Emeralda - you’re a Hottie!
11
Categories: Photo-Journal, Tips & Tuts •July 20, 2008
Now - it’s not what you think - I’m referring to the location of my last outing! It turned out to be one of the toughest yet.
Why? Not really ignored or even unexpected - the heat this time around was something else.
While the trip length was not excessive - but with about 12 miles it wasn’t on the short side either. I can’t say that I have too much problems with the hot climate, but I took my usual precautions, that are essential, to get through the day. Not all went like planned there (note to self - test new hiking boots on shorter distances first!!!) but overall I was prepared. So for anyone planning a hiking trip in a climate like that of Florida for the 1st time - here are some of the must haves and must knows!
Water! Take plenty! On some trips there won’t be any chance to get a refill - so take a lot. I used up 1 Gallon (3.8l) and 1st thing I did when driving back home was getting me something to drink at the next Gas station.
Next up on the list - good and solid shoes. (preferably not brand spanking new ones - mine cost me some blisters, being still a little stiff and all). Hat(s), light and airy shirts and pants.
And if you sweat a lot - take extra’s. I went through 3 Tee’s and 2 Baseball Caps. Have 1 or 2 towels handy.
The rest of the preparation:
Do not forget sunscreen - regardless of being used to sun or not. If you’re from up North and think Sun is Sun - think again. The closer you get to the equator the higher the Sun’s intensity, so Florida’s Sun burns you much faster than your Oregon’s or Pennsylvania Sun.
Aside from the dangers to your unprotected skin - a sunburn can dim your fun somewhat. And if you find that bugs just like to torture you - bugspray is a good idea.
And last - but not least - check out the place you plan to hike at.
My today’s trip was the Emeralda Marsh in Central Florida and Marshes usually have the nasty habit to be flat. No trees - no shadow!!! You don’t need to be a Rocket scientist, to figure out, that this will be quite tough.
If you’re alone - listen to your body. On a hike like the one I made - every step forward is one, you also have to walk back. If you’re in a group check on the inexperienced hikers. No sense in pressing on, when the energy is fading.
Last year around this time of year I sort of rescued a hiking couple in my favorite State Park.
They were not only not equipped properly - the little plastic bottle of water each of them had were empty for quite a while, and they got themselves lost by trying to find a shortcut.
They neither had a park map, cellphone, Compass or any clue how to orient themselves by the sun.
On top of it he girl had sprained her ankle, after stepping into a Gopher hole. Well in short - I did had plenty of water and we made it just before sunset to the parking lot, where they had their car.
While the park itself isn’t really dangerous, they would have had a hell of a time…
Now back to the Emeralda Marsh. It was tougher as I expected nevertheless and I was whistling out of the last hole when I got back to the car. It was worth it though. I will show pictures tomorrow - for now I leave it at a panorama, that will give you an impression of the marsh.
6:10 pm on July 20th, 2008
Good advice, Klaus. Having two young children, we’re pretty good at all of that (especially sunscreen since we’ve got white-as-a-sheet redheads) except the bug spray. We don’t really have many bugs here. We travel and totally forget and have a MISERABLE time doing it. We even have bug spray but forget it. There is now some in the car and in the luggage.
I think water is what people underestimate the most. It’s heavy at first, but oh-so-worth it as you go.
Twelve miles is no small hike!
Visit Louises last blog post..The Orioles on http://pottedfrog.wordpress.com
[Reply]
Klaus
Reply:
July 20th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Grin - it feels like 20 - especially the last 4 miles were are drag.
Cheers, Klaus
But 10-12 miles is pretty normal for my hikes.
And for the Bug Spray - always depends where you are.
It’s always good to have it handy.
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8:38 pm on July 20th, 2008
You must be in pretty good shape to do hikes like that…I don’t think I’d be able to manage them even with following your good advice….which, by the way, is good advice even for shorter treks!
Visit Junes last blog post..Camera Critters - One Eyed Screech on http://spatter.typepad.com
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9:36 pm on July 20th, 2008
Love your ‘hook’ and YES Emeralda looks like a real hottie! But the sky is gorgeous and lots of green - can’t wait to see what you have for us. I went on a short hike yesterday in PA (it was in the 90’s and humid) and I got pretty sick and almost passed out. I had water and all the right stuff - sometimes it seems we overheat! Just like an old car
And what about TICK spay ? It’s a MUST where we live!
Visit Bird Girls last blog post..A near hostile take over… on http://www.mybirdtales.blogspot.com
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11:23 pm on July 20th, 2008
Sound advice Klaus! Judging for your panorama I can see it was indeed a higher exposure area to the sun!
Visit BirdAnonys last blog post..Extreme Lift-off! on http://birdanonymous.blogspot.com
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12:24 am on July 21st, 2008
Great post ans awesome picture. Although I lived in Orlando for 19 years, I don’t remember ever hearing of Emerald Marsh. Where is it from Orlando?
Lisa
Visit Lisas last blog post.. on http://raccoonlover1963.blogspot.com
[Reply]
Klaus
Reply:
July 21st, 2008 at 6:37 am
Hi Lisa,
It’s about 50 miles northwest of Orlando.
I am discovering new sites constantly - Last year I heard about it for the 1st time myself.
Cheers, Klaus
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3:52 am on July 21st, 2008
Sound advice and great picture… a few years back I’d have loved it there, now the heat would kill me… ha! Jane said “if thats the case fatty I’ll buy the ticket… you’ll only need the single”.
Visit Toms last blog post..Another Unsuitable For Vehicles Road on http://womtig.blogspot.com
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5:40 am on July 21st, 2008
Mornin’ Klaus…Very cool panorama..I’m anxious to see the pix…That’s one of the places on my FL list..My husband works in Jacksonville every other week, and once in a while, instead of him coming home for his off week, I go there after going by to see my mother….it’s a 12 hour drive, but getting to my mother’s via the Atlana airport takes even longer…So it’s my turn in August (Fl in August? I must be nuts!), and I’ve been looking at the Lake Co birding info…
Visit birdladys last blog post..Number 3 for 08 - on http://www.wingsnthings07.blogspot.com
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6:16 am on July 21st, 2008
Klaus: What a great panorama of the park. Oh how I remember the heat of Florida but we up North also went throuh a hot and humid week in the 90’s. I’m glad you know enough to take care.
Visit Fishing Guys last blog post..A Reduced Garden Area on http://thefishingguy.blogspot.com
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12:40 pm on July 21st, 2008
I’ve got to admit I’ve never gone hiking. I’ve seen plenty of the outdoors due to a friend who loves camping and off-roading (I really miss going out with him), but never did hiking. I couldn’t hang in that heat so my hat is off to you but your pictures show it must have been worth it. I think I might deal with the heat if it promised such great pics.
Visit 2sweetnsaxys last blog post..La Luna (The Moon) on http://eyesmindheart.blogspot.com
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