Florida Trail WB Get Together/Big Foot Vigil [Archive]

Gray Blazer

01-03-2010, 21:41

So far...

Who: Gray Blazer and his dog and other family members and any
interested WB members and friends.

Where: Iron Bridge Shelter one and one half miles down FT
in Etoniah Creek State Forest
Off Holloway Road off Highway 100

When: Jan 29, 30 and 31st

What: Overnite backpack camping/hanging out at Iron Bridge Shelter.
I'm inviting the BFRO guys, too.

Why: Why not?

GMcClain20

01-03-2010, 22:20

Oh oh Oh, can I come?! That's literally like 5-6 miles from my house.

chiefduffy

01-04-2010, 09:50

I volunteer to be bait. Sort of a bigfoot burrito in my hammock on the edge of the clearing. Can't sleep in shelters.

- Duffy

off-pher

01-04-2010, 11:09

This sounds interesting. I'll try to come. Especially if we have voluntary bait!

Grinder

01-04-2010, 13:13

I'm in winter haven, you're in Gainsville. Where is Etoniah Creek State Forest?

I don't recognize the name.

Thanks

never mind. I found it over towards Palatka

GMcClain20

01-04-2010, 15:29

I'm in winter haven, you're in Gainsville. Where is Etoniah Creek State Forest?

I don't recognize the name.

Thanks

never mind. I found it over towards Palatka

Yep, just north of Palatka 5-7 miles maybe on SR 100. You'll also pass Rice Creek CA just outside of Palatka on the way. Just before Rice Creek on the right is the community of Bardin...the home of the infamous 'Bardin Booger'! Is he a bigfoot? Who knows? But he's sure a Booger!

Gray Blazer

01-05-2010, 09:03

It's near the Bardin Booger Woods.

Gray Blazer

01-05-2010, 12:04

Oh oh Oh, can I come?! That's literally like 5-6 miles from my house.
I'm hoping you will be there.

Gray Blazer

01-05-2010, 12:05

I volunteer to be bait. Sort of a bigfoot burrito in my hammock on the edge of the clearing. Can't sleep in shelters.

- Duffy

I'll be in my tent. It is a nice shelter.

chiefduffy

01-05-2010, 20:32

I'll be in my tent. It is a nice shelter.

Yes, but is it bigfoot proof?

Gray Blazer

01-06-2010, 14:54

My BFRO friend won't be making it (he didn't say Big Foot couldn't make it though).

Oldmanhiker, what say you?

wahoo

01-06-2010, 20:47

Sounds like a good time, I'm going to try to come!

Gray Blazer

01-09-2010, 20:00

Bumpity bump

Speaking of which.....Bump and Slow, are you coming?

chiefduffy

01-09-2010, 21:41

Looks like I will be hiking in Sat morning, (30th), with a coupla friends. If I remember correctly, there's good parking about 5 miles north of the shelter, just off Coral Farms road at the Tinsley trail head.
- Duffy

GMcClain20

01-10-2010, 01:53

There's plenty of room for parking at Holloway. If you want to add some trail time parking at Tinsley is a great idea though!

Gray Blazer

01-10-2010, 17:27

If you hike from Tinsley, you will pass a picnic table in the middle of no where. It is near there that I saw the Big Foot footprints.

GMcClain20

01-10-2010, 19:39

If you hike from Tinsley, you will pass a picnic table in the middle of no where. It is near there that I saw the Big Foot footprints.

Just past the picnic table I had to cross a blowdown that contained the largest colony of ticks I'd ever seen in my life. How do I know? Because I had to pick all of them off of my body! According to the guys with the St. Johns FTA chapter the forestry service wouldn't allow them to remove the large tree because it was a "part of the ecosystem". A little overkill in my opinion.

Gray Blazer

01-11-2010, 11:23

Bump bump bump

Gray Blazer

01-11-2010, 11:24

Bumpity bump

Speaking of which.....Bump and Slow, are you coming?

Well..........?

cowboy nichols

01-11-2010, 11:58

Is this limited to males or can an old broad join?

Gray Blazer

01-11-2010, 12:45

Is this limited to males or can an old broad join?

Anyone can come. My wife may be joining us. On Saturday, we're going to dayhike the Etoniah Creek ravine. It's extremely pretty. Sat night around the campfire. I'll bring my guitar and other instruments. I'm trying to get hold of Mal the Elder. If you've ever heard him play the guitar you know you're in for a treat!

