Newbie in Florida

“I live in south west Florida and I'm a beginner to backpacking. I'm in the process of obtaining equipment. So far I have only gotten a pack but I am working on it. I don't know anyone who bp's so I thought maybe I could touch base with with some local hikers. I would like to start out with a couple of Florida hikes then move on to the AT and so on. Anyone interested in helping the new guy please respond to this thread or contact me through the posted e-mail address. Thanks”

“Stick around here for a while Mr.NoNickName, and soon enough you'll find what you need...and more. I guarantee it!”

“Buddur is right. I really got hardcore into backpacking about 3 years ago, and during that time I checked out trail talk on this site frequently, and really learned a lot. Many very helpful, friendly regulars here, so free to ask questions..

Getting the pack first is a good way to start. Let's you imagine all the goodies you want to pack in it! I'd recommend not going too crazy with the high-tech, nire expensive stuff just yet (e.g. titanium cookware, GPS, ect.). Take your time and start out with the basics, and work your way up from there. Best of luck..!”

“nire? I meant more. How'd I get "nire" from "more"? Strange...”

“"...or contact me through the posted e-mail address. Thanks"
NoNickName
10:17:57 PM
01/20/02
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When I clicked on your name, your profile showed:

"Username: NoNickName

State of residence:

Other comments:"
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I'm still somewhat new, so is there another place where you posted your email address?

Are you located anywhere near Melbourne?”

“Hey NoNick, a bunch of us are getting together in two weeks to backpack a section of the Florida Trail in Ocala Nat. Forest.

If you think you can get your gear together in time come on out.

Search for "Florida ECT hike" in the threads. I also have a map and Itenerary on my yet unfinished website.”

“Hey welcome aboard! I love your username! There are a lot of Florida hikers, so you will probably have a chance to join group backpacking trips or plan a group trip yourself. Several people on this site occasionally sell their gear, and there have been dozens of threads relating to buying gear. When I first found TT, I started a thread about buying a tent, since that was really a struggle for me. Another several threads chewed on the down vs synthetic issue for sleeping bags. But a lot of info won't pertain to Florida, so you want to try to sort out what gear you need for Florida weather vs what you need for the southern part of the AT. Get out there as soon as you can, since you only have a short time before it is way too hot!”

“Hey NoNick - there are a number of folks here who live in FL. I'm in Orlando, I think Flatlander lives in SW FL. I was in your situation about 6 months ago and have found this board to be a great resource.

I just went for an overnight down in Myakka River SP which is probably pretty close to you - great place this time if year.

Don't know what your gear style is - some folks want ultracheap, others pay more for ultralight or brand names. Most end up with a blend. There are all kinds here.

I would rely more on the wisdom here than a salesperson in an outdoor shop.

Welcome!”

“NoNickName
The place Big Coop mentioned would be a great place to start. Myakka River State Park would be a great place for someone just starting out. Campsites are from 2 to about 10 miles from the trailhead. Easy trail to follow. It is only about 10 mile from I-75 so it should not be more than a few hours away from you if you live in SW FL.
I plan on going at least once more before it gets hot. Maybe Big Coop could go again? We could get a Southern chapter of the ECT going. Maybe we could even get some of those people tired of the cold to come down.
Big Coop
I am from S. Central Fla. next to Lake Okeechobee. Part of The Florida Trail goes about 2 or 3 miles from my house.”

“Thought my e-mail was lsted in my profile, but I was wrong again. should be on there soon. Thanks.”

“I live about 45 minutes from Myakka State Park and figured the 39 mile trail would be my first overnighter. If I can get my equipment in time, which I doubt, I would love to join some of you on either the Myakka Hike or Ocalla. Thanks for the encouragement and the invites.”

“.”

“NoNickName -

If you need to borrow some gear for the Ocala hike, just say the word. There are enough of us going on this trip, that we should be able to scrounge something up for you.

Let Humanpackmule know if you are interested in coming and what you might need to borrow - we can help with the rest.

Hope to See you in Ocala!

Tex”

“Welcome to tha boards...if ya'll plan on doing the northern part of the Florida trail that cuts through Eglin AFB and up into south alabama let me know..that's my home territory from when i was still running shine...errr sorry...”

“Hey OPIE. Why don't you see if you can drum up interest for a hike in that area? I could use an excuse to visit there again.

I once lived in Niceville. Is the Matador Room still open on the hill outside Eglin AFB? My car with an automatic seemed to always head that way automatically after a few beers.”

“Nowslimmer...OH HELL YEA!!..lmao..you read that post poppinfresh had FOR THE GUYS ONLY...that's where my experience in that matter came from. That and the Golden Nugget in PCB...mmmmm mmmm mmmmm”

“PCB is my old running ground Opie I've had more then my share at the Golden Nugget LOL!!”

