Yep, despite the dark skies I loaded the pack and the pups and I headed to the Green Swamp on Sunday. I was not disappointed. I parked at the Florida Trailhead on the east side of CR471 (between Dade City and Zephyrhills). It looked like the area was saturated and that most of the trails were submerged. I found that the 2 tract to the left of the Florida Trail was dry. Over the cattle gate I went, the pups went under. We headed to the primitive campsite along the Withlacoochee. It’s a great camp that you can drive to with a day use permit. We hiked, but this hard packed tract would be ideal for biking. I think it is about a 6 mile round trip to the campground. Lots to see, lots of shade and many side trails to explore (all the west trails head to river overlooks).

On our return trip I decided to follow a side trail east which crossed the Florida trail at Gator Hole campground. Beautiful! Lots of mosquitoes so bring the OFF. Deer, Hogs, Armadillo and the Withlacoochee campers reported a bobcat sighting the day before. Don’t forget your camera.

-gotta hike, gotta explore!

Sounds like you had an adventure!! We are heading
out Saturday for an overnighter. We've had
this planned for a couple weeks. I hope that
Hanna doesn't ruin our plans.

Stay safe out there
melissa

You are sleeping in tents? How can you sleep in this humidity, the breeze always seems to stop in the evenings. I guess a battery powered fan is out? Would love a trip report.

Oh I know. I do dislike the florida humidity. We
backpacked in 3 miles the middle of June. The heat
index was super high that day and I think it only
got down to 84 that night and it was humid. I
slept like a baby though because I was exhausted
from the heat during the day.

This saturday will be hot but will drop to 70 at
night. We will be in a remote area on the FT so
the rain guard will be optional. We didn't use
it this last time. Our hike in is 6 miles this
time. The ranger said there is a drinking water
source. We're taking the minimum.
I'll let you know how it goes. I hope it's not too
miserable with the heat and bugs.

I'm getting antsy and want to hike a long distance.

wish me luck!melissa