Citrus Tract Backpacking

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Hiking is Nature’s therapy. It provides us with a peaceful escape, takes us away from the high rises, traffic, and constant encroachment of technology into a serene wildness. To me it often feels like the Wilderness and Nature are more civilized than society. Maybe if we all went hiking a little more, we could impart the good we find in the wild into the culture we live in. 
This was my first overnight backpacking trip in decades. A million things could have gone wrong, but it turned out to be just about perfect. 
The weather was absolutely gorgeous, even though I would normally complain about the temps dipping below 65 degrees (yes……I know…..). I think it took about 5 minutes to break a sweat carrying 30+ pounds of gear. For the second time, I joined the Suncoast chapter of the FTA. And I believe I found the most awesome bunch of hikers in all of Florida.

After the obligatory group pic we set out on our trek around noon under overcast skies and temps just around 66 degrees. The sky remained a bit gloomy looking for most of the afternoon but we were all a bit relieved that the intense Florida sun was hiding for a change. 

The first mile or so had us walking along on one of the sandy side trails before we connected to the Florida Trail. 









My creepy, long legged BFF’s are still aplenty on the trail (shudder)………there’s probably a reason my phone’s camera won’t even zoom in on them:


I’ve learned the names of a few wildflowers, such as the Goldenrod……


and the Blazing Star:


And to me, even a dead tree is a sight to see! Just look how it stands there, defiant……


….then, by sheer accident I spotted this guy: a western fence lizard. Isn't he the coolest thing?


Eventually we reached the campsite where we pitched our tents and hammocks.  I thought I was pretty much done and quite proud of myself when I was quickly corrected and taught how to put the proper tension on the rain-fly of my tent and how to tie a bowline knot for additional stakes. Thank you, gentlemen!


But we weren’t done hiking yet! A small group of us set out for another 30 minute trek down the trail because sometimes you just can’t get enough. And it was so worth it because I learned about resurrection fern (covering the trees)……


…..and this pin cushion type grass:



When we returned after about an hour the sun had set and the group had a fire going. We prepared our dinners and sat chatting for quite some time, but around 9 p.m. I was done for the day and decided to snuggle up in my sleeping bag. Sleep didn’t come easy and I’m so glad I took earplugs with me – they ensured I got at least a few hours of shut-eye……




Just after sunrise we slowly started peeling out of our abodes to boil water for coffee and breakfast. It’s the simple pleasures in life…..
My Snow Peak stove worked flawlessly – I had boiling water in a matter of minutes and enjoyed a cup of Joe from my insulated mug. Big kudos to David at Bill Jackson’s Outfitters, for setting me up with such great equipment and showing me how to light this thing without losing my eyebrows 😉


Sadly, we had a pack up and leave by 9:15 a.m. but the sun was out to greet us and take the chill out of the cold morning air. I crammed all my equipment back into my pack successfully, but I am starting to see that the UL (ultra light) movement has some serious advantages…..



Where will the next trip take me? Right back into the woods…………..stay tuned!



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