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Going to help clear and hike a stretch of the Florida Trail[^] along the Suwanee River this coming week. Really looking forward to the primitive camping and great weather we are having. I belong to a group that is responsible for maintaining about 120 miles of the trail in N.E. Florida, they are a great bunch of people and love hiking with them.
modified 7-Dec-12 10:07am.
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Mike Hankey wrote: the primitive camping
I am not one for camping - my concept of a good camping trip is staying in a hotel, on a soft bed and with a toilet and shower. However, it does look very beautiful. So, to be educated, what is actually involved in "clearing" a hiking trail? I always figured hiking trails were pretty low maintenance except for the occasional tree that might fall across a path and need to be removed.
Marc
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Marc Clifton wrote: what is actually involved in "clearing" a hiking trail?
We mow and lop them the trail, which means we carry a pair of loppers[^] and trim the brush and tree limbs back so the path is accessible.
Also Palmetto[^] bushes grow everywhere down here and they can be a real pain.
Some sections that I've helped clear haven't been done in a couple of years and apparently not heavily traveled so nature took it back and we really had to work to get a trail cut through it again.
The Florida Trail is not as heavily traveled as the Appalachian Trail but can be traveled in the fall to spring months. The summer is to hot and we generally do Kayaking in the summer.
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Mike Hankey wrote: lso Palmetto[^] bushes grow everywhere down here and they can be a real pain.
They look spiky too!
Well, sounds like quite a bit of good exercise!
Marc
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When I retired I found I was gaining weight and really getting out of shape so I decided it was time to get off my ever widening butt and do the things I never had much time to do while I was working and raising a family. I've always liked the outdoors so this is a natural thing for me.
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My idea of roughing it is a Premier Inn.
I prefer the more upmarket hotels, and if I were rich enough I would stay in only the very best hotels.
(I do have a regular suite at The Savoy, but it is a rare treat for us to stay there).
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I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave
CCC Link[ ^]
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Your link goes to florida_ not florida_trail. 
On many parts of the trail you may encounter wildlife that may pose a danger to life and health, including unrestrained or feral dogs, bears, snakes, wild boar, and alligators.
And you're sleeping out there? I'd bring a firearm. The worst we have in my neighborhood is coyotes[^] and cougars[^].
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wizardzz wrote: Your link goes to florida_ not florida_trail.
Thanks fixed it!
Haven't had a problem with the critters, they pretty much leave you alone as long as you hang your food, and anything with an odor that might attract them in a tree.
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Cougars?
I am a little too old to be bothered by them.
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I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave
CCC Link[ ^]
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Then maybe you are interested in Mellencamps.
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Its funny, you buy a book on camping and the authors ideas of primitive is that the R.V. parking doesn't have pull through 
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Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote: Its funny, you buy a book on camping and the authors ideas of primitive is that the R.V. parking doesn't have pull through
Ain't that the truth.
I talked to the neighbor downstairs, yeah the blond and her idea and most other women I'm finding is that primitive camping means the Motel 8 instead of the Hilton. 
My idea is going in the middle of nowhere by car then walking a mile or so back into the woods until you find 2 good trees and hang your hammock. You pack everything you need in and pack everything back out when you're done.
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Mike Hankey wrote: Going to help clear and hike a stretch of the Florida Trail...
Thanks to you for that. I have hiked part of the trail, between Kissimmee and Lake O. Great cause.
I have cleared trail (in Canada) and it is very hard work.
--
Harvey
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H.Brydon wrote: Thanks to you for that. I have hiked part of the trail, between Kissimmee and Lake O
Hope to see you on the trail some time.
H.Brydon wrote: Great cause.
Very worth while especially when I go back and hike a section we've done.
H.Brydon wrote: I have cleared trail (in Canada) and it is very hard work.
It can be and thanks to you also.
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