BumpJumper

01-11-2010, 12:52

Oh yeah...half step...He is cool.
Gray, I am not sure if I am coming. How much howling at the moon for BigFoot are yall planning on doing? I need my beauty sleep:eek::D

Gray Blazer

01-11-2010, 12:58

Oh yeah...half step...He is cool.
Gray, I am not sure if I am coming. How much howling at the moon for BigFoot are yall planning on doing? I need my beauty sleep:eek::D

Like you're not beautiful enough already.

The BFRO howlers can't make it, so I'm not sure. It would be really cool if a real Big Foot came and howled for us. I've only heard one yelp (seriously).

You know I'm early to bed and not so early to rise.

BumpJumper

01-11-2010, 13:07

Yes, as I recall, we had to pour boiling water on you to wake you.:dance
I am seriously considering a trip up to do it.

GMcClain20

01-11-2010, 19:21

Sounds like a the trip will be chock full of fun!

slow

01-12-2010, 10:56

Don't think i can make. :(

BumpJumper

01-12-2010, 16:50

Theres my slow buddy...How are ya man?:welcome

Gray Blazer

01-13-2010, 08:53

Don't think i can make. :(

Just send steaks.

Just kidding. Love ya, brother.

BumpJumper

01-13-2010, 11:23

Dont tell him that...he will...you know him and his steaks...
God I miss him:D

Hammock Hanger

01-13-2010, 20:26

so when is this get together??

Gray Blazer

01-14-2010, 08:11

Hammock Hanger

01-14-2010, 22:59

Here you go Hammock Hanger. Hope to see you there.

Damn it. Once again I can not make it. I will be on my way to the Panama Canal. I love the iron Bridge Shelter area. nice.

Mybe next year.....:rolleyes:

BumpJumper

01-15-2010, 08:50

I am still not sure if I am going to make this. I am mulling it over though.

Gray Blazer

01-18-2010, 19:25

Bump

Who will bring the dixie cups?

BumpJumper

01-18-2010, 21:01

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
I am out. I have to help my sis move that weekend....sorry.

GMcClain20

01-19-2010, 10:47

Bump

Who will bring the dixie cups?

Dixie Cups? For what might I ask?!?! I may be able to swing that Gray. :-?

Gray Blazer

01-19-2010, 11:16

Dixie Cups? For what might I ask?!?! I may be able to swing that Gray. :-?

Like the dixie cups in BumpJumper's avatar? Can you bring some dixie chicks to fill the dixie cups?

I think her dixie cups are a bra with the confederate flag on the cups, but, don't tell anyone I told you.....nudge, nudge.

BumpJumper

01-19-2010, 15:08

LMAO...Travis...come on man...for real?
Gray....you aint right man...:D

Gray Blazer

01-19-2010, 15:40

LMAO...Travis...come on man...for real?
Gray....you aint right man...:D

It's not my avatar!!

GMcClain20

01-20-2010, 11:10

LMAO...Travis...come on man...for real?
Gray....you aint right man...:D

:eek: WHOA!!! I was thinking about something completely different!

Well, this sure is awkward. I plead the 5th...that's all I'm sayin' bout that!

<<crickets>> silence <<chirp>>

BumpJumper

01-20-2010, 11:17

You are forgiven today. It is all Gray's fault anyhow.....
Bad Gray...;)

Gray Blazer

01-20-2010, 11:18

I plead the fifth commandment.......Big Julie in Guys and Dolls.

Gray Blazer

01-20-2010, 11:20

You are forgiven today. It is all Gray's fault anyhow.....
Bad Gray...;)
I repeat.....it's not my avatar.

(I saw your new pic, looking good).

BumpJumper

01-20-2010, 11:29

Thanks buddy. And you cannot plead the fifth commandment. I wont let you.:D:D

Gray Blazer

01-21-2010, 08:16

This is coming up soon. The 10 day WC forecast is looking good.

All you Florida Trail Walkers trying to earn that patch:D......Etoniah Creek Ravine is one of the trails listed to hike so come on out for the day anyways.

So far the roll call includes Rev from Palatka, Chief Duffie and myself.

