Wednesday, May 18
Thursday, May 20
The Hike!
What a success! Our hike was wonderful. Weather could not have been more perfect, and Nick and I learned a lot about gear, ourselves, and long-distance hiking.
Due to the fact Nick and I had Scout training at the end of the week we were planning to hike, we ended up hiking the Saturday before our big week. So Saturday April 3 we hiked the 14.5-mile Baldwin Trail going from the city of Baldwin to west Jacksonville. Bikers absolutely filled that paved trail. We saw no other foot traffic, except for two runners. And we were able to maintain a brisk three mph pace the entire way.
Since Sunday is the Sabbath, we resumed hiking on Monday, starting midway between Lake Bulter and Starke. Monday we logged 16.7 miles and camped by Keystone Heights Airport. Most of the trail Monday was straight and flat, so not much trouble. Our original plans were to hike 19 miles Tuesday and then 17 miles Wednesday. But because we wanted to spend Tuesday night in Iron Bride Shelter in Etoniah Creek State Forest, we committed ourselves to hike 24 miles Tuesday. And we did! We even got to stop at Lake Johnson in Goldhead State Park to go for a swim. It was the most difficult day of the week for sure, especially since a whole 8-mile section was all roadside, but we made it to the shelter that night. And good thing too - we could hear the hum of the mosquitos outside the screened shelter as we fell asleep.
Wednesday was pleasant. We slept in late and took the day easily. At 1:30 we met my mother and sister outside Rice Creek Plantation for lunch and to pick up the food we needed for the rest of the week. We then proceeded to the "Rice Creek Hilton" shelter a couple of miles away to spend the rest of our afternoon and evening.
Thursday we continued to enjoy Rice Creek and managed to stir up a turkey and spot several bear tracks. It honestly made me worry somewhat, because I forgot to have my mom bring us rope to hang our bear bag. But Nick wasn't too concerned, which I suppose is justified. After all, he does know karate. On one of our pre-trip hikes, we marched through Caravelle Ranch W.M.A. trying to avoid the eighty-seven trail puddles - we counted. But the Thursday of our hike brought us good tidings of less water on the trail. The sky was less merciful. An incoming storm Thursday afternoon suggested we seek refuge at Rodman Campground just north of Ocala National Forest. A friendly family of campers even offered us their left over dinner and a tent for us to use, rather than the picnic pavilion. As it turned out, we received little rainfall, but the kind gesture was nonetheless preferable in sustaining us through the night.
Friday, our final day on the trail, was enjoyable and relaxing. We spent our 16 miles within the woods of Ocala National Forest. It was both Nick's first time and mine in the Forest, and it was a consistent ramble over gently-sloping hills that we faced. In the afternoon we even stopped for an hour to use an outhouse, water pump, and take a nap in Lake Delancy campground. After our stop we proceeded to CR 316 on the west side of Lake Kerr, where we met Nick's brother Nathan. And once we ascended the last hill and spotted CR 316, we took off on a sprint! We had made it! We reached our goal! We hiked 100 miles in one week!
Looking back, preparation stands out to me as one of the main lessons learned, and as a main contributing factor to our success. You know what they say, prior planning prevents poor performance. And may I add, it ensures one heck of a trip.
Due to the fact Nick and I had Scout training at the end of the week we were planning to hike, we ended up hiking the Saturday before our big week. So Saturday April 3 we hiked the 14.5-mile Baldwin Trail going from the city of Baldwin to west Jacksonville. Bikers absolutely filled that paved trail. We saw no other foot traffic, except for two runners. And we were able to maintain a brisk three mph pace the entire way.
Since Sunday is the Sabbath, we resumed hiking on Monday, starting midway between Lake Bulter and Starke. Monday we logged 16.7 miles and camped by Keystone Heights Airport. Most of the trail Monday was straight and flat, so not much trouble. Our original plans were to hike 19 miles Tuesday and then 17 miles Wednesday. But because we wanted to spend Tuesday night in Iron Bride Shelter in Etoniah Creek State Forest, we committed ourselves to hike 24 miles Tuesday. And we did! We even got to stop at Lake Johnson in Goldhead State Park to go for a swim. It was the most difficult day of the week for sure, especially since a whole 8-mile section was all roadside, but we made it to the shelter that night. And good thing too - we could hear the hum of the mosquitos outside the screened shelter as we fell asleep.
Wednesday was pleasant. We slept in late and took the day easily. At 1:30 we met my mother and sister outside Rice Creek Plantation for lunch and to pick up the food we needed for the rest of the week. We then proceeded to the "Rice Creek Hilton" shelter a couple of miles away to spend the rest of our afternoon and evening.
