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?

[Bill Riley]

I'll be heading down there Sunday regardless to have my legs working again for the upcoming hard work. I'll be in Orlando the following week so I can't make that weekend. I will however be out again the weekend after that.

[Swamp Hunter]

Need to get your swamp legs lol.  If you go, I will too.

Bill Riley said:

I'll be heading down there Sunday regardless to have my legs working again for the upcoming hard work. I'll be in Orlando the following week so I can't make that weekend. I will however be out again the weekend after that.

[Dallas]

I think I agree with Keith that wet feet in the cold are no fun unless necessary. I would still like to wait a week or two.

Dale said:

I remember climbing a swaying cypress tree and trying to hang on and keep still in near freezing weather, feet soaking wet, teeth chattering wind, couldnt hold the rifle steady but still got a deer.. But I was younger then. Well I dont like rubber boots so Ill be watching the weather. I think if we keep moving should be OK. Mid 60s is perfect but should we move the date forward a week?

[Swamp Witch]

Highs in the mid 60s, lows in the 40s is chilly?  Y'all are wimps.  It's perfect slogging weather.  :-)  Just kidding.  Wish I were there.  Our 17 inches of snow was mostly melted in the rainstorm and ruined the cross country ski trails.  You might be able to drag a boat thru the Lost Portage with low water, but skiing on bare ground?  Not happening.

[yakmaster]

That's what rental skis are for

[Swamp Hunter]

You should have stayed here longer Pam. Hope you will be back before the season is over. If it ever really got cold here, campers would never come out of their tents.  But getting wet is a concern in Florida. I have seen hypothermia in October. I dont know how outdoorspeople survive in the Pacific Northwest.

I think the high will actually reach the 70s. The low 48--50 will only be in the early morning before the sun is up. We could start late about 8 or 9 ish? The water will still be cold but in my experience, your feet will still be cold in rubber boots so you might as well get your feets wet. We plan to be back to a warm car, towel and dry socks before dark

[Gene]

Dale, I would love to join you folks at the trailhead Sunday. I was out to Gator hook in October and ended up retreating after finding water well above my comfort level.

What do you figure the water levels are now?

What time do you all plan to meet?

[Bill Riley]

I plan on being there 6 am

[Bill Riley]

I'm here and it's a warm 34 degrees. I'll hang around the trailhead till about 7 then I'm heading in. It's a beautiful day for a hike.

[Bill Riley]

Well the first part of the trail is pure slosh mud. The first wash out still has logs to walk over. The second is now only calf deep.the gauntlet is just above ankle. Not to bad.

[Bill Riley]

Here was the sunrise on Sunday. Such a beautiful day.

[yakmaster]

gorgeous!

You flew solo?