GMcClain20

01-21-2010, 11:16

Can't wait! I will probably pull out Saturday afternoon/evening do to Sunday being the Lord's Day though. I'm looking forward to meeting you guys!

Some of us at myfloridahikes are doing a dayhike from Juniper Springs to Hidden Pond this Saturday at 10AM if anyone is interested. Message me for details.

BumpJumper

01-21-2010, 11:33

Travis, you sure do get around...heheheeh

GMcClain20

01-21-2010, 17:31

What can I say Bump? I'm an ultralite hiker. No heavy nalgene's for me, I only roll with dixie cups!

ottybuddy

01-22-2010, 20:59

chiefduffy

01-23-2010, 11:33

Looks like Ropeyarn is going to make it. And my buddy Chuck.

- Duffy

BumpJumper

01-23-2010, 14:54

Chief..who is Chuck?

chiefduffy

01-23-2010, 21:46

Chief..who is Chuck?

My buddy.

The message you have entered is too short.

chiefduffy

01-24-2010, 11:32

Looks like Grinder is coming!

Grinder

01-24-2010, 12:56

Gray Blazer

01-24-2010, 19:31

Yes indeedy, friends.

I "signed on" at Hammock Forums, I'll get there friday afternoon. I'm looking forward to putting names with some faces.

I asked over there, but I'll ask here too. Any plans for group cooking at any meals. I'd want to bring my share if there is anything.

I was wondering about that. When it looked like only 3 people were coming, I figured they could bring their own food. Now I will be bringing extra food and water.

Chief, I got your PM. Your friend should bring his dog. Blaze might stay home with her Mom if Mommy doesn't make it. She gets along with everybody anyhow.

Gray Blazer

01-24-2010, 19:32

How did this get in the hammock forum? Chief?

Gray Blazer

01-24-2010, 22:36

I hope I am doing this right but I live in Middleburg.
And would like to try this campout.
I have W Blackbird and a friend who has one also.
If this goes through but I can't get back to this site my E: is
[email protected]

Hope to see you there. Looks like we'll be having a cold front come thru on Sat with some rain. Right now the WC says 32 degrees Sat night.

chiefduffy

01-25-2010, 10:12

How did this get in the hammock forum? Chief?

Guilty

The message you have entered is too short.

Gray Blazer

01-25-2010, 10:20

Guilty

The message you have entered is too short.

In this case it's a good thing. Thankz.

chiefduffy

01-25-2010, 10:29

I was wondering about that. When it looked like only 3 people were coming, I figured they could bring their own food. Now I will be bringing extra food and water.

I can't remember, is there water at that shelter? I guess I could look it up.....if I wasn't so lazy

Gray Blazer

01-25-2010, 10:38

No water at the shelter. There is a slow flowing creek nearby if you want to purify and a spigot at the day use area about a mile and a half away.

GMcClain20

01-25-2010, 18:42

Not going to make it friends, some issues at work arose. Hope you guys have!

ottybuddy

01-25-2010, 21:02

I going to try and make it.Sounds like this might be fun. Let me know what y'all want me to bring? Food,Drink.:banana

Gray Blazer

01-26-2010, 08:14

I going to try and make it.Sounds like this might be fun. Let me know what y'all want me to bring? Food,Drink.:banana

Just bring yourself and whatever you want to carry.

Bring some rain clothes for Sat as the WC calls for a cold front to come thru.

Rev, sorry you can't make it. Another time, maybe.

Rocket

01-26-2010, 17:36

At least the temps seem to be a little warmer than originally expected. Saturday, hi 65 lo 40, Sunday hi 57 lo 44. If all goes well, I'd like to come up Friday afternoon. Anything I can bring..don't hesitate to let me know.

chiefduffy

01-26-2010, 23:30

Welcome, Rocket!

Gray Blazer

01-27-2010, 08:30

There's gonna be pancakes and syrup for breakfast on Sunday.

There will be some extra meat and potatoes on Sat night.

If someone wants to bring dessert or something like that, feel fine to do so.

chiefduffy

01-27-2010, 20:47

There's gonna be pancakes and syrup for breakfast on Sunday.

Whooohooo, U the man, Gray!!! I was planning on a half frozen cliff bar for breakfast

chiefduffy

01-28-2010, 08:53

Does anyone have some kind of coffee pot? I will be glad to bring good coffee, etc. I'm used to just the little bags or hot tea for one, but if we're having pancakes, we're gonna need lots of hot coffee!!!

