Friday the 13th Weekend Camping Trip - If you dare...

Back into the Woods we go for another 2 day Adventure...We recently hiked from Pats Island to Hidden Pond and encountered quite a few overnight campers...We were intrigued, so we checked out quite a few sites that we could potentially use...The upside is that the sites are first come first serve with no reservation required.

There are two options for arriving at the campsites:
Option 1 - Park at Juniper Springs (Let them know that you are backpacking in and they will charge you $7:52 per day to park...The park hours are 8am to 8pm) and pack in 5 miles via the Florida Trail to Hidden Pond,
Option 2 - Park at Pats Island (Free to park, but also outside of the secure Springs areas) and pack in 3 miles via the Florida Trail to Hidden Pond.

Additionally, you have the option to arrive on Friday or Saturday depending on your availability...I plan to arrive early Friday afternoon to pick out a prime spot; being that it is mid-June I don't know if there will be a lot of Campers during that time...This event will be in the middle of the Ocala National Forest, so Bear sightings are possible, and unlike Wekiwa Springs there are no Bear boxes to safely store your food, so please plan accordingly...Potential activities include Moonlit Night Hikes, Day Hikes, Visiting the Springs for various activities, and anything else that suits our fancy...

I recommend comfortable walking/hiking shoes, Deep Woods bug spray, sunscreen, lots of fluids for hydration, snacks/food, camping gear (I can share a detailed list if anyone has questions) and your spirit of adventure and fellowship...Be ready to get fresh air, exercise, engage in diverse conversations, and make some new Connections!!

If you need to cancel, PLEASE change your RSVP from "YES" to "NO". We realize things can change and it's not a big deal if you change your RSVP. Thank you...If you arrive late, no worries, just Call or text (689) 203-5116 for location of the Group...JAP3

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this event, you acknowledge that these events carry the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs; Acts of nature such as inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “What's the Motto...Hikers Hike” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated leader of the event.