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]

oops I got my days mixed up. I have to work tommorrow Friday. Im going to shoot for Saturday.

 

Jay are you referring to the sections I pointed to with orange arrows?  Those are deadended old logging trams (railroads) into heavily wooded large Bald Cypress slough.. They may be elevated but most likely heavily grown over.

[Jay]

Yes Dale - the eastern orange arrows.  Those are very apparent on GE - .25 mile spacing - almost exactly.  Have you been out there?

[Swamp Hunter]

Ive been out there but no I havent actually seeked out these tram sections. Im sure they are overgrown and probably not apparent at ground level. All the elevated sections are overgrown and need partially cleared before they can be part of a walking trail..

 

They do however make great trails after a lot of work because they are higher than the surrounding swamp, dry and shaded. The problem is if they are not constantly used they can become completely impassable in 2 short years or one hurricane. These trams dont go anywhere. Thery were made to remove the lumber, then abandoned.

 

The deep swamp area is absolutely beautiful. That is why we are trying to find and clear the Gator Hook access trail.

[Swamp Hunter]

Speaking of bottles and ribbons we really need to do some cleanup back in there. The trail tape has gotten out of hand in many spots. I don't see the need for so much plastic litter when we have such a well defined trail in most spots. I pulled down a bag full on my way out last time and we can easily remove a lot more without losing the trail even when the water is high.

 

You are worried about the wrong thing Keith. Remove the 2 plastic bottles and the Mardi Gras mask if you wish but there is nothing to clean up back there. Im not sure what you mean by well defined trail when there was absolutely nothing at all there until I discovered it, showed it to you and marked it last year. There couldnt be more than 5 people that used that trail in 40 years. Its certainly no time to be removing trail markers.  Please do not do this my friend.  It would be a huge setback.   Thanks.

[Jay]

How does one get started exploring in that area?  If anyone is heading out and willing to take a tag along some time - I'd be interested.

[Swamp Hunter]

Im planning on going out Saturday morning. The Gator Hook trailhead is on Loop Road south of Monroe Station. There are picnic tables and bathrooms. Its a safe place to park.  I will know for sure tommorrow nite. 

[Jay]

Dale - I am out of town this week.  I am going to send you a PM.  Thanks for the offer.  Jay

[Swamp Hunter]

Keith, Bill and I are planning to go out the following week on March 9. You can meet us at the trailhead. 6 AM.

[Jay]

Crazy work/family/etc schedule this month.  I only have the 4th and 25th open.  If you are going out - let me know.  April is going to be a much better month.

[Swamp Hunter]

Too far ahead for me to say on the 25th but I will keep it in mind.  I will write a post when I return Sunday. I may bring my camera this time.

 

Ive been working on this trail for over 20 years and Im sure it will be a few more years before its finished.. The more people that use the trail, the better chance it will stay open.  Ribbons are important because without ribbons people will wander in different directions or turn around and go back. The deep swamp can and will gobble up an unmarked trail in one season.  I am trying to re-discover the old railroad and mark it for future generations to enjoy and this has been a pet project of mine for 20 plus maybe 30 years... way before the NPS named it an official trail... before GPS technology .  Ive learned a lot from trial and error.  I have seen a lot of interesting things along the way.   Thanks for the interest.

[Bill Riley]

I have been out I think 3 times in the last 6 weeks, I love that place. Just can't wait till my body becomes used to it :). Jay I have been going out alot and would always welcome company. I am looking forward to exploring the thick part next weekend. You should come out just to experiance walking around the bend to see this lovely mardi gras face staring at you lol, it is quite the surprise. One of my trips will be dedicated to the old dead end tram lines you saw in dale's diagram.  I think I saw some of them from the gauntlet area but they could just be old hunter paths maybe . Truly a different view when you are on the ground versus that GE ariel. So much to check out in there just not enough hours.

[Jay]

Thanks for the offer Bill.  I'll have much more time in April and I look forward to giving it a try.  I'll need a bit of coaching on what to bring - don't mind mud, slime or critters.  If anyone wants to chime in there - I would appreciate it.  Probably some of the same stuff I bring on my paddle explorations - first aid, basic survival, extra water, food, map, compass, GPS.  What you can carry in a small pack?