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Florida Trail Hammocking
I'm in the process of planing a Floraida Trail thru-hike. I'm starting in Key West and heading north. From all the reading I have done about tke trail is sounds like the center of the state sounds like I would need a tent because of the recomended places to camp. For those who have hiked the FT what do you say about using a hammock or should I plan on switching to a tent for parts of the trail?
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I hiked the FT back in 07'. Granted, there are a couple of choices to make in regards to loops and things may have changed since I hiked it, but I used a hammock for the entirety and didn't have any problems finding a place to hang. I also didn't really use the suggestions as to where to camp, so that may factor in as well.
Worry more about your feet in the southern end. Those roadwalks will melt the soles of your shoes faster than you'd ever imagine. :scared:
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I was born and bred in Florida and as much as I hate to warn you about this... watch out for drive by garbage. For some stupid reason, some people like to throw garbage at others when they are doing the road walks.
Also, stealth camping comes in handy big time while hiking that trail. Good luck and have fun. I for sure miss the sunshine state.
Fronkey
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Cannibal did you have a problem finding a good hang spot north of the Indian reservation on the levees?
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Been a few years and lots of miles since I went through there. In fact, when I went through, they (FTA) were fighting with the Indians about access. Are you talking about the section up near (south) Hwy 60? There was a stretch there with nothing in terms of shade, let alone a place to hang. However, I don't think it was more than 4 hours of walking to get through it. In fact, thinking back, I'm pretty sure there were a few spots that I could have stopped, but I wanted to get to good water up at River Ranch.
Honestly, I don't remember ever having a problem with finding a hang. I don't even remember being worried about finding a place.
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No sorry I meant the area just north of Big Cypress south of lake Okeechobee.
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Nope, no problems. This section was a little less populated by trees, but there are still plenty of spots to be found. I should have kept a journal.
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When I did mine back in 2010, there were cypress domes/groups of trees every so often near the canals/levees that you could hang from. However, I'm curious, you do know the Florida Trail doesn't start until the Big Cypress on the Loop Road in the Everglades, right? The stretch from the Keys to the Everglades is actually part of the Eastern Continental Trail. Be forewarned, its alot of roadwalking, 175 miles, with almost no trees to hang from, well, legally that is....
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At the worse, you could take some tyvek with you and use your hammock as a bivy type until you find a more suitable location. I guess. maybe. possibly.
What do I know??? :o
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I would use my hammock as a bivy if I had to.