FL>Ocala National Forest>Hidden Pond>7/20-23/2013>The No Underquilt Hang

**lilricky** · 07-11-2013, 05:59

Sorry to hear that Cary.

But congratz on getting that hammock article into Footprint!

**Life Scout** · 07-11-2013, 11:41

We are doing a pre hang, hang this weekend. we are going to be hanging at the shangri-la trailhead in west Ocala. they just opened it up to tent camping and actually have two hammock camping specific campsites. we will be the first to pop there cherry. we are actually trying to break in two more new hangers. which will bring our total to +3 for next weekend. If they don't bail.

**JaxHiker** · 07-11-2013, 12:27

Originally Posted by lilricky

Sorry to hear that Cary.

But congratz on getting that hammock article into Footprint!

Thanks. The pic for the article header was taken at FH3.

I'm hoping that by the end of the year I can claim three presentations (hoping to get a 4th in at REI) and two articles (another one expected for winter hammocking) all in the name of promoting hammocks.

**Floridahanger** · 07-11-2013, 16:37

Originally Posted by JaxHiker

Thanks. The pic for the article header was taken at FH3.

I'm hoping that by the end of the year I can claim three presentations (hoping to get a 4th in at REI) and two articles (another one expected for winter hammocking) all in the name of promoting hammocks.

It is a tough job, but someone has to do it.....Right?

**Timberrr** · 07-11-2013, 17:06

Hey everyone! This sounds awesome!
Just checking in for the first time in a long time and the gang's all here. Okay most of 'em anyway.
So Gumbo & I would like to participate but is is this a hike-in only? Can you drive in? Kayak in?

**Floridahanger** · 07-11-2013, 19:01

You can try to kayak in, but you and Gumbo need to take turns pulling. How are your kayak karts?

The trip in is 1 to 2 hours hike from the North. On the map, looks like there may be a closer hike in from the West. Almost due west on a straight access road.

I, and am sure I speak for all, hope to see you both there. I will help you bring in the Dutch Oven if that makes it easier for you.

**FLRider** · 07-11-2013, 19:38

Originally Posted by Timberrr

Hey everyone! This sounds awesome!
Just checking in for the first time in a long time and the gang's all here. Okay most of 'em anyway.
So Gumbo & I would like to participate but is is this a hike-in only? Can you drive in? Kayak in?

Originally Posted by Floridahanger

You can try to kayak in, but you and Gumbo need to take turns pulling. How are your kayak karts?

The trip in is 1 to 2 hours hike from the North. On the map, looks like there may be a closer hike in from the West. Almost due west on a straight access road.

I, and am sure I speak for all, hope to see you both there. I will help you bring in the Dutch Oven if that makes it easier for you.

The Pat's Island trail head is about 3.5 miles to the north of the campsite. I know that there were folks who asked about the fire road that had been cut a ways back to the west of the site last time (the question-and-answer about it starts at post #31, with zukiguy and goes on for three or four posts), but the consensus was that it would be difficult to get in there, let alone pull a vehicle onto the road.

The hike from Pat's Island is not strenuous in the least, aside from the heat in the afternoons. It's one that I recommend to first-time backpackers here in FL when they ask me about what I do. Of course, I also don't recommend that they do it in the summer, but as long as you aren't making the trip in the heat of the afternoon, you should be fine.

I hope to see both of you out there, Timberrr and Gumbo!

**Floridahanger** · 07-11-2013, 19:45

Sorry, fellas. I meant to hike in from the West, not drive. My bad.

I will be meeting a few early birds on Friday at the 5:00 hour. Come join us for the hot, humid Florida fun in the sun and stars.

**lilricky** · 07-11-2013, 20:17

Actually, you can get within 180 yards of the Florida Trail near Hidden Pond via Juniper Creek. You'll have to get beach yourself at Whiskey Creek where it meets Juniper. You could drag your yak, but it would be easier to hide it under some brush near the Whiskey Creek campsite and hike the half mile to Hidden Pond to the north on the FT.

Originally Posted by Timberrr

Hey everyone! This sounds awesome!
Just checking in for the first time in a long time and the gang's all here. Okay most of 'em anyway.
So Gumbo & I would like to participate but is is this a hike-in only? Can you drive in? Kayak in?

**Search** · 07-14-2013, 23:07

Wish I could join you. It would be great to meet everyone and pick some experienced hammocker's brains. I am especially interested in learning about hammocking in the heat.

Take care!

PS This thread compelled me to order a battery powered fan. It can also run off USB. I am thinking it would be better to run it off USB than regular batteries.