Thursday we continued to enjoy Rice Creek and managed to stir up a turkey and spot several bear tracks. It honestly made me worry somewhat, because I forgot to have my mom bring us rope to hang our bear bag. But Nick wasn't too concerned, which I suppose is justified. After all, he does know karate. On one of our pre-trip hikes, we marched through Caravelle Ranch W.M.A. trying to avoid the eighty-seven trail puddles - we counted. But the Thursday of our hike brought us good tidings of less water on the trail. The sky was less merciful. An incoming storm Thursday afternoon suggested we seek refuge at Rodman Campground just north of Ocala National Forest. A friendly family of campers even offered us their left over dinner and a tent for us to use, rather than the picnic pavilion. As it turned out, we received little rainfall, but the kind gesture was nonetheless preferable in sustaining us through the night.
Friday, our final day on the trail, was enjoyable and relaxing. We spent our 16 miles within the woods of Ocala National Forest. It was both Nick's first time and mine in the Forest, and it was a consistent ramble over gently-sloping hills that we faced. In the afternoon we even stopped for an hour to use an outhouse, water pump, and take a nap in Lake Delancy campground. After our stop we proceeded to CR 316 on the west side of Lake Kerr, where we met Nick's brother Nathan. And once we ascended the last hill and spotted CR 316, we took off on a sprint! We had made it! We reached our goal! We hiked 100 miles in one week!
Looking back, preparation stands out to me as one of the main lessons learned, and as a main contributing factor to our success. You know what they say, prior planning prevents poor performance. And may I add, it ensures one heck of a trip.
Wednesday, February 17
Hike Letter and Abstract
To Whom It May Concern,
Last winter, we, Josh Gathro and Nicholas King, formed an idea. An idea that would be exciting and challenging: to hike one hundred miles in one week. When presented to him, Wayne King agreed to be the project mentor for our ambitious goal. After twice designating a week for the trip to be done, and twice postponing it for the sake of preparation, we began to realize the full import of the project. In December 2009 we finally set our plans underway.
Our plans have developed and matured. We have finalized the 100-miler to take place over Spring Break, which will be April 5 - 10. The trip will actually be completed in six days, starting Monday the fifth, and concluding on Saturday the tenth, so as not to interfere with Sunday. The entire hike will be along the Florida National Scenic Trail, starting ten miles west of Starke, off State Road 100, and finishing at Salt Springs in Ocala National Forest. We will be carrying backpacks the whole time, and will cover sixteen miles per day on average. We also decided to hike each section of the trail in legs before doing the entire length. So far we’ve covered fifty-one of the one hundred miles, and have two more trips planned prior to the final hike. Part of the challenge of this hike is reducing the weight of our pack to increase comfort, speed, and safety. Our target base weight is ten pounds, excluding food, water, and fuel. We’re confident that a light pack will contribute much to our success.
We also believe success to be more likely with an increase of publicity. With more people aware of the project, the more support we’ll receive. Additionally, we’ve identified the purpose of this hike to be a commemoration of the 100 years of Scouting. We are familiar with the host of benefits afforded us because of our membership in the Boy Scouts of America. We want to show the community the possibilities that Scouting has to offer for learning and for personal growth. It is our hope that this trip will inspire others to invest time in Scouting, where the reward is multiplied many times over. Thank you for your time and interest in our endeavor.
Josh Gathro
Nicholas King
Last winter, we, Josh Gathro and Nicholas King, formed an idea. An idea that would be exciting and challenging: to hike one hundred miles in one week. When presented to him, Wayne King agreed to be the project mentor for our ambitious goal. After twice designating a week for the trip to be done, and twice postponing it for the sake of preparation, we began to realize the full import of the project. In December 2009 we finally set our plans underway.
Our plans have developed and matured. We have finalized the 100-miler to take place over Spring Break, which will be April 5 - 10. The trip will actually be completed in six days, starting Monday the fifth, and concluding on Saturday the tenth, so as not to interfere with Sunday. The entire hike will be along the Florida National Scenic Trail, starting ten miles west of Starke, off State Road 100, and finishing at Salt Springs in Ocala National Forest. We will be carrying backpacks the whole time, and will cover sixteen miles per day on average. We also decided to hike each section of the trail in legs before doing the entire length. So far we’ve covered fifty-one of the one hundred miles, and have two more trips planned prior to the final hike. Part of the challenge of this hike is reducing the weight of our pack to increase comfort, speed, and safety. Our target base weight is ten pounds, excluding food, water, and fuel. We’re confident that a light pack will contribute much to our success.
We also believe success to be more likely with an increase of publicity. With more people aware of the project, the more support we’ll receive. Additionally, we’ve identified the purpose of this hike to be a commemoration of the 100 years of Scouting. We are familiar with the host of benefits afforded us because of our membership in the Boy Scouts of America. We want to show the community the possibilities that Scouting has to offer for learning and for personal growth. It is our hope that this trip will inspire others to invest time in Scouting, where the reward is multiplied many times over. Thank you for your time and interest in our endeavor.
