Mormon Key Campsite

October 1, 2011 -- Not a trail per se but a condition worthy of mention. The Mormon Key campsite is overrun with sandspurs. There are no open sandy areas to camp upon. Two years ago, there was plenty of sand and some sandspurs. It was a very painful experience. The native vegetation is losing to the weeds. Ouch!

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Permalink Reply by vivian on October 20, 2011 at 9:42am

Yes, there should be a few trees to hold an HH just paddle around the island and pick one. You are not limited to the one area that has the camping sign. Because of the canoe I've sometimes had to paddle around gulf islands looking for a safe place to land and most importantly to launch when the winds are up. So I've actually found nicer camping spots than the designated areas. Obviously this is not something that is always possible if traveling with a group.

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Permalink Reply by Kim Gass on October 20, 2011 at 11:59am

LOL..actually the HH needs two.. but solo it is a nice alternative if I can be sure the straps will stick to the chickee corner posts.

Sorry for the impending hijack but I would like to hear of others hammock experiences. So far I still like the open beach for bug avoidance but chickee camping..even with my Exped Synmat..the floor is so hard!

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Permalink Reply by vivian on October 20, 2011 at 12:53pm

Hey Kim, I understand the whole chickee hard camping floor problem. A couple of years ago I circumnavigated Whitewater Bay for 9 days and was really scared my back would be ruined and I would not get a good nights sleep. It was mostly chickee camping. I ended up bringing a full length ridgerest pad to put under my thermarest and slept very well and comfortably. The ridgerest can remain unrolled or rolled in the bottom of all your drybags. Makes a soft place to sit on in the tent while organizing gear. At minimum a short pad or Z Rest would work well.

I only use my HH in the Big Cypress gave up bringing it to E Glades sites.

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Permalink Reply by Esther Luft on October 20, 2011 at 12:54pm

Hijacking can be a good thing. I have used the super basic Exped Scout hammock and like it just fine. The bug mesh is huge. I can actually use it as a full-body screen if I really want to dork it up and walk around wearing it. Wear a good wide brim hat and heck, it works. I should warn you that I can sleep pretty much anywhere.

If you want to avoid the hard chickee floor, go to the SynMat 9 or better yet, the DownMat 9. At 3" I can sleep on my side and never hit the bottom. I am assuming you have a SynMat 7. Yes, I am an Exped dealer/evangelist. I LOVE their stuff!!!

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Permalink Reply by Esther Luft on October 20, 2011 at 1:05pm

Vivian, Did you ever get the paddle pants you were looking for last year? : ) If you're still looking I have something you might like for a great price.

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Permalink Reply by vivian on October 20, 2011 at 1:18pm

Please forward the information Esther I have not found the perfect paddling pants yet :-(

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Permalink Reply by Esther Luft on October 20, 2011 at 1:38pm

Level 6 Current Paddling Pants - Semi Dry Reg is $107 I got a great closeout price and can do it for $65. I love the cut. Very comfy fit. Light enough so that you don't die from heat stroke during those chilly Florida winters. Are you going to the Rendezvous this weekend? I'll have some with me if you want to check them out.

http://www.levelsix.com/store/index.php/producttype/paddling-pants/...

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Permalink Reply by vivian on October 20, 2011 at 2:02pm

That is a great deal! However, I am looking for canoeing pants with reinforced knees/seat and gusset for comfort and insect resistant. I don't get too wet when canoeing its alot dryer than kayaking. Most of the camp pants have zip off legs that really bother me when kneeling. The other outdoor pants tend to be on the light side and insect bites needle through

Let me know via email if you find anything you have come across that would work. What is Redezvous weekend?