Thru Hiking the Florida Trail

[Hammock Hanger]

I will be sure to do that Sue.
Hey, anything on if we are going to try the Suannee for Thanksgiving?

I'll check on that.

[wahoo]

Would folks prefer to get together when it's cooler weather, or sooner?

[MOWGLI]

I have not been out to hike since you and Mark got me safely off the trail. Many invites but I have been to chicken to give it a try.

Not "chicken." Sensible is more like it.

I wanna hike St Marks NWR again. That was an awesome hike - in every sense.

[Gray Blazer]

I will be sure to do that Sue.
Hey, anything on if we are going to try the Suannee for Thanksgiving?

That sounds like a great idea.

[Hammock Hanger]

Not "chicken." Sensible is more like it.

I wanna hike St Marks NWR again. That was an awesome hike - in every sense.

NO, I am not sensible. I just got back from the doctor's and he has come to the conclusion that after months of seeing each other, it is over!! Actually what he said was that there is really nothing he can do until I become a candidate for the knee replacement, which they will not do at my age.

His advice, walk no more then 2-3 miles a day on level terrain with no weight. When I mentioned the reason I came in the first place, SPAIN!! His reply was not in this decade.

I am NOT sensible, I refuse to cancel. I will choke down as many pills as I can safely pop. I am not ready to stop. I don't need the knee replacement when I am old, I need it NOW so I can enjoy my life.

I am being irrational I know, but I just got home and the session is still raw in my brain. So, what do I do go straight to the hiking forums. Am I glutton for punishment or what!

[GMcClain20]

I'd love to do the St. Marks hike Mowgli. I've been interested ever since I read that report.

Hammock Hanger........NEVER GIVE IN, NEVER GIVE UP!!!

[Hammock Hanger]

I'd love to do the St. Marks hike Mowgli. I've been interested ever since I read that report.

Hammock Hanger........NEVER GIVE IN, NEVER GIVE UP!!!

OKAY!!! Not so whiny today.

St Mark's is a beautiful place. Have you thought about the 7-70 hike through Eglin AFB with FTA in February??

[MOWGLI]

I'd love to do the St. Marks hike Mowgli. I've been interested ever since I read that report.

Hammock Hanger........NEVER GIVE IN, NEVER GIVE UP!!!

It's a great winter hike. Maybe early in 2009. Lets stay in touch. Perhaps we could get a small group together to do it.

[Footslogger]

Maybe the Florida Trail is where I need to be hiking. Relatively flat and mostly near sea level

'Slogger

[Hammock Hanger]

Maybe the Florida Trail is where I need to be hiking. Relatively flat and mostly near sea level

'Slogger

It is a very unique and varied trail. Flat yes, but more then one hiker has been surprised that it is NOT all that easy. A trail worth hiking.

[Footslogger]

It is a very unique and varied trail. Flat yes, but more then one hiker has been surprised that it is NOT all that easy. A trail worth hiking.

=================================

I lived in Florida for about 6 - 7 years back in the 70's. Might be a nice walk down memory lane. Might just have to add it to my "bucket list"

'Slogger

[cannonball]

OKAY!!! Not so whiny today.

St Mark's is a beautiful place. Have you thought about the 7-70 hike through Eglin AFB with FTA in February??

I could'nt seem to find any info on FT web site about the 7-70 this winter. Is it too early for them to post it?
BTW, my "bride" and I are entering our 20th year of matrimonial bliss this fall.

[Hammock Hanger]

I could'nt seem to find any info on FT web site about the 7-70 this winter. Is it too early for them to post it?
BTW, my "bride" and I are entering our 20th year of matrimonial bliss this fall.

Yes, I do believe that Deb will not advertise the hike till it gets a little closer. From what I know it will be around President's Day. It is a mild hike of 70 miles in 7 days. This gives newbies a chance to test the waters and to pick the more experienced brains. Eglin AFB is a beautiful area. The size of the group will be limited to 10 as we must stay at established campsites while on the AFB.

You are in the same "honeymoon stage" as I am with my hubby & best friend of 27. Congrats. Who says a good thing can't last!!

[slow]

Gray...you are a nut.

Ok guys, when are we going to have another get together?

Bump,let's go Aug 15th at juniper.

[Hammock Hanger]

Bump,let's go Aug 15th at juniper.

Have fun. If you don't drown in the humidity the squeeters will carry you away.

[slow]

Have fun. If you don't drown in the humidity the squeeters will carry you away.

No prob.Spend many 5-7 day with no food or water to start with in FL over the 30 yr's..BUGS,HEAT?

[BumpJumper]

Hell no Slow. Are you crazy?
I am not into dying from heat. I will wait til fall.

[Two Winds '97]

So, I am thinking of thru-hiking the FT this winter. My parents still live in Jacksonville and I've wanted to hike it for years, and the 'timeframe' is from just after Thanksgiving to when I finish.

What direction should I hike?
How is water?
Weather?
Resupplying?
ect...

[Hammock Hanger]

So, I am thinking of thru-hiking the FT this winter. My parents still live in Jacksonville and I've wanted to hike it for years, and the 'time frame' is from just after Thanksgiving to when I finish.

What direction should I hike?
How is water?
Weather?
Resupplying?
ect...

There is no better way then another, my preference is South to North, keeping the sun on your back. Dec - Mar are the best months. It takes about 3 months.

During a normal season it really is not hard to find water. It should be treated per the FTA. Some years there will be more water then you want and you will have some swampy areas to hike through. I found this a cool adventure.

Weather can be hot, and hotter in the south and then throw in a cold day. It will most likely be cold as you get north especially in the Panhandle in Feb. So, you need to be prepared for both.

You should have plenty of opportunity to resupply at small convenience stores and a few larger groceries. I recommend that you get the FTA Thru-hiker Handbook. Full of great planning info. Also email the FTA (www.floridatrail.org) and ask for a Thru-hiker packet. It will have info and forms that you will need to fill out prior to your hike. Your trek will take you through an Indian reservation and the permission form will be in that packet.

The are many places where you will hike by a PO. I recommend carrying the maps.

Hope this helps you get started. BTW: I live in JAX, so if you visit the folks and want to meet let me know.

Hammock Hanger (FTA Long Distance Hikers Committee Chairperson)

[highway]

WAHOO...I just put together a big get together this last fall. Sorry you missed it. I cooked up some good grub for everybody...Ask Slow...he loved it...

We can hit it again...I would love to.

What about this year...as soon as the heat of summer passes some