Torreya State Park is located about 60 miles west of Tallahassee, Florida in the “Big Bend”. This park is noted for its varied terrain, ranging from hardwood to swamp wetlands and an area we Floridians could call “canyons” (large washed out clay hills). It’s the closest thing we can find around here that is similar to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. The park has a nice network of trails to explore. My 13 year old son and I arrived at the park on Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm, the first day of spring. We had made reservations ahead to ensure our sites in the primitive camp areas. Because our region had been receiving abundant amounts of rainfall, we knew the mosquitoes would be in full force. We were not disappointed. We came prepared with plenty of bug repellent. This trip could be called an "Introduction to Backpacking" for me and my son. We have done car camping, but yearned for a taste of “true” camping. Having enjoyed accumulating our assortment
Outdoor Adventures and Reviews
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ReplyDeleteThank you. We had a great time, hiking about 33 miles, enjoying the area. I don't know if the falls every freeze solid or not, but if they did, it would be a great climb for the brave of heart!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos... looks like it was a good trip. 33 miles... that'd be a nice afternoon's run.
ReplyDeleteIt boggles my mind the distance you run! We actually did talk to a guy who was running the A.T. approach trail to Springer mountain. He was doing 20 miles that day.
ReplyDeleteIt boggles my mind that only 7 years ago I couldn't even run 1/2 mile I was so out of shape... now I'm trying to run 100 miles because 50 miles has become "no big deal."
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing! I had figured you were always a runner. Exercise is truly body altering. When I do my small amount of running consistently, I really notice how easy and deep my breathing is. In one of my photos is a young fellow at the Springer shelter who had just finished his 5.5 month thru-hike of the A.T (2175 miles). As I talked to him I couldn't help but notice how clear and alive his skin looked, with sparkling eyes. So very healthy. One would think after almost six months outside he would have taken a beating, but he really looked super healthy.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly how my wife and I felt after our almost 2,000 mile journey on, off, and near the Continental Divide Trail in 1998. After six months on the trail, we were at the healthiest point we had ever been, physically and mentally, of our entire lives.
ReplyDeleteThe Continental Divide adventure was our "honeymoon" trip that we had held off on until we were married for two years. We rode our horses and pack mules north from the Mexican border, initially hoping to make it to Canada before the snows began to fall.
Along the way we realized that the point of the trip was not making it from point A to point B... if it was, then it would've made more sense to drive the distance in a car.
No, the point of the journey was about discovering our limitations, physical and mental; learning about ourselves and our relationship and meeting other like-minded individuals along the way.
We learned that humans can accomplish a lot more than we imagine and took comfort in discovering where exactly our limitations are.
Although we brought our horses and mules on that trip, we hiked or walked at least 50% of the time to make it easier for our animals. Sometimes, where we were was simply too dangerous to ride.
Maybe that is why I run ultras now?
Running allows me a chance to get back in those mountains and experience them in a very real, intense and personal way. I might not be able to take off 6 months out of my life for a cross-country journey any time soon- but I can run across the mountains, forests and/or deserts for a weekend.
Plus, my horses are now old and fat- after 20 or so miles, they want to stop, where I'm just starting to get warmed up.
Maybe it is because my horses are smarter than me?
Of course, few else can claim to prefer running trails instead of riding their horses simply because they can go farther on their on two feet.
Am I crazy? You bet!
Anyway, it doesn't matter whether you run or hike, ride or walk... whether you go for a couple of hours or for 6 months...it's all good... just get out and do it!
Take care!
Brave? Nahh...slightly crazy maybe. :-) Ice climbing is really easier than it looks as you can make your own holds unlike rock climbing. Happy Holidays!
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