It’s Official: I am the Deer Whisperer

Over the past few weeks I have had some interesting encounters with wildlife, especially deer.  Typically, deer will bolt at the faintest scent or sight of people, but not me.  They love me.

About three weeks ago I was on one of my regular runs through Whispering Pines Park in Inverness.  It had just finished raining, and the air was heavy with humidity.  I came around a corner and there in the middle of the trail was a doe with a fawn, just standing there looking at me from about twenty feet away.  Remember, I was running, and usually all you see of deer are their white tails bouncing through the woods as they rapidly make their escape.

Not these two.  The fawn couldn’t have been more than a couple of months old, but there they stood.  I stopped running, and got close enough to them to see their nostrils flare and watched as they stared at me with curiosity.  I walked closer, and they slowly moved off into the trees.  Amazing!

Today I had similar encounters in two different places.  I spent most of the day out at Rainbow River State Park, and while I was driving out, there was a deer in the road that moved slowly over into the grass.  I rolled my window down and the deer was standing about ten feet away.  The second encounter happened out past Inverness, on Boy Scout Road.  This is down near the river, next to the old McGregor Smith Boy Scout Camp.  The deer was in the road, moved over to the edge, and stood there for a couple of minutes before other vehicles started coming along.  Weird, but cool.

Don’t believe me?  I’ve got video of the last two incidents as proof.  I am a friend of the deer, and they know it.  I’ve seen more deer in the woods than I can count, more than most hunters I’m sure.  I have to start watching out for big trucks and dudes in Real Tree camouflage following me now….!

Here’s some pictures from Rainbow Springs State Park in the gallery.

Once upon a time in August..

I told you, my loyal readers, that I would someday regale you with past stories of my outdoors adventures.  Today is your lucky day.

The summer heat is making me feel nostalgic, reminding me of an adventure that could have ended up in disaster.  Hopefully these stories will serve as a warning to others and prove to you that I’m just a knucklehead with no common sense.

One fine day in August 2003 (or 2004?  I can’t remember, the damage must have been permanent)  I decided to go for a little bike ride.  I got the wild idea to completely traverse the Withlacoochee State Trail from start to finish.  The trail is 46 miles long, starting at the Owensboro Junction Trailhead, not far from Dade City.  It’s the longest paved rail/trail in Florida, mind you.  The other end of the trail is way over near Dunnellon, at the Gulf Junction Trailhead.  I know what you crazy spandex-clad road bikers are saying: “46 miles, is that all? My toddler can do that!”

I did this on an originally-priced eighty-dollar mountain bike way past its prime.  Ouch.

I started out from the Owensboro Junction Trailhead shortly after sunrise, enjoying the morning coolness.  Watching and listening to wildlife in the woods alongside the trail, I made my way on down the path in a blissful state. I passed through the small community of Trilby, and rode the bridge over Highway 50 to the Ridge Manor Trailhead.  Feeling some slight discomfort from the seat that only other bike riders can appreciate, I stopped for a snack and to stretch.  It was at this time that I started to wonder if I had bitten off more than I could chew.

I quickly expelled those thoughts from my mind and saddled up to bite off another section of the trail.  Oh, what’s that feeling?  Oh my, it seems it’s a lot harder to get going after a short break, my legs were really starting to fatigue at this point.  Down the trail I go, and further and further the sun rises until it is beaming directly down upon my person.  Not good.  Not good at all.

On through Istachatta, Floral City, Inverness, and into Hernando I go.  Having exhausted my water supply, I stopped and refilled at a gas station near the trail and enjoyed an ice cream in the shade of a huge live oak.  Determined to finish the trail, I once again mounted my trusty aluminum steed and pointed it in the direction of Citrus Springs.

Now comes the good part.  There was absolutely no shade along this section, and being near noontime in August the temperature was as hot as it gets.  I totally fell apart during these next few miles, and regretted eating the ice cream that seemed so refreshing only a short time ago.  The ice cream and I parted company, and I felt better for a while.  Then the cramps began.

The first muscle spasm in my legs scared me pretty good, I’ll admit.  I almost crashed my bike, flopping over in the grass next to the trail like a fish.  I steadied myself, took a breather and drank some water.  Back on the wheeled torture device I go.  A few minutes later I started feeling really wonky and my eyes would not focus correctly, but I kept on going.  I was determined to reach the end of the trail.  I hallucinated, seeing squirrels jump over my bike to the opposite side of the trail and cursed them for being so crafty and full of energy.  What a mess I was.

Finally, I reached the end of the trail.  I had done it.  Oh, but wait, the water fountains and bathrooms have been locked due to vandalism.  Oh no!  Also, the trailhead is not directly off of Highway 41, but is back in a subdivision down a few twisty roads.  There’s no way my wife would ever find me back here, and I was in no shape to explain how to get where I was.  Whimpering, I forced myself back on the bike and made for the road.  I could not ride up the hills, so I got off and pushed.  I coasted down the hills until at last I reached the highway.  I rode across the road and crashed into a group of small trees where I called my lovely wife to rescue me.

I was rescued, but spent the next couple of days suffering from heat sickness and muscle spasms.  I still ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail, but learned the hard way about riding in the heat.  Don’t be a goofus like me.  Take your time, wear the proper clothing, and carry plenty of fluids.

So, who’s up for a little bike ride?

Polarpak Moflow-Because all other hydration systems just SUCK.

The MOFLOW Hydration System, you want it, you need it. I’m here to tell you why.

I’ve got two words for you: pressurized delivery. That’s one of the outstanding features you get with the Polarpak MOFLOW hydration system. But that’s not all you get, how about anti-slosh baffles, Microban construction, quick disconnects, and one of the best designed bite valves as well? Take that, lesser forms of hydration reservoirs!

