Eaton Creek to 88 Store

This was Nellys first hike. We were worried that she would run away. She is a good hiker.

From 314 to FR 97 the trail was not well mentained. Nelly had to choose weather to jump over the fallen trees or sneak under them.

The trees were amazing, but but the wildlife was quiet. We had to really pick up our pace if we were going to make it to 88 before dark.

Too late its Dark. Wish you were here Rich. Good thing the trail is well worn from FR 97 to the 88 store. The path in the moss looked like a trail through snow, and it illuminated in the pitch black sky.

and then there was the flying squirrell....

Hopkins Prarie to Salt Springs

Back on the trail....I pick up Kyle at the Budget Rent a car and we head to the Forest. We decide to do 2 short trails and a swim in the glen. The salt springs Loop Trail goes down to the salt springs run. Nice hike through the forest down to the water.

We spot a baby gator at the ob deck.

No swimming in the run for Kyle so we decided to head to silver glen springs to go swimming and hike the Lake George trail. The water was invigorating yet so transparent. Pebbles rushing from the main spring head and large fish feasting on the plant life. A spring the way it should be. We jump out of the water and say hi to the multitudes of vultures by the bank and scurry on over to the Lake George trail. "I wonder if they enforce the sunset rule" Kyle says as we approach dusk. Dont worry I will make time Steerski says as he takes the lead. All of a sudden a florida black bear comes bounding down a tree. I rush back to Kyle to make sure he saw the bear. No wonder they had that bear sign at the beginning of the trail." We head down to Lake George just in time for a Bald Eagle to provide an air show. We haul ass back to the car as its getting dark. We hear the ranger hollering at the marina "Anyone own a F150 we are locking up" We escape just in time and head for Hopkins Prarie, a favorite spot of the Kiz.


Intoduce Rich, a through hiker from Otown. He tells us horror stories about drinking crappy water from Penner ponds. But he also tells us great stories about 88 store. "Its open now if you want to go." I poke fun of all his gear, but I will later regret not being as prepared. I am sure we will see Rich on the trail again. Hopkins prarie did not dissapoint. Big Sky Views!




Looking in the trees to find hidden treasures...or not.




Crazy flying creatures abound.

Tall grass meant chiggars. Wish I had worn pants like Rich.

The birds were in pairs today.

And some weren't even birds.

Kyle got shroomed and could not make it the last mile to the campground (the trail ended at the marina). I walked the power lines to the corner of the swim area. It was closed because of remodeling. I jumped the fence and saw the Salt springs theme park and country club. What a mistake to put a wall around a great swimming hole. Oh well off to the TC vs Forest girls soccer

Long Trail Post

Because it is too hot to hike the Florida Trail in the summer, I rarely post during the summer, however I did make it for a short hike on the Long Trail in Vermont.

The dog passed me on the way to the top of mount Abe. We ended up climbing 2 miles up to the shelter, spent the night with 6 men in a box, then climbed 1 mile up to the summit. Clouds just started rolling in when we reached the top. 4002 ft elevation

Three Lakes Round Four

Three Lakes is named for the three large lakes that make part of its borders. With the praries being mostly to the south, we decided to go back to this popular stretch of the trail with its varying habitats and plentiful and bountiful bird species. We were originally going to start at the Lake Jackson OB Tower. FT map indicated we could get there through john overstreet, but private land prevented passage. We finally met up at the hunt camp, and the Kiz drove toward the OB Tower. The Kiz decided to do the turkey trot. Saw the sign for the OB tower and hopped on the trail.



Great Lizard on Flower.
Met up with the IR Chapter of the FT. A mentally challenged hiker was drinking an ODouls.


Murky water meant lots of shade. Took the lakefront path to the boatramp. A barrage of birds.


Sprawl was evident as we found Lennar advertising on the trail. Finally got a Turkey shot.

Another nice day on the trail.