May trip - Gator Hook to Roberts Lakes Strand

[Keith W]

I have a mind to try and reach Robert's Lakes Strand from the Gator Hook Trail on the Monroe Station leg of the Loop. I know the Fl. Scenic Trail runs through the Strand on the eastern end but I have yet to hear of anybody coming in from the west. The first couple of miles of the old Gator Hook logging tram that runs southeast off the Loop has been cleared, but it's all wild after that. The line of the tram is still evident after the cleared path runs out, and I was able to follow it for about another half-mile but it gets pretty boggy in places. Anybody else have any info on this route?

[Swamp Hunter]

Cool.   I marked the point "hole" for future reference as a water source. The trail is good up to this point (fern fork). Yes this is the area that needs work as the ribbons go in several directions because we took the path(s) of least resistance but its off trail and underwater most of the year. Eventually the off trail ribbons will need to be removed when the original trail is discovered.  I believe the tram may be in line with the point gumbo on higher ground. The best method IMO is to try and find some more railroad ties and connect the dots.

The last leg of the W is not marked. That is, I marked it in the 80s so I doubt my markers remain, although Keith and I did find one, old and faded.

What is the circumnavigation of Roberts Lake? What is Roberts knoll?

 

[D Warfel]

good to know.

circumnavigation of Roberts Lake= hiking around the perimeter of the Lake.

Roberts knoll is a mound several feet off the ground. Its on the east side of the FT once you enter the section of Roberts Lake strand coming from the north going south. its a good dry-spot for taking a break. You can pitch a tent but theres only one small spot thats level.

[D Warfel]

to anyone interested in coming along and helping out.. The Big Cypress Chapter of FTA will be doing trail maintenance work this Saturday from Oasis to Loop Road. We will hike through re-blazing trail from orange to blue. We will have two groups; one from the north (Oasis) and one from the south (Loop Rd/Sawmill Rd.). We will be clearing branches, trimming, and blazing the trail. Orange blazes will have to be removed (scraped off) and new blazes (blue) painted. Trail is definitely still wet and muddy. We'll be meeting at Oasis at 7:30am. Let me know if you are interested in joining.

[Dennis McDonald]

I am going to be down at Skunk Ape sometime Saturday  for the weekend. Wish I could offer to help but we are taking my son for his first camping experience. If I can I will try and make time for a short hike and maybe run into you. I have helped doing trail maintenance in my area. At least you don't have to mow.  Thanks for keeping the trail clear.

[Zoltan Torok]

Hi, has anybody recently visited Robert's Lake Strand, I mean in the past couple of days?
How is the water level? I plan an aerial shot of  the area if there is already some alligators congregating,

Thanks a lot! 

[D Warfel]

i was there last weekend. water is high- gators are scattered about. i dont think youd be able to capture congregating gators.

[Swamp Hunter]

Which lake is that?  

I think I have rested on this small knoll. It looks like shells to me and I thought it was the remains of an old shell mound. An archaeologist told me the ancient Indians had a trail through Roberts Strand.

DRW said:

good to know.

circumnavigation of Roberts Lake= hiking around the perimeter of the Lake.

Roberts knoll is a mound several feet off the ground. Its on the east side of the FT once you enter the section of Roberts Lake strand coming from the north going south. its a good dry-spot for taking a break. You can pitch a tent but theres only one small spot thats level.

[Swamp Hunter]

I wish I didnt have to work. Why blue? Maybe you could blaze the trail west to Gator Hook while you are in the area heh heh. Would be a huge help.

DRW said:

to anyone interested in coming along and helping out.. The Big Cypress Chapter of FTA will be doing trail maintenance work this Saturday from Oasis to Loop Road. We will hike through re-blazing trail from orange to blue. We will have two groups; one from the north (Oasis) and one from the south (Loop Rd/Sawmill Rd.). We will be clearing branches, trimming, and blazing the trail. Orange blazes will have to be removed (scraped off) and new blazes (blue) painted. Trail is definitely still wet and muddy. We'll be meeting at Oasis at 7:30am. Let me know if you are interested in joining.

[Gene]

I plan to be out to Loop road/gator hook for a short hike tomorrow afternoon. I hope to run into a few of you.

Dale- Did you say earlier you are working out at Bear island? I would be interested to know if you have any knowledge of the old King's Korner fish camp that was out that way in the 70's or the WD ranch on the south side of the alley prior to Big cypress. There was also a trailer home with large confederate flags on the south side of the alley about where the current rest area at mile 63 is today. My father knew those folks and I visited in the late 70's as a boy. I would love to hear the history behind these places.

[Dennis McDonald]

Orange is the thru trail and blue blazes represent loop or side trails. Since the southern starting point is now Oasis the part south needs blue blazes.

[Dallas]

When did the starting point become Oasis?

Dennis McDonald said:

Orange is the thru trail and blue blazes represent loop or side trails. Since the southern starting point is now Oasis the part south needs blue blazes.

[Dennis McDonald]

I think it was made official January 1st of this year. The new plaque is shown in the link. http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/florida-trail.htm