FL > Hidden Pond, ONF > July 19-21, 2019 > 7th Annual "No Underquilt Hang"

[Floridahanger]

The details of your instructions inspired me to go to Juniper Springs on Saturday June 22. I didn't make it close to Hidden Pond because I'm out of shape and my heel pain kicked in. And I can report there were mosquitoes. And a few fireflies where I set up camp. I guess points for trying a five mile hike and I made it out bug-bitten and alive.

Thanks, hope you had a great time.
Come on out for Summer's Last Gasp and take the Hidden Pond Short trail so you can make it in. It's well worth getting in to see the Spring fed Pond in the middle of the forest. I've seen some fireflies at the pond but not many.

[Floridahanger]

We're finally into July. It's almost time to head out for our No Underquilt Hang into the Florida Woods.
It's now 2 1/2 weeks out. Time to get meal planning and purchased and Permethrin to all the clothes.

Hanger, dates attending, starting trailhead, ETA

1) Floridahanger, Fri-Sun, Hidden Pond Short, 9am-ish
2) Scott Adkins, Fri-Sun, ,
3) Juanchoman, Sat,
4) gravey, ,Juniper Springs,
5) Randonneur, Fri-Sat, Pat's Island or Hopkins Prairie, aftenoon
6) O-Boy, Fri-Sun, Pat's Island, noon

[Floridahanger]

It's been hot, but afternoon rain keeps cooling it down into the 70's. Perfect for a Summer Hang.

For those new to hiking in Florida Summer, here are a few tips...
-Make sure you hydrate well the day before coming out and on your way to the trail. There is plenty of water in Hidden Pond to filter at camp so don't worry about hiking it in.
-Bring rain gear because our weather can turn on a dime.
-Make sure you can cook under your tarp... just in case

Feel free to toss in other tips that can help out our newbies.

[Randonneur]

Bring sunscreen and bug spray and it really helps to treat your cloths and gear with something like permethrin since there are a lot of ticks in the woods.

[Floridahanger]

True. Ticks and chiggers here. And mosquitoes. Oh the mosquitoes...

On the positive side, bring a camera and slow down for some beautiful Florida woods. The Florida Trail has some awesome rolling ridges.

[Floridahanger]

Gravey told me he plans on going out on Thurs evening instead of Friday. Anyone else want to go out Thurs?

Hanger, dates attending, starting trailhead, ETA

1) Floridahanger, Fri-Sun, Hidden Pond Short, 9am-ish
2) Scott Adkins, Fri-Sun, ,
3) Juanchoman, Sat,
4) gravey, Thu-?,Juniper Springs, Evening
5) Randonneur, Fri-Sat, Pat's Island or Hopkins Prairie, aftenoon
6) O-Boy, Fri-Sun, Pat's Island, noon

[O-Boy]

T-minus one week and checking my gear. Had I not made plans from Thursday, I would have made it out. Maybe in September!! Hope there's lots of cool water in the Pond!!

[Floridahanger]

Raining almost every day so far so I have high hopes for the water levels The deeper the pond the cooler it's on the bottom. I think I'll bring a long rope to put some containers down deep to keep cool.

[richtorfla]

Hope y'all have good weather! Nice after the rain till the mugginess kicks in! Gonna miss this go round. Too many things going on. Bummer really!

[Floridahanger]

Funny, I was just thinking of you and here you are posting.

Hope y'all have good weather! Nice after the rain till the mugginess kicks in! Gonna miss this go round. Too many things going on. Bummer really!

See ya down the trail. Try to plan for coming out Sept 27-29, 2019 for "Summer's Last Gasp".