
What we’re about
Thank you for your interest in joining the Slackers.
We are a group of outdoor enthusiasts that met in other Meetup groups and decided we would like to form our own group.
If you enjoy car camping, kayak day trips, kayak camping, day hikes or primitive backpacking - this just might be the group for you. We are planning to complete the Florida trail in section hikes.
We will tailor trips from novice to expert. As such, we do not put ourselves out there as experts. we are just your ordinary individuals who enjoy outdoor pursuits and expect the members of our group to take full responsibility to be prepared for all activities with their own equipment. Individual members will take full responsibility for their own safety.
As a member of this group we hope you will feel comfortable enough to make suggestions, critique trips, suggest trips - whatever. We want our group to be your group.
WAIVER AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY FOR HIKING, BACK PACKING, CANOEING/KAYAKING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Participation in any Simply Laidback Adventures Campers and Kayakers event implies that you have read, understand and agree with our WAIVER AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY FOR HIKING, BACK PACKING, CANOEING/KAYAKING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. Per the
Electronic Records and Signatures in Commercial Act, Public Law 106-229 by joining the group, you agree to the terms listed.
I HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE, indemnify, hold harmless and forever discharge Simply Laidback Adventures Campers and Kayakers and it’s agents, employees, officers, directors, affiliates, successors and assigns, of and from any and all claims, demands, debts, contracts, expenses, causes of action, lawsuits, damages and liabilities, of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown, in law or equity, that I ever had or may have, arising from or in any way related to my participation in any of the events or activities conducted by, on the premises of, or for the benefit of, Simply Laidback Adventures Campers and Kayakers, provided that this waiver of liability does not apply to any acts of gross negligence, or intentional, willful or wanton misconduct.
I understand that the activities in which I will participate are inherently dangerous and may cause serious or grievous injuries, including bodily injury, damage to personal property and/or death. On behalf of myself, my heirs, assigns and next of kin, I waive all claims for damages, injuries and death sustained to me or my property, that I may have against the aforementioned released party to such activity.
I certify that I am physically fit to participate in any event and that I have not been told or notified differently by a Physician or qualified medical professional.
By this Waiver, I assume any risk, and take full responsibility and waive any claims of personal injury, death or damage to personal property associated with Simply Laidback Adventures Campers and Kayakers including but not limited to hiking, backpacking, canoeing or kayaking and/or practicing and/or engaging and competing in any races or competitions or other activities and using the premises and facilities and equipment in any manner, form or fashion.
This WAIVER AND RELEASE contains the entire agreement between the parties, and supercedes any prior written or oral agreements between them concerning the subject matter of this WAIVER AND RELEASE. The provisions of this WAIVER AND RELEASE may be waived, altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, only upon the prior written consent of all parties.
The provision of this WAIVER AND RELEASE will continue in full force and effect even after the termination of the activities conducted by, on the premises of, or for the benefit of Simply Laidback Adventures Campers and Kayakers, whether by agreement, by operation of law, or otherwise.
I have read, understand and fully agree to the terms of this WAIVER AND RELEASE. I understand and confirm that by participating in any Simply Laidback Adventures Campers and Kayakers event I have given up considerable future legal rights. I have confirmed to this Agreement freely, voluntarily, under no duress or threat of duress, without inducement, promise or guarantee being communicated to me. My participating in any Simply Laidback Adventures Campers and Kayakers event is proof of my intention to execute a complete and unconditional WAIVER AND RELEASE of all liability to the full extent of the law. I am 18 year of age or older and mentally competent to enter into this waiver.
Upcoming events
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🥾🌳9th Annual Citrus 43 Mile 4-Day Backpack Challenge️⛺️🌞
Holder Mine Campground, 4399 Trail 10, Inverness, FL, USWithlacoochee State Forest Citrus Tract
9th Annual Citrus 43 Mile 4 Day Backpack Challenge
START - Friday Feb 13 7:30 AM Holder Mine Trailhead Parking
FINISH - Monday Feb 16 3ish Holder Mine Trailhead Parking
(NOTE: Monday is President’s day and a holiday for many people)
COST - nonrefundable $60-$75 used for camp site fees, water cache, fire wood, trail magic and Sunday's dinner celebration…link for payment and exact cost will be provided when we have a final head count.
