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The Florida National Scenic Trail
Last Updated 7/25/2008
The 1400 mile long Florida Trail runs all the way through Florida from the Everglades to Alabama. Largely unknown and rarely hiked, the trail is home to a panoply of wild (and not so wild) life including deer, wild hogs, sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, alligators, ubiquitous cows, and even black bears. Start the New Year off right, get away from your frigid climate, see a wild and seldom seen section of Florida, and lose weight (or more accurately, improve body composition).
Our route will take us almost 60 miles through the (mostly flat) Ocala National Forest, which because of it's fine scenery and wild character, was the very first section of the Florida Trail that was protected. It is a fascinating amalagmation of Live Oak Hammocks, Pine Forests, scenic prairies, and many other interesting eco-systems. About midway through the trip, we will take a half-day canoe trip starting from crystal clear Juniper Springs, where year-round warm water temperatures encourage swimming. Don't be surprised to see an otter or alligator along the way!
Equipment List
Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. Please feel free to discuss any items of question with us before the trip.
Weather
Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. Fortunately, December is a reasonably temperate time in Central Florida, although an occasional freezing temperature is not unheard of. Expect a few bugs, but nothing compared to other seasons in Florida. Please come prepared for rain and the possibility of freezing weather.
Also be prepared for blazing heat. The 2007 trip had several days that reached the 90s, but this is atypical.
Menus
We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Because backpacking is rigorous and demanding (as well as rewarding), you must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat nutritious food often, almost continually. Please check out the sample menus for this trip.
These lists are not necessarily comprehensive and may be altered or augmented. Furthermore, if you want to bring personal food, say a big old chocolate cake, go for it. After carrying it 50+ miles, your body will most likely not desire those empty calories, nor want to carry the weight around.
But it's Christmas and New Years!
Precisely. It's no secret that the last week of every year is a time when an overwhelming amount of people feel disenfranchised. Maybe you've gone through a divorce or are the black sheep of your family or are Jewish or Asian. Maybe you have the time off and want to get away from your frigid climate or just can't think of a better way to start the New Year than by hiking. If so, this trip is for you.
Itinerary
The Florida Trail Fitpacking Trip will be from December 25, 2008 - January 2, 2009. See the proposed itinerary. Most of the trail will be very flat, with a few hills tossed in.
Important! Depending upon weather conditions, the trail may be flooded in places. This may mean inch deep water, ankle deep water, or in rare conditions, wading through water above your knees. Similarly, if Florida is experiencing a drought as it has for the last few years, we may see wildfires and drinking water may be scarce or non-existent for many miles at a time, thus obligating us to carry as much as 2 gallons of water at a time. As the trip approaches, we will have a much better idea of these conditions.
Probable Trip Leaders (2 of the following 3)
Jim Lumpkins, who lives in Morristown, TN has backpacked all 900 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. He has guided several Fitpacking trips, including one in Florida. He is a Wilderness Medicine certified Wilderness First Responder.
Jesse Hardie is from Alpharetta, GA and is guiding his second Fitpacking trip in Florida. Jesse plans to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail in 2008.
Steve Silberberg, who lives in Hull, MA has many years of backpacking experience over a variety of terrains and guides most Fitpacking trips. He is a SOLO certified Wilderness First Responder.
Typical Pine Forest
Cost
$950 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share hotel rooms with another trip participant. You may also wish to share a tent, which will cut down on total weight carried -- an important consideration -- but it will also mean less privacy.
You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Orlando. Furthermore, any restaurant meals eaten off the trail will be your responsibility. Finally, you will be responsible for any personal calls you make or receive on our satellite phone or from motel/hotel rooms.