Having received a Blender Bottle GoStak to test some months ago, we’ve been trying to figure out uses for it while backpacking. As hard as we tried, we just couldn’t find a use for them in our very weight-conscious backpacks. It’s just hard to beat a lightweight inexpensive zip closure plastic bag. However, not all …
Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero T-shirt
John trail-tests the Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero T-shirt after being introduced to the new fabric by a Columbia rep at the grand opening of REI Jacksonville.
Dorcy Lantern
Our Dorcy Lantern arrived the night before our Big O Hike Trip. With it being a ‘social’ hike instead of a backpacking trip we would be spending the next ten nights in Primrose, our vintage VW camper. After a long drive in the rain to Okeechobee, I needed to work on the windshield wipers twice. …
Five Star Trails Gainesville & Ocala has launched
While we were roaming the trails of South Florida, a box of books arrived at our home: our author copies of Five Star Trails Gainesville & Ocala! We started working on this guide to the best trails in the Gainesville and Ocala vicinity last fall, nibbling away at hikes at the south end of the …
Florida Trail Southern Terminus marker installed
Since its debut on a hand cart this January during the thru-hiker season kickoff at Oasis Visitor Center, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the permanent placement of the Florida Trail Southern Terminus marker in Big Cypress National Preserve. The marker was put in place yesterday, December 12. Said Bob DeGross, Chief of Interpretation and Public Affairs …
Historic Spanish Point
At Spanish Point, scents hang heavy in the morning air: a moonflower in the act of closing for the day, the sweetness of citrus blossoms, the purple morning-glory clambering over mangroves, the brush of salt breezes.
Major Florida Trail Relocation along the Kissimmee River
After meetings with land managers during Thanksgiving week, the USDA Forest Service has approved a 43.9 mile route that relocates the Florida Trail along the Kissimmee River, shifting the trail from the oft-flooded western shore to the eastern side between Micco Landing off US 98 and the S-65A lock just north of Tick Island Slough. …
Mako 77 Bike Tool
Some time ago we received a Mako 77 bike tool for review. It’s traveled along with me for many miles on three different bikes and trikes. Luckily for me it was never needed, knock on wood. One morning I decided that it was time to install all those cool accessories that I ordered when we …
Merrell Moab Ventilator
My old lightweight Hi-tec boots, bought years ago, finally started to wear out. I dug them out of storage earlier this year when I started my Florida Trail trek across Seminole County along the paved bike paths. It was time to give my feet and legs a break from my heavier leather Keens. Slackpacking on …
The Big O, Differently
After a dozen years of attending, the Big O Hike had become a welcome routine, a time to gather with friends. This year was very different. Being in charge meant having to worry about both the big picture and the details.