March 10th, 2007 Sandra Friend
I’m surprised I haven’t seen this message in every newspaper and outdoor-related magazine across Florida: outdoor recreation on National Lands just became affordable! In January, the Federal Government started selling a new National Public Lands Pass. It’s designed to replace the mess of passes that one person had to get to visit all the federal public lands - National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, and (not relavant to Florida but to points west) Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. For $80 - the same cost as a Florida State Parks pass - you’re covered to hit Everglades National Park, all of the fee areas in the Ocala, Osceola, and Apalachicola National Forests, and all of the many National Wildlife Refuges we have, some of which (like Ding Darling and St. Marks) charge admission. It’s good for a year from purchase. If you’re 62 or older, you can get a lifetime version of the pass for $10. Awesome! Just visiting the springs in the Ocala NF is worth buying this pass, since it costs $4 per person otherwise and the pass is good for a carload. I called last month and checked with the federal agency selling the passes and they told me they are good at all “US Fee Area” sites. Hooray! I’ll be picking up one soon.
Here’s where you can get yours online.
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June 24th, 2006 Sandra Friend
Summer hiking in Florida? Surely you jest, say most folks who wilt when they step out into 90*F heat. Never mind the mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and afternoon thunderstorms like clockwork. Still, there are many of us who just have to be outdoors no matter the season, especially when doctor’s orders say ‘thou shalt exercise’ or else! Obviously, it’s not prudent to do a long hike on a hot summer’s day, but think of summer hiking as the appetizer to the rest of the year’s banquet of opportunities. Here are my tips for summer hiking in Florida.
1. Do it Early. And I mean really, really early. Wait until the dawn-loving mosquitoes disperse and then get out there, especially if you want to knock off 5 miles or more. Finish up before 10 AM if you can, and noon if you must.
2. Do it Smart. Use generous amounts of bug spray, tuck your pants in your socks to help ward off ticks, slather on sunscreen, wear a hat, and always wear long lightweight pants and full-coverage shoes. Unless you want to be a walking banquet for insects, skip the Tevas and shorts. Post-hike, soak in a hot bath (or a hot tub) to help kill the chiggers and do a through tick check. Keep guard against heat-related problems, too: hot sun + not enough water = heatstroke. Hike with a buddy so you can make sure you’re both doing okay. Get off the trail sooner if you’re not.
3. Stay Hydrated. Bring double or triple the water you’d normally carry and consider sports drinks for electrolyte replacement, cut in half with water if you don’t like the taste. Make sure you drink what you bring, too!
4. Keep it Short. I like to lead Crack O’Dawn hikes for the Florida Trail Association in the summertime, as it’s fun to get out for a little touch of nature and then go to breakfast together. On your own? Keep your hike under 3 miles (1 to 1.5 hours) so you don’t wear yourself out.
5. Make it Urban. Even a walk at a local park will feed your need for green. Walk a paved path or boardwalk in a shady place; you’d be surprised at how many urban areas in Florida have nice short trails available: see Hiker’s Guide to the Sunshine State for details!
6. Make it Fun. Keep cool and have a blast by combining hiking and swimming. Florida has plenty of springs with nearby nature trails (Juniper Springs is one of my favorites) and beachfront parks with nature trails as well. Add a picnic or paddle or snorkel to the mix, and you can plan a whole summer day outdoors!
Don’t suffer from nature deprivation: get out and enjoy summer in Florida!
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