“Flatlander - wish I could - another Myakka trip would be great - I'll have to wait until Fall. My last overnight is going to be Ocala. My wife and I are expecting our first baby in May and I will be limiting myself to dayhikes until the Fall.

Are you still planning on the Ocala hike? We can talk more about the South Florida Chapter of the ECT then.

Hey NoNick - buy, borrow, and beg some gear together and meet us up there!”

“Hey Big Coop, Congrats on the new addition. Boy or girl?
P.S. I'm workin on gettin the gear.”

“Really NoNick, If you think you can make it and just need some stuff shout.”

“Thanks NoNick - looks like we're having a little girl. She's kickin' up a storm lately - very new and fun for us.”

“NoNick, if you'd like to join us for the Ocala hike, all you need are shoes/boots. I can outfit a small boyscout troop and can supply you with whatever you need. I can even supply you with raingear and fleece provided you take a large jacket and medium pants.

Do you kayak?”

“Unfortunately, I cant' get the time off from work to join all of you on the Ocala hike. I want to thank everyone who offered to lend me gear. I thought that was pretty cool. I do have that Sunday off though and was thinking of loading my canoe and meeting all of you at the end of your hike for the conoing portion. Waddaya think?”

“I'll be watching pre-game coverage by then. I haven't started dabbling in kayaking yet.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Sounds like the wrong plan, hpm. We're going to do the Juniper Spring run on Monday.

NNN, You can meet us at Juniper after you do the run, if you like. I highly recommend it.”

“Well there is that little detail isn't it?”

“Well there is that little detail isn't it?”

“Arclite, I've got Sunday and Monday off, but can only make it for one day. What's the itinerary for Monday?”

“Sorry about the double post.”

“i was under the impression that we were paddling on Sunday....., but...oh well, whatever, i have Monday off too.....wake me up when i get there ok?
:)
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“i was planning on paddling on sunday, too.

this changes my whole trip. i'm going to have to get back to y'all on this.”

“Good Lord, people! We need to be on the spring run by 11:00 at the latest. And that doesn't give us any wiggle room.

The earlier the better. I don't want to leave Hidden Pond REAL early in order to get to Juniper Springs by 9:30. THINK how long it will take to get the canoes rented, the kayaks prepped, and get everyone down to the spring run.

I plan on getting a campsite at Juniper on Sunday. That way I won't be hurried either day. I can wake up at Juniper on Monday, do the run early, and take my time. I hate having to stick to a tight time schedule in the woods.

I had thought we were all on the same page. That's what I get for thinking. Does this make sense to anyone?”

“Hey TT'ers, found this site (actually the gear review part) about a year and a half ago when I decided to get back into overnight and weekend hikes again instead of just day-hiking. Discovered TT a few weeks ago (wish I would have paid more attention back then), saw this thread and decided it's time to start talking too.

Gear Shops in Central Florida area if you get over this way:
Bass Pro Shops on International Drive at the SW end of Orlando has a small BP/camping section, watch for the huge billboards on I-4.
Travel Country Outdoors on S.R. 436 in Altamonte Springs just north of Orlando is a good outfitter, sometimes a little pricy, have a great sale every fall, get on their mailing list, also have a at web site.
There's also a Camp Coleman (Coleman outlet) at an outlet center in Jacksonville, only Coleman stuff, but at a decent discount (saw an Inyo (successor to Peak1 Cobra) tent for $70, Xtreme Stove for $40, etc.).

Another nice (at least it was a year ago) hike over your way is at the Little Manatee River State Recreation Area on U.S. 301 east of Tampa. Need to check in at the ranger station in the main campground, they will give you the combination to the gate to the parking lot for the hiking area. Nice short easy trail for beginners or to try out new gear, about 6 miles long, 2 miles along the river, primitive campground about 2/3 of the way around. FTA has a map of the trail.”

“Welcome Flacker.
Checkout the Florida ECT hike thread. It's next weekend. Come on out if you can.”

“my wife has other plans for our anniversary, and she doesn't camp without car support. Maybe another time, hope you have fun. I did Juniper to Hidden Pond a week or two back with a group of scouts and other leaders, we had a blast.”

“Yep, did that with my scouts last Oct. Nice little hike there.”

“Flacker - nice to meet a fellow Central Floridian. I agree - Outdoor World is an outdoor enthusiasts playground. Just picked up a Z-rest there yesterday. I typically shop at TCO though - but you're right - there stuff is expensive. Now - I usually shop the web first then go there.

I'll be doing primarily day hikes for a while after the Ocala trip. I'll toss a thread up here if I do.”

“Just discovered this site a couple of days ago and love it. I have been reading journals around the Web for the last few months and definitely am feeling the itch to get into this.
I live in the Orlando area.”

“Welcome! procrastigator. Another Florida hiker - our Florida ECT troop is growing.

We'll talk about your college football allegiances later...

Big Coop aka Coopinole”