[FLRider]

Unfortunately, with certain exceptions (myself being one of the few dumb ones who actually go out in the summer heat here), the majority of the hanging season in FL is over until October-ish. The next group hang that I know of is Grinder's Birthday Hang in the beginning of November (don't know if there's a thread up for that just yet) at Lake Wales State Forest. After that, the biggie is in January--it'll be the Fourth Annual FL Hang at Buck Lake in Ocala National Forest.

On the other hand, I'd be perfectly willing to get out there some time in the next month or two (remember, though, that I'm dumb enough to brave the temps; I don't know if you'd enjoy it or not). Ocala is always fun, especially Hidden Pond in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area. As are several of the springs in and around North Florida (I especially like Ichetucknee Springs). However, my schedule is a little wonky; I usually can't get out there on Friday or Saturday nights as I work in the restaurant industry. Does Sunday-Monday work for you?

[fhill6]

Thanks for the response. Sundays and Mondays are crazy because of my job. I'll look forward to attending one of your group get togethers this fall when it's cooler.

[richtorfla]

Hey welcome to the forum. Got an active bunch here that gets together like Flrider said in the cooler months . You have quite a few members here that are in your area too! A bonus for you!
Hope to meet ya down the road someday. I haven't been able to get out much these days due to my job and the honeydo list at home. One of these days I hope that list will quit growing!

[olddog]

Welcome aboard from Lakeland looking forward to meeting on the trail.

Hey rich, I was told that once a honeydo list reaches a certain point it can be carried forward to the next lifetime.

[fhill6]

I'm eager to learn from you veteran hangers. My hiking buddies are all ground dwellers so they're no help whatsoever. Look forward to meeting you.

[JaxHiker]

You need new buddies.

[zukiguy]

I'm in with FLRider...It's hot in the summer but some of the die-hards will brave the heat and bugs for a weekend here and there. Hidden pond is a great place because it's close to a trailhead, has plenty of room to hang, and there's a nice spring-fed pond to cool off in and source your water.

I'm tied up until late June but I'd be in for a trip after that. Between me and FLRider we'll get you squared away. Don't let those ground dwellers get you down. They'll be jealous before long.

[Sparkfly88]

I'm one of those die hards that deal with bugs and heat!!


Look at my latest post, I camped all saturday and sunday in the pouring rain!

[FLRider]

I think we need to do a "no underquilts" hang some time here in the near future...it's one of the few places in the continental US where that's possible...