Time behind the wheel
JK continues around Lake Okeechobee - a part of the trail he's done before on the Big O Hike - as part of the support crew for the FT hikers new to the region.
A night in Clewiston
When you reach the turnoff to continue north on the Florida Trail around Lake Okeechobee, you don’t quite reach the town of Clewiston. After all the heat and bugs while camping and cooking outdoors, the group decided to enjoy real food and a night in …
Ice Cream and Patchwork
On my first day on support crew, the group decided to try a slackpack day. So we were up early, much too early. The faster hikers wanted to get out on the trail by 5 AM. Slack packing would mean that we didn’t have to break camp at Big Cypress …
On the Reservation
Leaving the wilds of the Big Cypress Swamp, the trail followed an old road for most of the distance. After a right hand turn on a large main road, I followed the blazes and other hikers footsteps. I stopped while crossing a canal to tend to a few hot …
In the Dark
After our wonderful reception at the I-75 rest area, several hikers decided to backtrack a bit and camp. I decided to push on and try for a few more miles. I was rested and filled with good food. It wasn’t long after I made it through the north …
The Spirit of Place
Walking through the most ancient of Florida's forests, the feeling that landscape has a spirit persists, especially when contrasted with places where habitat has been permanently destroyed.
Crossing the Big Cypress Swamp
John's hike across Big Cypress to lay down a GPS track for The Florida Trail Guide (and later, FarOut) was his first experience at backpacking with wet feet.
New Florida National Scenic Trail terminus dedicated
This morning marked the first time that Florida Trail thru-hikers could get their picture taken in front of a terminus marker as found, say, on Springer Mountain in Georgia or Mt. Kathadin in Maine. Although the monument isn’t in place yet – …
Cross Florida Greenway History: The Land Bridge
A landmark along Interstate 75 near Ocala, the Land Bridge remains one of the more popular destinations for hikers, bikers, and equestrians on the Cross Florida Greenway.
Cross Florida Greenway History: Finding a Route
A visit to the Barge Canal Diggings near I-75 after 13 years of the Florida Trail on the Cross Florida Greenway reveals steady changes over the years, shown in a series of photos.
Backpacking: The Weight Of Things
Planning a backpacking trip? One thing to consider - very carefully - is what things weight vs. their importance to you, especially on a trip of more than a week.
Seminole Reflections
Returning to the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation for the first time in a decade, I remember my visits of the past and celebrate the present with John with a panther sighting.