Florida Spring Break: Backpacking, Manatees, Beach!

OVERVIEW

This spring break adventure in central Florida, a truly awesome deal, will include:

~ 1 day and night at Blue Spring State Park–one of the two best places in Florida to see manatees (see http://www.planetdeland.com/bluesprings/)

~ 5 or 6 days and nights of backpacking 60 miles through extremely varied ecosystems along the remote Florida National Scenic Trail, in Ocala National Forest. Guide book says the Ocala is “the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest (sand pine scrub is a forest type that grows on fast-draining sandy soils) … There are numerous natural lakes and springs … Grassy prairies, offering far-reaching views, surround many of the lakes … Many hikers consider this portion of the Florida Trail as the crown jewel of the entire Florida National Scenic Trail (unfinished, but over 1300 miles long!).”

~ 1 or 2 days and nights in charming St. Augustine. Guidebook says: “The nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine (population 11,600) was settled in 1565 by Spanish explorers … Today St. Augustine’s historic district is a charming mix of narrow cobblestone streets, European architecture and Spanish colonial flair. Across the Intracoastal Waterway is 18-mile Anastasia Island, with a state park, pier and dunes and beaches.” We’ll stay in a youth hostel (dorm rooms) in the heart of the old city, have fun along the pedestrian-only quaint shop and restaurant zone in the evenings, and drive out to the beach during the day (though might or might not be hot enough to lie out). See: http://www.hiflorida.org/st%20augustine.htm

Weather in early March in that area has average highs in the 70s and average lows around 50.

Itinerary:
28 Feb: Depart Cville 10pm, drive in shifts through the night.
01 Mar: Arrive at around noon at Blue Springs State Park, Florida, see manatees, camp out there
02 Mar: Drive in morning to nearby South end of Ocala National Forest and begin backpacking adventure.
06 Mar: Finish backpacking at North end of Ocala National Forest, drive 40 miles to St. Augustine
08 Mar: Leave St. Augustine in the evening (or whenever everyone decides they want to leave), drive North in shifts through the night
09 Mar: Arrive Charlottesville in the morning

The trails will be easy to moderate, and we will start out with 7 days of food in our packs. While the terrain will be pretty flat, if you have never backpacked before please do some thinking before you commit to 5 or 6 days of backpacking.

We’re not taking Amtrak anymore, so you can withdraw from this adventure up to the withdraw deadline with no cost penalty.

This trip is a great deal for all that you’ll be getting, and should be awesome!

Outdoors at UVa provides:

Pretty much the whole ball of wax! This is an incredible deal. Included in the participation fee: all transportation, all lodging (camping fees, youth hostel in St. Augustine), backpacking gear if you need it (backpack and rain cover, sleeping pad, sleeping bag {though rated to below freezing so will be a bit hot}, tent, cooking equipment), backpacking food (from dinner in Blue Spring State Park until finishing the big hike), and all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts in St. Augustine. In St. Augustine, lunches, dinners, and, uh, beverages not included.

You must bring:

Appropriate backpacking gear. Avoid cotton. See internet link for both what and how to pack. Pack light!!! Bring money for food&fuel stops during the big drives. Bring a bathing suit, a small lightweight towel, sun block, and bug spray. Bring something halfway decent to wear in St. Augustine restaurants and perhaps dance club, and we’ll leave that stuff in the cars while we’re backpacking. Bring money for lunches, dinners, going out, and perhaps shopping in St. Augustine. This adventure took a lot of planning so please bring a really happy spirit. Additional items needed: driver’s license / official ID, and Youth Hostel member card if you have one. And don’t forget your camera, ideas for games when on the trail / camping / in the car, and lightweight musical instruments!