Josh Gathro
Nicholas King
Leg 2 and 3 - Jan 22/23, 09
Left around 7:45am.
Arrived at Gold Head around 8:45am. Had to pay $4 pedestrian park fee. Started hiking at 8:47am.
Ten minutes in, Nick has reception. About 9:05, we passed a small pond, water looked ok. 9:11 we spot a doe. Terrain has varying elevation.
9:17 Josh got reception.
9:32 hear running water to our right.
At intersection of Ridge Trail and Loblolly Loop Trail, theres a bridge with running water. Looks ok. After one hour, found more water, looked ok.
Found a spiggot by the lake, off the trail about 100 ft in an open area by the pavilion. Spotted a building with a telephone. Christian Camp Rd is hot. Reached CR 315 at 10:55 (5.1mi). Hit Bellamy Rd at 11:35. It’s hot. Stopped at 12 at 1776 Bellamy Rd to snack and pee.
Reception on Bellamy is good for Nick, not for Josh.
12:58pm we hit Coral Farms Rd. Stopped to rest at a boarded house at 1:05pm, resumed at 1:12.
1:27 we hit Tinsley Rd. The trail turns left down Tinsley. Find a kiosk. Left Tinsley Rd Kiosk at 1:39pm.
It’s 3:50 and we’re about to leave the parking lot in Etoniah, with “1.5 mi” left. We stopped a long time and dried our feet after they were soaked in a ½ mile slosh. Loaded up on water.
4:45 and we finally arrive at Iron Bridge shelter. Went to bed at 7pm.
Woke up at 7:30, took couple minutes to get up. Had breakfast and packed. Left at 8:41am. Chilly morning.
At kiosk outside camp we see a different picture of the trail route. From were we are,
3.1 miles, then 3.5, then 3.2, then 1.5 to Rice Creek Shelter. After kiosk, some water looked ok.
Had to make a small detour around a 200 ft swamped section of trail.
Terrain is wild, exciting, and lovable.
At 11:15 we came to an intersection (Old Starke Rd and Carraway); found a notice to hikers regarding relocation of the trail. The trail now follows a public road to SR 100 and “cuts off 1.5 miles of trail.” Need to verify mileage.
Section along SR 100 is actually a Rail-to-Trail corridor running paralled to SR 100.
Man on corridor says hunting is going on just north of us. Hunting is over Jan 24.
Reached Lindsey’s Dock about 12:55. We were going to hike to “mail box” in Rice Creek but trail was wet. Shelter in Rice Creek is two-story.
Arrived at Rice Creek parking lot at 1:10pm. Waited til 1:55pm for Dad.
Arrived at Gold Head around 8:45am. Had to pay $4 pedestrian park fee. Started hiking at 8:47am.
Ten minutes in, Nick has reception. About 9:05, we passed a small pond, water looked ok. 9:11 we spot a doe. Terrain has varying elevation.
9:17 Josh got reception.
9:32 hear running water to our right.
At intersection of Ridge Trail and Loblolly Loop Trail, theres a bridge with running water. Looks ok. After one hour, found more water, looked ok.
Found a spiggot by the lake, off the trail about 100 ft in an open area by the pavilion. Spotted a building with a telephone. Christian Camp Rd is hot. Reached CR 315 at 10:55 (5.1mi). Hit Bellamy Rd at 11:35. It’s hot. Stopped at 12 at 1776 Bellamy Rd to snack and pee.
Reception on Bellamy is good for Nick, not for Josh.
12:58pm we hit Coral Farms Rd. Stopped to rest at a boarded house at 1:05pm, resumed at 1:12.
1:27 we hit Tinsley Rd. The trail turns left down Tinsley. Find a kiosk. Left Tinsley Rd Kiosk at 1:39pm.
It’s 3:50 and we’re about to leave the parking lot in Etoniah, with “1.5 mi” left. We stopped a long time and dried our feet after they were soaked in a ½ mile slosh. Loaded up on water.
4:45 and we finally arrive at Iron Bridge shelter. Went to bed at 7pm.
Woke up at 7:30, took couple minutes to get up. Had breakfast and packed. Left at 8:41am. Chilly morning.
At kiosk outside camp we see a different picture of the trail route. From were we are,
3.1 miles, then 3.5, then 3.2, then 1.5 to Rice Creek Shelter. After kiosk, some water looked ok.
Had to make a small detour around a 200 ft swamped section of trail.
Terrain is wild, exciting, and lovable.
At 11:15 we came to an intersection (Old Starke Rd and Carraway); found a notice to hikers regarding relocation of the trail. The trail now follows a public road to SR 100 and “cuts off 1.5 miles of trail.” Need to verify mileage.
