Official 4th Annual Florida Hang Photo and Trip Report January 16-21, 2014

[chickenwing]

Calendar marked. Now time to stay convincing the wife not to back out.

[Timberrr]

Doe Lake was considered as far back as FH2 because the number of people exceeded Buck Lake's capacity even in the first year. This year was the first time the ranger said anything. We like Buck Lake's primitive character, the fact that one could hang close-in or far-out and the proximity to the Florida Trail. And it's cheap at $50/night. Doe Lake is $150/night but we decided to give it a try because their capacity is 250 (Buck Lake's is 50), there's still plenty of trees to tie together, plenty of parking, a community space and it has modern plumbing. That last element alone makes it more friendly for families and vendors. We had a record number of female hangers this year and we want them to come and be happy. And it gives us plenty of room to grow.

Having said all that, if the consensus is to stay with Buck Lake then we stay with Buck Lake and we'll make it work.

Here's some links if you'd like to check it out.

http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Do...abIndex=Search

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala...40231&actid=33

http://www.fs.usda.gov/photogallery/...position=Promo

http://www.campingroadtrip.com/campg...ecreation-area

Look for a planning thread for FHV to go up around the first of August.

[MAD777]

I like the looks of Doe Lake. Not that I want to hang out indoors, but it is nice that there is shelter in case of a big thunderstorm.

The possibility of half of us being run off by a ranger at Buck Lake says we have to switch gears.

As to having a kitchen, well that will stay clean as far as I'm concerned. You folks have completely converted me from dehydrated food in a beer can pot over a 1 ounce alcohol stove, to Dutch ovens

[Gumbo]

Doe Lake is very hard to book over a holiday weekend. I was shocked to discover it was available when we got home on Tuesday and grabbed it thinking worse case, we could cancel the reservation later if we had to.

I know of several folks who left camp to go for a shower run at Alexander Springs or Juniper Springs where they paid a fee to enter the area (5.50 per person at Alexander Springs).

I think Doe Lake will be the perfect place to hold FHV. Our growth rate from year to year has been about 15-20% per year consistently. Doe Lake can accommodate that.

There is the kitchen mess hall area, which while it might not be used much, provides a place to continue socializing in the event of a rain shower.

[Floridahanger]

Gumbo, The speed at which you operate is absolutely astounding. The smoke isn't completely washed out of my jacket yet and you have already made donations and booked Doe Lake for our wonderfully large group next year.

I'm so glad your here to help make all the cogs run smoothly and together. You are doing such a fantastic job that blueskycat is already thinking of ways she can help with something. We have been talking about what to offer to the kids raffle.

Already looking forward to starting a new tradition at Doe Lake for the Annual Florida Hang.

[JaxHiker]

I just made two donations totaling 250.00 to the Florida Trail Association and to the Friends of Florida State Parks on behalf of Florida Hammock Hangers (and their visiting friends from out of state). It is my continued hope that these actions will increase awareness about hammock camping in Florida State Parks and support the trail system that allows so many to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.

As a FTA chapter officer let me extend thanks on behalf of the staff and volunteers. Like many other businesses/organizations the FTA is having a difficult time financially. The staff continues to be cut and we have to do more with less. Thanks to everyone that made this donation possible.

Likewise, as someone who's tried to stay at the forefront of the issues concerning hammock usage within our State park system I'll be sure to point this out to our State leaders. Not only are we good people but we're good stewards of our natural resources and support those entrusted to care for them.

I was just talking with someone at lunch today about the capacity at Buck Lake. I hate to see us move but it's obvious it's necessary and I think it'll open a lot of options for us. The building looks very nice and while we may not use it much it would provide a comfortable dining and even an excellent education area. Looking forward to next year. Still kills me that I missed it.

[olddog]

Had the feeling that we had just about reached our limits at Buck Lake. Thank you Gumbo for locking in the Doe Lake site for FHV. It looks fantastic and with all the extra amenities... what else could we ask for. Showers! Indoor kitchen! Indoor fireplace or outdoor fire ring! Ice machine! Might be, no will be worth the extra cost. I'll be upping my donation just for a shower. Might be able to get others to chip in for my shower. Cakes got away without even a hug. Makes me wonder.

I can see most of us still bringing most of what we have been in the past with the exception of the EZup's ,until we get a feel for the new digs.

Welcome to the madness blueskycat. It was a pleasure seeing you tough it out through one of the coldest nights. Glad that you found that you could spend time in a hammock. One at a time, that's how we work. Your offer to help with the hanglets, a new word offered up by Timberrr, is greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank Vanguard for his time working with the kids, young and old, in making survival bracelets. Anyone that would like to join in with something for the hanglets, PM me. It's a beautiful thing seeing kids out in the woods without electronics playing the way they should.

While I'm rambling I would also like to say that many were missed this year. Jaxhiker, Islander, Mr. Tattoo, Flackfizer & Bearfinder, edhess. Life does throw sticks in the spokes of the wheel of life but we hope you will make it for FHV.

Not finished yet. Thank you to all of the folks that traveled for days or miles to join us in this little experiment in friendship based on nothing other than sleeping in a hammock. Weird, isn't it? I've gained what I feel are friends for life off of an extended weekend. But then I already know that hammocks do that to people.

I'm done.

[Duffy]

Doe Lake it is! We will be there. It's wonderful that our group has grown so. Thanks Gumbo and Timberrr for making this happen!! Missed everyone so much this year!!

- Duffy

[old4hats]

Speaking for Georgia Girl and myself, the new venue sounds great. A bit extra in donations will be well worth it. The additional amenities do not require one to use them, but for those who want/need them they will be most welcome and we are all for it.

[lilricky]

Plenty of trees at Doe Lake, and we have a 38 mile long trail to explore and even camp along, in case you want the "remote experience".