My Florida Hikes

Sharing the best of Florida hiking

Sandra Friend
  • Female
  • Ocala, FL
  • United States
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What have you learned the hard way?

Replied Feb 22

Hiking from Atlantic to Gulf of Mexico questions

Replied Feb 17

Recommended gear for the Ocala National Forest?

Replied Feb 17

 

Sandra Friend's Page

Latest Activity

Barbara Bowen commented on Sandra Friend's group 'Swamp Walkers'
Thx Ata!
10 hours ago
Ata commented on Sandra Friend's group 'Swamp Walkers'
Love your photos!
10 hours ago
Barbara Bowen commented on Sandra Friend's group 'Swamp Walkers'
Find more photos like this on My Florida Hikes Bradwell Bay 2010 Swamp Stomp led by FTA member Kent Wimmer and his son Eric. Despite the 28 deg morning low, 16 adventurists of the original 50 signees showed up to bare the cold water. The day soon…
13 hours ago
Heath Harrell Deas joined Sandra Friend's group
Outdoor Photography
Members who enjoy a slow walk in the woods so they can hone their photography skills and get the best shots
on Saturday
Barbara Bowen commented on Sandra Friend's group 'Swamp Walkers'
Yes, I have seen it defined as a "forested wetland" predominantly Cypress. Thanks for sharing! It certainly looked like fun. I want to try it next year after I get some overnight hikes under my belt.
on Thursday
ShortCut commented on Sandra Friend's group 'Swamp Walkers'
OTL is full of`water features, including swamp. Of course, rain always helps. You got me curious about defining a swamp and finding out where they are in Florida. The EPA says a swamp is a type of wetland dominated by woody vegetation but without a…
on Thursday
Barbara Bowen commented on Sandra Friend's group 'Swamp Walkers'
Shortcut Was Ocean to Lake a Swamp walk? I guess with all the rain it could have been classified as one. =)
March 3
Rodney Durrance joined Sandra Friend's group
Outdoor Photography
Members who enjoy a slow walk in the woods so they can hone their photography skills and get the best shots
March 3

Profile Information

What's your favorite Florida hike?
FT Little-Big Econ State Forest
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Sandra Friend

Florida Hiking Trails Month Contest

Hi, folks! Apologies for being so quiet lately. I lost my father to a heart attack on Jan 1 and have been swept up in all that comes thereafter, including making sure Mom lands on her own two feet and getting her connected with a community of friends well beyond our small circle of family. Plus, I didn't work for several weeks so I have a lot of catching up to do to pay the rent. That said, I finally got out and started hiking again with Deb Blick on the Cross Florida Greenway as she's doing tra… Continue

Posted on February 5, 2010 at 7:46am — 9 Comments

Sandra Friend

Ocali Country Days tomorrow

This is our big history & heritage festival at Silver River State Park this weekend ... lots of fun ... and I'll be there signing my new book "Exploring Florida's Botanical Wonders" at the Nature Nook Books from 10-1. Hiking before and after, too. Stop by and say hi and get a signed book for a Christmas gift!

Posted on November 13, 2009 at 4:33pm —

Sandra Friend

Back from a well-needed rest

I've been hanging out in the South Florida wilds for the past couple of weeks taking a real vacation for the first time in I don't know how long ... 8 or 10 years? ... just reading, relaxing, snoozing, birdwatching, and of course, swamp walking and hiking, but just for fun instead of for new data. I did stumble across a brand-new trail yesterday that I'll share soon ... couldn't resist ... but meanwhile, I'm headed to Fisheating Creek this weekend for the FTA South Regional Conference and I'll p… Continue

Posted on October 28, 2009 at 5:40pm — 1 Comment

Sandra Friend

Help pick my new book title!

My co-author and I want to be sure we're coming up with the best title to market our new book, which will be primarily sold in Central Florida and Marion County especially. Here's a sneak peek.

… Continue

Posted on September 2, 2009 at 9:01pm — 2 Comments

Sandra Friend

Weekend freebies at National and State Parks

Just a heads-up to everyone that this weekend, entrance fees are waived at ALL National Parks around the country, and on Sunday, at all Florida State Parks. It's time to celebrate Parks & Recreation Month ... get outdoors and enjoy somewhere that would normally cost you $6-10 to explore! ;-)

Posted on July 17, 2009 at 6:57pm —

Comment Wall (125 comments)

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At 10:56am on February 28, 2010, Dana Collins said…
Hi Sandra, This really looks like a great site that will be very usefull in planning great hikes.
At 12:51am on February 22, 2010, antoinette witscher said…
I was there Dec. 6 through 13 of 09 doing daily trips with a friend. Talk about luck, bugs were almost nil and the most perfect weather in the world. Loved every minute of it.
At 2:16pm on February 17, 2010, John Meekins said…
I met Kenneth the other day. I have been talking to him. He is a heck of a nice guy, and gave good advice. I am thinking my route starting out might be slightly different. I am thinking of starting out somewhere around St. Augustine or Crescent Beach and trying to find the best route to the Palatka area. Then pick up the Marjorie Harris Car Cross Greenway for the rest of the trip. I am kind of in a time crunch because I need to buy some gear, and I want to do it by April before it gets HOT! I am a serious shutter bug and I have some nice photo equipment. I am planning to document my trip with lots of photos.
At 11:13am on February 17, 2010, Gidds said…
It's pretty flooded up here on the Western Panhandle, they actually had to rescue some hikers from the east side of Eglin a couple weekends ago, so keep that in mind when you are planning your trip up here. I live in Topsail Hill State Park and they are redoing all the trail signage, which will be exciting. Keep me posted as to when you are coming up.
At 12:14pm on February 13, 2010, Ata said…
Thank you so much for joining my group I feel honored I hope to see your great photos soon ;)
At 10:34pm on February 10, 2010, Shannan Crosson said…
Sandra,
I just figured out what you were saying when you asked if I had hiked the Avon Park loop. I never knew that it was called that. We Avon Parkians, call that the bombing range loop. I have lived here all my life, (minus 10 years Army) and grew up hunting, fishing, and playing out there. Never seriously hiked it yet but I will soon.
At 9:11pm on February 5, 2010, Cindy Lemon said…
Thanks for the welcome! Looking forward to joining some of the hiking activities.
At 2:32am on December 30, 2009, Duane said…
Thanks Seasons Greetings Sandra & all!
At 9:48pm on December 23, 2009, rock said…
Merry Christmas Sandra,Hope This New Year Excedes all your exspectations. May you keep your passions and find new delights in life.
At 8:07pm on December 17, 2009, Marc said…
Really?? The trail wasn't wet at all. It was muddy in places that I assume are normally underwater. After reading the 50 Hikes, I was all set with my water shoes, ready to change out of my boots. I was pleasantly surprised that it was pretty dry. I must say I really like hiking state forests. Both Little Big Econ and Picauyne are places I want to go back to. On the way home on I-75 I found the north and south gates for the FT in Big Cypress, which I am really looking forward to this season.

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