I'm going on a 3 day Big Cypress National Preserve solo trip making my way up to I-75 in first week of February. A map is about useless out there for most people, you're better off carrying a traditional compass than relying on a phone compass or map. What I find interesting is some of the reports on this incident states they ran out of water while being surrounded by water. It's obvious these two were not prepared to face the realities of the swamp.
I did this section last season. There is a hiker parking lot on the other side of I75 from the rest area. I had no problems leaving my car there for a couple of days. I am fortunate to have a friend in Hollywood provide my shuttle. I read on the Facebook Florida Trail Hikers forum there is a FTA member providing shuttles out of Miami for a very reasonable price.
I have to ask:
Who in their right mind would enter the Everglades without a proper boat? I’m not talking about a stink pot either.
It boggles the mind.
Wayne
I thought about you when I was typing. It counts! A lot more than trying to hike through the Everglades.
Are folks still running the 200 mile race for beach launched boats around south Florida?
Wayne
Yep! Still running.
http://www.watertribe.com/events/evergladeschallenge/
Awesome event!
Wayne
This is my neck of the woods or I should say swamp. I live in Southwest Florida. My daughter is dropping me off at Oasis Visitor Center the day before I start. I'll hike north for three days and a buddy of mine is picking me up at the Rest Area on I75.
https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/maps.htm
maps are good for kindling and wiping in a swamp but unless you count steps and use ranger beads not much else. before gps and many times after I used dead reckoning and a compass to get out while hunting or scouting and always take a compass even if I have a gps with me. I have come close to spending the night twice and was reigned to but made it out both times by happenstance... but that's a long story.
creek
http://www.insideedition.com/hikers-...s-snakes-39078
"911, what is the address of your emergency?" the dispatcher said.
"We're not sure," he told the dispatcher.
It's very true. When standing in the in the swamp sometimes there is no trail on the ground to follow. Very easy to get lost.
IMG_0076.JPG
Other times the trail is really easy to follow.
photo dec 15, 12 17 21 pm (1).jpg
Im glad they got out safe.