Croom hike (A/B-B/C loop)

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Today I made 11 new friends, hiked farther than ever before, tackled new obstacles, and learned a TON.
These fine people are part of the Suncoast chapter of the Florida Trail Association. I had been searching for local hiking groups and found them on Meetup. And what great people they are! They made us (2) newbies feel welcome and showered us with a wealth of information, most of which I don’t even remember (all the more reason to join them for the next group hike.)




And although I had hiked (and run) at Croom before, this particular loop combo was new to me:



We started right before 9 a.m. from Tucker Hill, turning from Loop B onto the B/C connector, counter clockwise. We stopped a few times to refresh with water and snacks, but also took a proper half hour break for lunch about 6.5 miles into our 10 mile trek:


Color blazes have been painted onto the trees (blue indicated the connector trails), indicating that you’re indeed still on the trail….


….but sometimes those blazes are few and far between, forcing you to pay attention or you’ll get off the trail and perhaps lost. Not this day though, no chance with a group of hikers who have been doing this for quite some time. At all of the trail crossings, signs confirm the direction of your next destination:



We spent a portion of the hike on the Florida Trail (blazed orange). I get a bit excited when I see these signs because I hope to perhaps some day spend a few days and nights on a section hike on it, exploring the wild side Florida has to offer.



Fun fact: the trail (including the trail blazes on the trees) are maintained by volunteers of the Florida Trail Association!




And look at these brave people forging ahead, clearing the trail of spider webs for me hahaha…….(I wasn’t that lucky during the next hike though….)




And after our 3+ hour excursion I was introduced to the best hot dog place in all of Florida. Who knew this place even existed in the tiny town of Brooksville? If you’re in the area do yourself a favor and go eat there. You won’t regret it (unless you’re vegetarian…..)


Photo credit: Google, source unknown. Contact for credit.
Location: Croom Wildlife Management Area, Brooksville, FL 34602, USA

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