New in central FL

**d_akers** · 02-17-2015, 21:25

My name is Derek and I recently found out about this site through a customer at work. I work at a sporting goods store servicing and building bikes. I had picked up an ENO doublenest (still haven't used it) and while I sold this customer a bike he told me about the hangs he had been on and about the people he met. I did 8 years active duty in the military and still serve in the reserves while attending school. I am looking forward to getting out on my first trip and meeting up with some people. I live close to Tampa and Orlando and will be going out and seeing what the area has to offer before it gets too hot.

**WaffleBox** · 02-17-2015, 21:41

Howdy from Tallahassee!

**lilricky** · 02-18-2015, 02:05

Welcome from Kissimmee! We have a really great group of people here in Central Florida and the rest of the state for that matter. Keep an eye on the Southeast subforum of the Gatherings.

**MoonBear** · 02-18-2015, 07:07

Welcome.....

**raiffnuke** · 02-18-2015, 07:08

Welcome to HF from Massachusetts.

**MAD777** · 02-18-2015, 08:11

Welcome from South Florida!

**olddog** · 02-18-2015, 08:46

Welcome aboard Derek. Thanks for everything you helped me with at the shop. I know it's short notice and that you're not set up yet but if you feel like a trip to Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Saturday would be a good day to hike in to meet the crew and look over some setups. We'll also be having a couple of other hike and hangs before it gets too hot and shuts us down. PM if you have any questions.

olddog, Lamar

**Tuck** · 02-18-2015, 17:34

Derek, welcome to the CF group! Like Olddog said, come join us when you get a chance.

**Floridahanger** · 02-18-2015, 19:23

Originally Posted by d_akers

My name is Derek and I recently found out about this site through a customer at work...

Hello there, from "World's most famous beach" coast.

That "customer" is one of the original Florida boys here. He also has a piece of gear co-named after him called the Turtledog Stand. He is definitely good people. Yes, I said people. He wears many hats.

I am looking forward to getting out on my first trip and meeting up with some people. I live close to Tampa and Orlando and will be going out and seeing what the area has to offer before it gets too hot.

I hope this weekend isn't too bad for you. Check out the 4th Annual Sherpa Hang thread to see if this is something you can make. Like olddog said, come out on Sat if you don't have a complete system yet and see how we can help you. Or, bring a tent and stay the night.

There is a hanger here that bikehangs. He travels 100's of miles on his bicycle to and from hangs and has great trip reports and vids. He also has a few of us interested in doing the same. You could be of great help in giving us info on bikes as well.

**d_akers** · 02-21-2015, 22:03

Hey thanks for all the warm welcomes, this weekend was no good as I had my military obligation this weekend. Getting out for a weekend will be difficult (although with some notice not impossible) until closer to the summer unfortunately due to school and the reserves. I am staying in Sugarloaf Key the 9-12 though. Plan on taking the kayaks and hopefully the camping area has somewhere to hang. I'll be doing some more research into some gear and hopefully get to meet up before the weather turns too bad.