Grinder

01-28-2010, 15:15

I'm bringing the makings for two batches of banana pudding. ('nilla wafers, bananas, instant vanilla pudding and milk) for the sat nite desert.

Chief, I'll bring a "tea strainer" We can make your coffee in a pot, cowboy style, and pour through the strainer. Just like french press coffee without the french press.

Rocket

01-28-2010, 16:15

I've got one of those blue/white speckled coffee pots from the car camping days. I'll dig it out and bring it.

Grinder

01-28-2010, 16:48

(The following message is brought to you courtesy of the back arrow and a faulty memory.)

I'm bringing the makings for two batches of banana pudding. ('nilla wafers, bananas, instant vanilla pudding and milk) for the sat nite desert.

Chief, I'll bring a "tea strainer" We can make your coffee in a pot, cowboy style, and pour through the strainer. Just like french press coffee without the french press.

chiefduffy

01-28-2010, 16:58

Now I'm REALLY exited!!! (I hope I don't eat too much to hike some)

Gray Blazer

01-28-2010, 23:48

I'll prolly be there around five pm Friday.

Grinder

01-29-2010, 08:04

I'm finalizing the packing this morning and having a fight over equipment choices.

I finally decided this is mainly a camp out and not a hike, so I'm bringing heavy stuffI would never walk all day with.

This includes a Trangia T25 stove set up.(a mere 1290 grams!!!)
I've had it for two years and never used it. I made coffee this morning. It's like having a one burner electric range!! with two pots, a tea kettle and a frying pan.
http://www.outdoorreview.com/cat/outdoor-equipment/backpacking-camping-hiking/stoves/trangia/PRD_77728_2959crx.aspx

I too will get there around 5 pm look for a lumbering old guy with a big pack

ottybuddy

01-29-2010, 20:55

I am going to ask for a rain check.
I don't have any rain gear. I've been looking
for a good deal but can't find one. So let me know when
you guys do this again.

Bill J.:(:(

chiefduffy

01-29-2010, 23:14

I've been looking
for a good deal but can't find one.

DriDucks at Dicks, OP Mall. Just sayin.

ottybuddy

01-30-2010, 17:53

Thanks I'll go and check that out.
The way it turned out looks like I didn't need one.
I hope you guys had fun.
Let me know how many showed up.

chiefduffy

01-31-2010, 15:19

A great time was had by all. 6 present and accounted for, not counting Blaze the dog and Bigfoot(Mossman).

- Duffy

Grinder

01-31-2010, 18:32

Got back a while ago from the event.

First, I owe an apology to the Florida Trail, (at least the Etoniah Creek State Forest portion of it.) I had only read reports of the southern parts which seem to be under water most of the time for miles on end.

Except for a lack of elevation change, it was great. Lonesome piney wood forests and Etonia Creek actually carves out a ravine that appears to be near 100 feet deep and very steep sided.

The Iron Bridge Shelter was better than most I've seen on AT. Because of Florida mosquitos, it was fully screened for bugs and critters, raised three steps and nicely porched.

The trail was very well marked (Orange Blazes) and maintained. Just a few new blow-downs in the 10 miles we hiked.

An especial thanks to Gray Blazer for organizing the event and lugging in the fixings for Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast for 6 of us. Food was great.
That's rocket, rope-yarn, grinder and chief duffy in front of a handsome shelter.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=39188&catid=member&imageuser=10523http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/%3Ca%20href=http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=39188&c=member&imageuser=10523%20target=_blank%3E[img]http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/0/5/2/3/dsc00042_thumb.jpghttp://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/0/5/2/3/dsc00042.jpg
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=39188&c=683

Gray Blazer

02-01-2010, 08:51

Thanx, everybody, for everything. It was great trading knowlege and hiking tips with such experienced hikers. The swamp water banana pudding was excellent!

chiefduffy

02-01-2010, 09:43

The swamp water banana pudding was excellent!

And the pancakes and fried summer sausage breakfast, and the hot meat and potatoes supper, gallons of steaming hot coffee on a cold morning......don't think I ever ate better in the woods.:sun Thanks to all. Let's do it again!!!!