Here’s how it works, remove the bite valve from the quick disconnect, attach the pump bulb, and squeeze about 60 times. Reattach the bite valve and be amazed as pressurized liquids are delivered to quench your thirst. I initially thought that the all that swapping of bulbs and bite valves would prove to be a royal pain in the tookus, but it turned out to not be a big deal at all.

One thing - you will definitely have to re pressurize the system at some point during use, but it took 4 hours of use while hiking to get to the point that it needed to be re pressurized.   All it takes is about 20-30 honks on the bulb to get you back in business. I stowed it in the hip belt pocket of my pack which makes it easy to retrieve on trail runs, bike rides, and hikes.

With other reservoirs you have to suck the liquid out of the system, up the tube and through the valve. This method has been around since hydration systems have been in use, and it’s nice to finally see some real advancements in this department. The MOFLOW was one of the items awarded the Best of Adventure Gear for 2008, proving that it is a top-notch piece of equipment.

Oh, it gets even better. There’s even a optional shower attachment and a soon-to-be-released water filtration system for the MOFLOW. With these options and built-in features, the MOFLOW pressurized hydration system is the closest thing you can get to running water in the backcountry.

Order one from Polarpak directly, and get free shipping! How can you go wrong? Give the MOFLOW a try, I’m sure you’ll be impressed.

Ocala National Forest Fastpacking Preparation

When the weather cools down a bit, I’m planning on fastpacking the Ocala National Forest.  I’m currently working on the logistics and doing a little more training to ensure that I don’t fall apart halfway through the woods.

The Florida Trail through the Ocala National Forest spans a distance of 71.3 miles, and I want to complete this whole section in two days, camping overnight at the halfway point.  Seems like fun, eh?  I think so, and I hope you keep checking back for any updates on this hike!

I’ve got to get my gear dialed in a little better, and make some changes to some things that should lighten up my pack a little.  I’ll post a gear list when I get it all worked out.

Inverness Named Florida Trail Gateway Community

Braving the heat and humidity, scores of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts gathered at Whispering Pines Park in Inverness to take part in celebrating National Trails Day and to honor the City’s designation as a Florida Trail Gateway Community. City of Inverness Manager Frank DiGiovanni called the alliance with the Florida Trail Association “a match made in Heaven”.

With seemingly limitless outdoor opportunities, Inverness is a perfect destination for all types of recreational activities. For hikers, the linear 1,400 mile Florida Trail passes through Inverness, and there is a newly constructed connector to the 41 miles of loop trails in the Withlacoochee State Forest. Bikers will enjoy the Withlacoochee State Trail, the longest rails to trails path in Florida.

Watch the video of the event, and make sure you stop by Inverness for some fantastic outdoor recreation!

* Video is part 1 of 3, I will create a finalized single video in the near future. Stay tuned!

Click here for the gallery.

Saturday is National Trails Day!

This Saturday, June 7, is National Trails Day! Make sure you get out and participate at an event near you. For me, I’ll probably be out at Whispering Pines Park in Inverness as they receive the honor of being named a Florida Trail Gateway Community.

There are tons of events scheduled all over the country, check the Americanhiking.org website for a list of events in your area.

Click here to find events near you.

Polarpak Gel Cooled Hydration System

What, a hydration system that keeps liquids cool? Surely you jest, Polarpak.

First off, let me tell give you the basics about this hydration system. Available in a 70 or 100 ounce hydration reservoir, it should fit in most normal sized backpacks. I have the 70 ounce model and it fits perfectly in my venerable Golite 24 1500ci pack. It features Microban construction and awesome twist lock connectors, a Nalgene-style screw cap, and a 3/8″ insulated tube. The bite valve is different than others I have used, but looks like it should work well.

Down here in sunny Florida we have to deal with heat as well as humidity, which keeps a lot of people off the hiking and biking trails during the summer months. Let’s see if the Polarpak Gel Cooled Hydration System can stand up to these hellish conditions…

I know everyone has seen that video on backpacker.com showing a Camelbak reservoir being run over by a truck. You know what I say to that? Big deal, who cares if it can withstand being squashed by a Toyota Tacoma? Seriously folks, if you get run over by a truck on the trail you have more problems to worry about than your hydration system popping. I’d think you would be more concerned about your guts. It’s just not an accurate, real-world test of durability.

Here’s the test approach I took with the Polarpak, it’s pretty simple, really. I froze it, filled it with a cool beverage (feel free to use water, Pow-R-Aid, Vodka, whatever), stuck it in my pack and got on the trail. Rinse and repeat. Oh yes, I kicked it and did all sorts of mean things to it as well. Did it hold up to being so cruelly treated? Well, you’ll have to read on, and watch the video (soon to follow!).

Conclusion: The Polarpak performed wonderfully after several rides and long hikes. I was initially concerned about a lot of condensation buildup inside the hydration sleeve of my pack, but after using it several times, it didn’t seem any different than other systems. The contents of my pack were totally dry.

The bite valve was excellent, providing a good supply of water without having to bite too hard. It’s better than any I have used previously. The system rode well in my pack, with the same amount of bounce and slosh as other systems.

Did it stay cool? You betcha. Honestly, I didn’t think it would, but after both extended rides and hikes the liquid stayed way cooler than expected. You could also feel the coolness through the back of the pack which was really nice too.

This will be the hydration system in my pack on all future hikes and rides, that’s for sure. Polarpak has really raised the bar for hydration systems, and at only 30 bucks it’s well worth the price. My advice? Get that Camel off your back and go with the Polarpak.