Hi everyone,

Instead of studying for my digital logic exam, I want to procrastinate with confidence. I decided to embark on an extremely beginner-friendly hike through the Ocala National Forest.

Leaving the Gear Shed at 8:30 AM Saturday, we will drive to Alexander Springs. We are going to leave one car at Juniper Spring for shuttling. After starting our hike at Salt Springs, we have a choice:

1) hike 6.8 miles on the first day, camp at Buck Lake Campground, and continue onto Juniper Springs for 13 miles the following day.

2) hike 10 miles on the first day, camp by the Farles Lake, and continue onto Juniper Springs for 9 miles the following day.

Once at Juniper, we can decide upon paying for entry ($5.50 per person) to Juniper to possibly swim! (the springs have these fishes that nibble on you playfully) (or we can try to walk in without paying) Afterward, we can head back to Gainesville accordingly.

With this trip in mind, be prepared to walk around 19 miles, through the Florida Trail, in total. This is so easy as elevation is a non-issue. If it’s the first time you try backpacking, this is the trip for you!

Gear List (Stolen from Chris):
Backpack (Gear Shed has)
Clothes for the low 40s to mid60s weather
Comfortable shoes for hiking
Good attitude ;)
Sleeping Pad (Gear Shed has)
Tent (Gear Shed has)
Headlamp
Sleeping Bag
Hiking appropriate shoes (trail runners, boots, tennis shoes)
Dank Potluck Food
Food (2 lunches, 1 breakfast, snacks)
Water (2 Liters +)
Water Filter
Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, personal medicine, etc)
Bug spray
Toilet Paper (and one of those spades, if you have, for taking care of business. Bathrooms are nowhere, yet everywhere)
Bathing Suit and Towel for Springs (Optional)

If you have a car and would like to offer it for this trip, let me know - we need at least 2 cars - for the shuttling - to make this trip happen. Not only do drivers not pay for gas, but they can also charge up to 125% of the total gas cost.

Cheerio,
Tetrarch Jack...show more