Section along SR 100 is actually a Rail-to-Trail corridor running paralled to SR 100.
Man on corridor says hunting is going on just north of us. Hunting is over Jan 24.
Reached Lindsey’s Dock about 12:55. We were going to hike to “mail box” in Rice Creek but trail was wet. Shelter in Rice Creek is two-story.
Arrived at Rice Creek parking lot at 1:10pm. Waited til 1:55pm for Dad.
Leg 1 - Dec 28, 09
Left at 6:48am.
Had trouble locating trailhead. Skipped the 2.2 section to find trail easier. “Hikeability – insanely easy.” - Nick.
Started hiking at 8:12am. Josh no cell reception, David does.
Reached end of 4.5 section at 9:43. Pace = 3 mph. Stream and bridge at the [Sampson] terminus, Josh has reception. Water was frequent along the 4.5 section, nasty water. Passed a lot of houses around Lake Sampson. Took a break at railroad tracks [by Sampson]. Socks were wet from dew. Nick says his feet were raw (index toe).
Hit CR 227 at 11:08am. There are powerlines. The terminus at the CR 227 has a No Trespassing sign posted by the trail. We called 352-236-7143. Lyn recommended that we not pass. We decided we should. Resumed hiking at 11:27am.
Reached US 301 at 12:02pm. Tyler says, “Where’s the scenic aspect?” Trash all over.
Hit Hampton BP Station at 12:30pm. Had pizza lunch, gas station had good supplies, restroom, and a spiggot outside. Tyler was hit on. Cell reception at 301 and Hampton.
Started hiking after lunch at 1:11pm. (Time in between notes was spent hiking the boring railroad bed). Stopped hiking about 2:57pm. Trail is somewhat confusing as it breaks away from CR 18, but orange blazes are visible. We got up about 3:14. Lady came out, brought us oranges.
Went down trail, passed straight dirt road that led to SR 100. After passing we went back and took the dirt road. Turned left at SR 100 to Montgomery Camp, had to turn back. We should have crossed SR 100 straight across. Going down that trail we saw facilities that turned out to be Montgomery Camp. We talked to the counselor about 4:30pm, he gave us direction.
Continuing on the FT we hit an intersection of trails. We decided to go left and were highly confused but it was the correct way to go. That path starts going west, away from Little Crystal Lake, but cuts back around the ravine to Lakeview Campsite. We reached camp at 5:23pm.
Ate dinner, made fire, had hot chocolate. Went to bed at 7:20pm. Woke up several times in the night. Woke up at 7am. Frost everywhere in the morning. Cell reception available at Lakeview.
Had trouble locating trailhead. Skipped the 2.2 section to find trail easier. “Hikeability – insanely easy.” - Nick.
Started hiking at 8:12am. Josh no cell reception, David does.
Reached end of 4.5 section at 9:43. Pace = 3 mph. Stream and bridge at the [Sampson] terminus, Josh has reception. Water was frequent along the 4.5 section, nasty water. Passed a lot of houses around Lake Sampson. Took a break at railroad tracks [by Sampson]. Socks were wet from dew. Nick says his feet were raw (index toe).
Hit CR 227 at 11:08am. There are powerlines. The terminus at the CR 227 has a No Trespassing sign posted by the trail. We called 352-236-7143. Lyn recommended that we not pass. We decided we should. Resumed hiking at 11:27am.
Reached US 301 at 12:02pm. Tyler says, “Where’s the scenic aspect?” Trash all over.
Hit Hampton BP Station at 12:30pm. Had pizza lunch, gas station had good supplies, restroom, and a spiggot outside. Tyler was hit on. Cell reception at 301 and Hampton.
Started hiking after lunch at 1:11pm. (Time in between notes was spent hiking the boring railroad bed). Stopped hiking about 2:57pm. Trail is somewhat confusing as it breaks away from CR 18, but orange blazes are visible. We got up about 3:14. Lady came out, brought us oranges.
Went down trail, passed straight dirt road that led to SR 100. After passing we went back and took the dirt road. Turned left at SR 100 to Montgomery Camp, had to turn back. We should have crossed SR 100 straight across. Going down that trail we saw facilities that turned out to be Montgomery Camp. We talked to the counselor about 4:30pm, he gave us direction.
Continuing on the FT we hit an intersection of trails. We decided to go left and were highly confused but it was the correct way to go. That path starts going west, away from Little Crystal Lake, but cuts back around the ravine to Lakeview Campsite. We reached camp at 5:23pm.
Ate dinner, made fire, had hot chocolate. Went to bed at 7:20pm. Woke up several times in the night. Woke up at 7am. Frost everywhere in the morning. Cell reception available at Lakeview.
Thursday, February 11
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