About us
We are the North Florida Trailblazers, the local chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA). Our main purpose is to build and maintain sections of the Florida Trail (FT) in our chapter's area. Sections are located in the Osceola National Forest, along the Suwannee River near White Springs, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Camp Blanding. When we are not working on the FT, we organize day hikes, backpacking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. We have chapter meetings, social events and other activities to promote hiking. We are using Meetup to reach people interested in hiking.
The FT, a 1300 mile trail that runs the length of Florida, is part of the National Scenic Trails system (includes the AT and the Continental Divide, for example). The FT is developed, maintained, protected and promoted by the FTA and its public and private partners.
Check out this short video to learn more about the FT: Explore the Florida Trail - YouTube
We are not a social networking or dating group. We are here to support and maintain the FT and to promote hiking in general. But if you enjoy hiking and outdoors activities, you will certainly meet people with shared interests. Advertising to or within the group is not allowed.
RSVPs are important so that we may properly plan for you and for the group. If your ability to attend changes, please change your RSVP as soon as you know so that your spot can be given to others especially on our limited attendance events. If you have to change your RSVP at the last minute, please message your event leader so that you are not marked as a "No Show." Three No Shows can result in the loss of your membership in the Meetup group.
If you request to join us, please make sure your profile includes your name and a recent photo of yourself so we can recognize you at our events. We do require participants at our events to put their name on our sign-in sheet/liability waiver.
Our members receive many benefits, including automatic membership in a local chapter in your area, which holds its own meetings and activities and sends out a newsletter pertinent to what’s going on in your area; a subscription to the Footprint magazine; trail maintenance training workshops, including chainsaw certification; participation in Volunteer Work Parties, our team-building volunteer trail crews that tackle large projects like building bridges and boardwalks; a window decal and logo patch; opportunity to participate on decision-making committees covering major trail issues; and voting privileges. Memberships start at $35 for an individual or $50 for a family. http://ftashop.floridatrail.org/individual-... <br>
NOTE: Registration on this Meetup does not make you a member of the FTA. Some of our events will be offered only to FTA members. Go to www.floridatrail.org to join the FTA and learn more about our organization.
Upcoming events
10
Suwannee River Area Overnight backpacking event!
FT Swift Creek Trailhead, Cross Seminole Trl, White Springs, White Springs, FL, USSAVE THE DATE! January 24th & 25th
For FTA members only.... you must join FTA, not just the Meetup site. This hike is only for experienced hikers who have backpacking experience and their gear. This is not a novice overnight trip.
Limiting the group to 10. We already have 5 hikers signed up. RSVP opens Monday December 1st. Please do not RSVP unless you are committed to attending. If there is a waitlist, don't despair. Someone may not be able to attend, and we will move the next person up if that happens.
We are going to be hiking out from the Swift Creek Tract to our campsite, disappearing creek, which will be around 8 - 9 miles. The hike on day two we will hike out to Suwannee Springs which will be around 6-7 miles. We will be coordinating shuttles and verifying parking over the next few weeks.
This will be an overnight backpack trip. You will be required to provide your own gear and food. Please review the suggested gear list below.
Gear: The Big Three
- Shelter: This should be your tent.
- Backpack: Not a day pack but something between 43 and 61 Liters. (Average 52 Liters)
- Sleeping System: Sleeping bag, Sleeping Pad, blow up pillow.
Food/Cook System:
- Cook System: This typically consists of a small stove with a pot that you can boil water in. Do not forget spoons, a cup if you like coffee, and a bandana will work as a towel. If your food is not in one of the pre-made freeze-dried packs, you may want a bowel or plate.
- Food: Snacks, you cannot have to many snacks. You will need Lunch and Dinner for day one and Breakfast for day two.
Water:
- You will need a way to carry water. This can be in a camel style system that sits in your pack or water bottles. Please bring a water collection bag/bottle designated for "dirty” water collection.
- Water filter and/or treatment system. We will be filtering water from the nearby stream. For safety precautions you should ALWAYS filter and/or treat your water before consuming.
Clothing:
- This is only for one night so you can hike out wearing what you hiked in wearing. You will want a good pair of shoes and socks. You can wear what you would typically wear when going on a day hike.
- Sleep wear: This all depends on how warm or cold you like to sleep. A big shirt and shorts work just fine. I usually bring a beanie to wear at night as it also eliminates the need to fix any bedhead hair.
- Extra: Extra pair of socks, in case your first pair gets wet. This is Florida. Flip flops or camp sandals. If you can just slip into them your MN potty runs will be easier. Rain jacket. Puffy if you get cold easily.
Toiletries:
- Poop System: You need a trowel or a small shovel to dig a hole, toilet paper/wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Kula cloth- optional you can just use TP.
Other items:
- Battery pack for charging your phone and other items. Don’t forget the charging cables.
- Hiking poles
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Glasses or contacts
- Toothpaste/toothbrush
- Hat
Information about the FTA: CLICK HERE
Information about the North FL Trailblazers: CLICK HERE6 attendees
Polar Plunge at Little Talbot Island State Park
Little Talbot Island State Park, 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL, US** In order to participate in the "plunge", you must not have any underlying conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, that may be exacerbated by the cold temperatures.
Oh yes, we are! After hiking almost 4-miles at Little Talbot Island State Park, first in the woods and then on the beach, we will be taking off our hiking clothes and running (with bathing suits or whatever else you wish to wear) or easing into the brisk 60+ degree Atlantic Ocean. Cold plunges are said to help relieve sore muscles, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, improve focus, and help with sleep. For the hike, you must have water. Also recommend a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray.
There is a $5 fee per car to enter the park. The park road ends at the parking lot where the picnic pavilions are located. Look for the FTA Trailblazers event signs.
You can pay your entrance fee from home and bring the receipt to show to the ranger? Check out this link *on the day of the event* https://reserve.floridastateparks.org/Web/Memberships/CustomerMembershipPasses.aspx
There will be hot beverages and snacks following the event.19 attendees
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