Alex Outdoors

Did I mention that I prefer solo hiking to group outings? Well, this one was not a solo hike, but the location has long been on my “to-do” list and I really like Girls Who Hike (an all girls hiking group, which you can find on Facebook) – so I decided to tag along and play “sweep” – that’s the last person in a group hike, the one who ensures nobody gets left behind. As the sweep you can stay back as far as you like – thus ensuring you’re almost alone. A win-win situation, don’t you think?  This stretch of the Florida Trail runs through the Ocala National Forest, the most south-eastern portion to be precise. Our end point, Alexander Springs, is a freshwater spring that’s quite popular (read: overrun) on the weekends, to the point that the park closes its doors once capacity has been reached, letting only one car in if one car leaves. Since we hiked there we had easy access to the spring and while it’s absolutely beautiful, the large group of swimmers make it look more like a ...

I had promised to return after my somewhat “failed” attempt to hike the full D loop just a few weeks ago on 4/6. This time, with more water and some really awesome company I did just that. Together with Turtle and Pup, who were in town for a week escaping volatile weather on the AT, I hiked the entire 17 mile loop in just over six hours, and that includes a one hour lunch break! Had I gone solo I’m sure I would have slowed down to “smell the flowers” but Turtle’s pace is “AT style or bust”    It was awesome, hat’s all I can say. Time FLIES when you’re having fun! It feels very odd to snap a photo of yourself when you hike alone. With a hiking buddy these things become a bit more natural. These two below. Rock stars! Meanwhile, Turtle and Pup have returned to their adventure on the AT. As of today’s date (6/4) they have hiked over 1220 miles and are more than half way to their goal of thru-hiking the entire trail. Isn’t that awesome?  ...

When you get the opportunity to combine camping, hiking,and paddling on the river with a bit of trail maintenance, along with the promise of a good time you GO. This was my first time putting in some work on the trails since becoming a member of the FTA; most of the trail work is done during the week, but my full-time job doesn’t allow any time off for such stuff………..too bad, really. I think it’s a great way to give back and should count towards community service. Really! And so we camped, hiked, worked, paddled, ate, drank, and had a good time all around. See for yourself (video below), then come out and join us on the trails :)

Hiking adventure #13 of 52. We’re just over 3 months into the new year and I’m right on track for my 52/52 goal! To keep up with that goal however will be more and more challenging as we go deeper into Spring and once Summer hits here in Florida my hiking outings will be short and sweet! Until that time I go as far as possible, like yesterday, when I returned to one of my favorite locations: Loop D of the Citrus tract at Withlacoochee state forest. The plan was to hike the entire loop, which is just under 14 miles but the day started out much too warm and I realized quickly that my water supply would not be sufficient for the day, so I cut this one short. Can’t wait to return though to show you the rest, it’s the most fun hike in Florida, in my humble opinion. So off we go – below is a short video of my outing in the Withlacoochee State Forest. Enjoy!