Orlando Wetlands

7 miles became my longest stretch on the Florida Trail as we shuttled vehicles from Christmas to the Orlando Wetlands. This stretch traveled through the thickest Hydric Hammock I have ever seen, and then through the shit factory that is known as the Orlando Wetlands. Great Birding around the wetlands, but dont miss the loop that passes through the only hardwoods or else you have to go all the way around the rectangle that surrounds the park.

Earning my stripes

Learning the blazes, and how to follow a trail came easy with my surveying background with Pickanaso. Mapping out the trails was also cool with a program that I got from the Florida Trail Association

The first trails

The first trail I took was my home trail (the Land bridge section of the Florida Trail near Ocala). Kim came to visit and suggested that we take a hike nearby. I only made it to the benches a mile in, but one week later completed the 3 mile round trip to the bridge. The next three mile trip came at the Marshall Swamp Trail. The KIZ complained that they hauled in a bunch of gravel, but I kind of liked it. I barely made that three miles, but soon would be taking on longer stretches. This photo is of Kyle a year later when we rehiked this portion.

First Post to the FT Blog

In December of 05, I suffered a life changing experience when my pancreas and other organs failed. When I awoke from my dreams, I decided to dedicate more time to the outdoors. I soon found the Florida Trail, and I have been hiking it ever since, every chance I get. Since it is 2008, the first posts will be the hikes already completed. I will continue to post interesting pictures of birds, animals, landscapes, and other interesting sites found on the trail. Please feel free to post any interesting thoughts on the Florida Trail.

Jacque Steer