Scratch that. Can't go that weekend.
--louis
Black Creek Ravines WMA, in Middleburg
Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve, just outside Gainesville
Newnan's Lake, in Gainesville
Rice Creek Conservation Area, just outside Florahome and Palatka
Hidden Pond, in Ocala National Forest
Fanning Springs State Park, in Fanning Springs
Ichetucknee Springs, in Fort White
Other (please make a suggestion!)
Scratch that. Can't go that weekend.
--louis
Last edited by louisfb; 09-06-2012 at 18:16.
Monday bump. Going to make a decision at the end of the week on location. Vote now!
"Just prepare what you can and enjoy the rest."
--Floridahanger
gotta clear it with the wife but i might be able to make it out for friday night gotta work sundays though so i couldnt stay the whole time
So, it seems that Hidden Pond is the place that most folks want to go. Works for me.
Which trail head would everyone want to hike in from? There are several options...Pat's Island (the perennial favorite) at 3.5 miles, Juniper Springs (fee to park) at 5.3 miles, Hopkins Prairie (two of 'em) at 4.5 and 5 miles, Farles Campground at 14.7 miles, Salt Springs (fee to park) at 15.2 miles, and US 19 at 19.7 miles.
Water sources are...difficult (we'll either need to stop at Juniper and pay the $5 day use fee to get water from them or carry ~14 miles of water, about 4.5L per person in the kind of terrain we're going to be moving through) if we're south of Juniper Springs. I'm not sure about north of Pat's Island; I've never been that way.
However, according to the data book (which is occasionally wrong, but since it's talking about established campsites this time I'm inclined to believe it), there's water at Hopkins Prairie and there will be some at Salt Springs (it's an established campground, so there should be running water), so the longest stretch through there should be ~10 miles or just a wee bit over 3L.
Opinions?
"Just prepare what you can and enjoy the rest."
--Floridahanger
I am still not going to be up to the hike in so will have to pass this time.
Ya'll have fun and post pictures after you get home!
U.S. Army Paratrooper, Combat Engineer, DAV (Life Member), American Legion (Life Member)
NMLRA(1 of 1000[#249] & Life Member), NRA(Life Member)
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I would do a long hike in on Friday. Not sure I want to do a long hike out on Sunday. Maybe we could set up a shuttle. SR 19 to Pat's Island? Too bad there's no overnite parking at the Yearling TH, that would be easier. Or if you want to come from the north at CR 316 and then back to Pat's Island on Sunday.
Unlikely I could get started much before noon, so it would be a late arrival at Hidden Pond or a nite on the trail 5-6 miles short and arrive at HP early Sat am.
One other thing to consider is archery season will be open outside of the Juniper Springs Rec. Area.
Those dates are about firm as jello for me. Hidden pond was a very nice place. We had a little weekend trip there with FLrider, Lilricky, Black Wolf, and myself. The pond is really nice and cool if you're willing to head for the far end. The bottom is "muck" so having some kind of little float would be nice.
The Pat's Island trailhead was pretty far off the beaten path. I don't believe anyone had any issues leaving their vehicles unattended. The trail doesn't have a lot of shade so you'll want to avoid the heat of mid-day.
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