David and I are both in our mid 40's and are mostly childless at this stage of our lives. We have been trying to do "things" on the weekends other than sit around watching TV. We have often talked about hiking the Appalachain Trail which spans from Georgia to Maine. Now, we realize we can't hike the entire trail straight through but possibly would hike a week or two a year until we can retire from work. But before we set off on a nearly 3000 mile hike we think it would be wise to condition ourselves a bit and be sure that I won't be totally freaked out by the woods. I am a city girl after all. So we have taken up hiking locally, Northwest, Florida. So far this month we have done a 4.5 mile, 9 mile and two 6.8 mile hikes. We have bought hiking boots, socks and pants after tearing our legs up on a particularly overgrown trail. Today we hiked the Juniper Creek Trail which is 6.8 miles of dense trail leaving from Blackwater State Park. This was our second trip on this trail which we liked very much. The trail starts in a marshy area with a lot of wildflowers growing along the trail as well as pitcher plants (a carniverous plant). The trail crosses several small streams and creeks and is well lined with wild blueberry bushes which we nibbled on at every opportunity (beware though, as there are other berries that look like the blueberries but definatly are NOT). Then the trail begins to run beside Juniper Creek for a couple of miles. We stopped and went for a refreshing swim and snack. On
ce you reach the shelter on the trail then you are about 45 minutes from the road where your car is parked. Todays hike was very wet as we were sprinkled with rain and then soaked with rain for probably half the trail!
Things I learned hiking today:
1. When it rains in the forest the bull frogs sing.
2. A large amount of "self talk" is necessary to convince myself not to panic when surrounded by tall trees and lightening in the area.
3. Large thunderclaps in the forest sound like shotgun blasts.
4. A wide brimmed hat works wonders for keeping the rain off your face.
5. The footpath of the Juniper Creek Trail turns into a river when it rains so just give up trying to avoid the puddles and plow on through them!
Happy Trails
ce you reach the shelter on the trail then you are about 45 minutes from the road where your car is parked. Todays hike was very wet as we were sprinkled with rain and then soaked with rain for probably half the trail!Things I learned hiking today:
1. When it rains in the forest the bull frogs sing.
2. A large amount of "self talk" is necessary to convince myself not to panic when surrounded by tall trees and lightening in the area.
3. Large thunderclaps in the forest sound like shotgun blasts.
4. A wide brimmed hat works wonders for keeping the rain off your face.
5. The footpath of the Juniper Creek Trail turns into a river when it rains so just give up trying to avoid the puddles and plow on through them!
Happy Trails
I love your new blog. We are so excited to hear about and be part of your journey through the woods. :-)
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