*READ ALL THE INFO BELOW BEFORE CLICKING ATTEND to get on the WAITLIST*
Everyone who requests to attend this event will first get on a waitlist.
By getting on the waitlist you agree you will have the necessary gear and be in the physical shape required for the challenge should you be moved to attending.
This challenge is not suited for beginners and anyone interested in getting on the waitlist should have successfully completed several multi day backpack adventures before attempting this one.
*NOTE* Members who have completed a prior 43-mile Challenge are automatically eligible to attend…others will be moved to going based on answers to the following questions AND failure to answer the questions below will eliminate you from consideration to attend.
- Do you have previous multi day backpacking experience?
- Do you already have or agree to have all the necessary gear prior to the challenge date?
- You agree to be physically and mentally prepared for the challenge despite the possibility of inclement weather conditions? 🌞🌨As this is a rain or shine challenge!
Now for the fun stuff
WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING UP FOR: Considered a very strenuous 4-day, 3-night 43-mile loop Backpacking challenge! You will backpack for 4 consecutive days to primitive campsites without access to your vehicle!
**Here's a link for a great detailed Trail description of our 43 miles: https://floridahikes.com/citrus-hiking-trail
Day 1 - 12.0 mi - PCZB campsite. AKA-Jackson
Day 2 - 14.0 mi - PCZD campsite. AKA- Taylor
Day 3 - 7.8 mi - Mutual Mine campground
Day 4 - 9.5 mi back to Holder Mine trailhead parking area
It's deemed the longest backpacking loop in FL. Add rolling sand-hills, descents into sinkholes, and rock-strewn footpaths, and you’ve got one of Florida’s most rugged hikes. Traversing extreme contrasts in habitats, from deeply shaded hardwood forests to long leaf pine, rosemary scrub, and open prairies.
WHERE: The hike will start and finish at the Holder Mine trailhead parking area in the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. Across from Holder Mine Campground and on the south side of Trail 10. Just look for all the cars and backpacks.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kge8VjTHeN6CnbWG9
**This hike is NOT for beginner backpackers or anyone with health limitations! You are responsible for and must be in physical condition to carry all you will need for the duration of the challenge.
Plan to carry food/snacks for the duration of the 4-days. Weather appropriate clothes, gear & sleep system. You should be practiced enough with your gear to set up and break down under all FL weather conditions. **At this time of year, you could be subjected to hypothermia from freezing rain during a cold front to dehydration and heat stroke from warm weather and high temperatures.
**NOTE: We shall stay in-between the appointed lead and sweep hiker for the group. This is a group hike with a leader and a sweep, if this does not fit your hiking style, please do not sign up.
**NOTE: All participants are subject to approval or denial to participate in the Citrus Challenge by its group leaders at any time prior to or during. Leaders reserve the right to remove members they feel are not adequately trained or prepared. As well as anyone deemed disruptive to the positive mentality needed to complete this challenge.
**All participants will be required to sign a liability release form. Possible risks include Injury from a trip & fall, FL storms, lightning, venomous snakes & spiders, stinging insects, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, insect borne virus and disease, Covid 19, Influenza, & other airborne transmissible conditions. By voluntarily signing up for this adventure you are in agreement to hold harmless any leaders or volunteers of this event and agree to take whatever precautions you deem necessary for your own personal safety and needs for the duration of the event.
CHECK OUT several of our past annual documentaries of the challenge filmed by JR. Links below for the 2025 and 2024 events.
https://vimeo.com/showcase/9888502?video=1059238664 https://vimeo.com/showcase/9888502?video=916077012
Please contact the leadership team if you have questions.
Happy Trails,
Your Citrus 43 Backpack Challenge Leaders,
Traci, Bruce, Kathy, JR20 attendees
Past events
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