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?

[daniel]

thanks for that, it gave me a little peace today. 

[Swamp Hunter]

Who tied the pink ribbons? Who tied the white plastic? Anybody here?

[Swamp Hunter]

I wanted to add to the record that I found that plastic "mardi gras" mask in the woods. I probably should have carried it out. It probably was attached to a helium balloon. I find them all the time. I think they come from the Indian birthday parties.

 

I dont leave trash in the woods. I dont cut vegetation unless its a Brazilian Pepper, Malalueca or dead wood.  The only thing I leave behind is footprints, so others may follow.

 

I have no idea who is attempting to make a well. I hope they have permission. Camping equipment cannot be left in the woods all year.

 

The treestand is illegal if it has nails. I dont know who made that either but it was there in the 70s and is most likely older judging by the cypress growth..

 

Dallas said:

There was a large harlequin (like mardi gras) mask hanging from a tree not too far beyond the site with the well that doesn't work. Did you put that there? It gave me a bit of a startle when I looked up and saw it hanging from the branch.

[Swamp Hunter]

Correction:  The only thing I leave behind is footprints... and ribbons.

[Bill Riley]

I was up there  Saturday the 2nd. I made it Probably around the 2 mile marker ish. I was out with my uncle and my son to give it a once over for equipment etc.  We came across the first water ish area around 1 mile I think which was just a walk to the right over a log to pass it. Around Mile 2 there was probably 6- 8 inch of water as far as i can see so I am assuming that this is the length that is heading toward the tip of the W.I could see Orange paint on the trees for about 50 yards. I will most likely be doing a lot more of these walks if you need help placing ribbons and looking for that pump. I am a Florida native but I spent most of my camping hiking time up near the Suwannee River. I have recently become very interested in Gator Trail. I would love to do a gator to florida scenic run sometime. I went this month expecting some pretty low water levels as I heard Feb and March are the best times for this trail and work. Let me Know if I can help mark up some things with or for Ya.

[Swamp Hunter]

I am thrilled to death with the recent interest in re-discovering the old railroad tram and loggers camp. I can almost understand the lost hikers confusion and thoughts of a lawsuit because the sign at the trailhead claims that the trail goes to the 2.4 mile mark, past the center W. But of course IT DOES NOT. It doesnt even reach the center. They (park service) must of diagramed the trail from the air but never actually tried to walk it.

 

The center area is by far the prettiest. Sure I could use the help and company. Im not sure when Im going out again but you can help by following the ribbons. Your footprints will help mash down the grass and make the trail.   The more the better. Thank you, thank you!.

 

 

[Swamp Hunter]

I know some of you have the tram on your GPS but it may be different than actually being on location. Besides that, you could be 15 feet away from it and not see it. So Im posting what I believe are the coordinates. I have the center of the W at:

N  25.81944

W081.06563

 Its a slightly raised tram section near holey rock. Its dug out on each side so you may have to circle around to access it.  Thats about as far as I got but there are embedded railroad ties so its definitely on trail. Its a good dry spot to stop for lunch with water on each side. Walk east and it should be starting the sweeping SE turn. Please dont disturb the orchids in bloom. Try to work backwards across the holey rock area at N 25.81943 and W081.06599.  It needs to be connected back to the already marked trail. There are some large bald cypress on the north side.. Good luck.

[Bill Riley]

I'll most likely be going out on the 23rd. Hopefully I'll have a gps by then. All I have is a handy old fashioned compass :).

[Swamp Witch]

Dale, I’m so glad you posted all this info!  I was out on New Year's Day.   I prefer walking through the cypress swamp & usually walk along next to the tram road instead of on it.  Because of your posts this time I stayed on the road and had a wonderful time.  LOVED the mardi gras mask (even if some might condsider it trash).  Reminded me of the Calusa ceremonial masks.  I followed the ribbons until they ran out and then bushwhacked through on my way to the Florida Trail and back (didn’t have time to eat lunch at Roberts Camp).  My goal is also to find the old loggers camp and the the old pump.  Last year I found a collapsed tin shack (with lots of old beer cans) to the north of the center of the W but no pump.  (Does anyone know what the shack was?  Hunting shack?)  As I was searching a pair of vultures chased me from their nest area.  I left in a hurry so I didn't get puked on.  I have also been in the area of the holey rock (I've called it the solution hole area but "Holey Rock" is much better).  Very beautiful there.  Can't wait to get back next near and do more exploring.

[Swamp Hunter]

Im impressed that you walked so far and back. I absolutely love exploring the swamp but none of my old hunting buddies will go with me without complaining lol so I go myself most of the time..

The site can be dated by the beer cans. If they are pulltabs it would be a 60s-70s era hunting camp. Im not familiar with the particular one you found but I found one similar near Roberts Lakes. The camp has burned down but the tin roof remains. The NPS used to fire bomb them from the air because most of them were squatters camps; completely legal homesteaded camps with the State of Florida, at the time, but not recognized by the Federal Govt, the new owners, when the BCNP was created.

If you search hard enough you will find a pipe in the ground most likely capped off. All the old camps had water pumps.. The NPS capped off all the ones they could find. 

[Bill Riley]

Hey Dale, I'm looking at the garmin etrek 30 for my new gps. Think it will work in that area for obtaining signal. Any recomendation on a gps that works well there. We had a car gps handheld which lost sat in thick around 2.2 mile ish area. IF I find that Pump I'll be wanting to mark my location for ya :).  

[Swamp Hunter]

I use the Garmin etrex VISTA HCx with an electronic compass and Im more than happy with it. I was lucky to buy it on sale. I dont know if they still make it. If I bought it about a year earlier, I wouldnt have lost the pump lol.  I lose the signal sometimes in the trees but only for a few minutes.  Be careful without a GPS. Its very easy to get lost. Maybe bring some ribbons along with your compass. I carry 2 compasses.

 

Bill Riley said:

Hey Dale, I'm looking at the garmin etrek 30 for my new gps. Think it will work in that area for obtaining signal. Any recomendation on a gps that works well there. We had a car gps handheld which lost sat in thick around 2.2 mile ish area. IF I find that Pump I'll be wanting to mark my location for ya :).