Explorers January OutingThe
weather forecast for the January camping trip included overnight
temperatures in the 20's. The participants all agreed that was
too cold for the kids without excessive preparations. It was
decided to cancel the camping and have a day hike instead.
The
group met Saturday morning at Suwannee River State Park. The park
is located at the confluence of the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers.
This is also the location of the bridge where the railroad
crosses the Suwannee River. Because of its strategic location,
the Confederates built an earthen fortification to defend the river and
the railroad bridge which were vital for the supply of their forces in
Georgia.
We viewed the remains of the fortification as well as
remnants of a saw mill and river ferry. The current railroad
bridge is in the exact location as the original Civil War era wooden
bridge. The Union forces, planning on destroying the bridge,
landed at Jacksonville and marched west. The were intercepted and
turned back at the Battle of Olustee, so the forces at the Suwannee never had to defend their position.
Our
hike then took us across the Suwannee River on the old US-90 highway
bridge, once the major route between Jacksonville and the west,
including Tallahassee, before the new US-90 bridge and Interstate 10
were built.
Once across the river, we stopped at the DeSoto Park Annex where we took a break and had a snack.
We
then continued along the trail to Swannacochee Springs, on the
Withlacochee River just upstream from the Suwannee River. We
could look back across the river and see the Confederate earthworks.
Of course the kids had to check the temperature of the water.
Since the spring water is a constant 72 degrees, the water felt
warm compared to the colder air.
The group broke up into teams
and made improvised emergency trail shelters. Two teams had
ponchos and the third used a large plastic trash bag. Once
completed, each team described the design and features of their
shelter. In addition to showing their ingenuity, this excercise
pointed out the value of being prepared. Each of the participants
saw why it is good to carry a poncho, and some strong, lightweight
cord, in their day packs. While discussing the range of equipment
available, the someone suggested that the adults should plan a parent's
expedition to "climb Gander Mountain".
Sandy boiled water with her Jet Boil portable camp stove to replenish everyone's hot drinks. We missed this opportunity to point out the tradition of the trail cup.
Mrs. Price demonstrated a self heating coffee product that allows
a hiker to have hot coffee (or cocoa or soup if you can find them)
without needing a stove or fire.
Once everything was
cleaned up so that we left no trace of our presence, we backtracked
across the river. Once back at the park, we shared last minute
snacks at a picnic table, got a final group photo, and headed home.
Everyone
seemed to have a good time and we are all looking forward to the next
opportunity to get out into Florida's great outdoors.