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?

[yakmaster]

That water ain't unfiltered!

 

It's filtered by miles & miles of untramelled limestone!

 

Now it might taste like crap, but it ain't unfiltered!

 

I remember the sulphur & iron in the water coming out of Chekika back in the day. Spectacular...but NASTY!

We don't realize what WASA does for us...

[Swamp Hunter]

I used to think my T shirt was a filter. Well I drink the water at FMB. Yes it smells nasty and it eats copper pipe but some people drink it. I have seen people come from Miami to fill their jugs.

[Swamp Hunter]

Here is a 1953 aerial photograph of the old logging tram posted by Shawn on a previous post. Notice the white spot on the map just north of the "W". This is the area called Holey Rock. Either it was always naturally bare rock or more likely it was cleared by the logging company. Its a bare rock area with little soil. Brazilian Pepper and Cocoplum are growing in the solution holes.  This nearly inpenetrable area is right in the path of our trail, before the 2.4 mile mark..

[Swamp Hunter]

If you look closely, you can see the old logging tram on the west side of Loop Road going southwest and I made reference to this on an earlier post. It goes deep into Gator Hook Strand. Wouldnt it be cool to have a bridge across the canal?  It will then truly be a trail to Gator Hook to go along with the current trail to Roberts Lakes.

Im getting way ahead of myself as we havent completed the Roberts Lakes/Florida Trail connection yet but just something to think about. Someone needs to cross that canal and search for railroads ties. 

[Swamp Witch]

Isn't that tempting?  I've stood there a few times looking over that canal, but the alligators deterred me.

[shawn beightol]

for now, cross at sig walker launch then hike north?  I'm up for scouting that.

[Swamp Hunter]

Yes Pam a large gator almost took me down there. It leaped out of the water with mouth open only inches from my face as I approached the bank. A lesson I will never forget.  Its a dangerous canal.

I remember some old timers had a dinghy hidden in the weeds and they crossed that canal every hunting season. Its tempting Shawn but the Gator Hook Trail (going east) is not completed yet and much work needs to be done. I plan on meeting with the FTA this Sunday morning to try to coordinate efforts to complete the 2.4 miles as shown on the NPS kiosk. I would like to cut a path across Holey Rock.  https://www.facebook.com/events/582230861904105/?sid_reminder=30817...

The FTA is meeting at 8 o'clock. I plan on being there before 6 am. All I need is a helper or two to complete that last section of trail and the 2.4 will be complete.. Anyone want to go with me, be early. We can meet up with the rest of the FTA members on the way back or simply wait for them.  Shawn? Bill? Chris?

[shawn beightol]

I will be there Sunday.

[Swamp Hunter]

Good. Its a very pretty area past the 2 mile mark. Its a very deep shady Bald Cypress forest. Orchid City.

[shawn beightol]

Doesn't get light til nearly 7 am...I'll be on the Lard Can or whatever kayak saturday...will get to Gatorhook asap on sunday.

[Swamp Hunter]

I can certainly travel in the dark at gator hook as i have been since the pre gps days but maybe its better to wait for christina and the rest of the gang.

[Swamp Hunter]

OK Ill wait until at least 7 or 8.  It may be cold in the morning and no need to carry around a jacket

all day.

shawn beightol said:

Doesn't get light til nearly 7 am...I'll be on the Lard Can or whatever kayak saturday...will get to Gatorhook asap on sunday.