May be useful if we run into a venomous snake

The Python Challenge

OK so the state of Florida is doing another python challenge this year. Since we are always out in the everglades we decided a while ago to take a python live capture class.  It was really a lot of fun and very informative.  The reason for this challenge is to try to remove as many invasive snakes as possible as they don't belong here, but they have adapted very well to our environment.  These snake are eating a lot more than our native snakes and are making a very big decline in our mammal population.   

Here is a picture from the class we took with FWC.  We (Carmel, Stacey and Carl) all passed the class and are working on year round licenses.

If you are in the area and would like to take part in this event click on the link below for more information.

http://pythonchallenge.org/ 

Easy to use fire starter that works great.

Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter [31-000699]

Our knife pick for every hike and camping trip.

Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Carbon Steel Blade, Military Green, 4.1-Inch

Picayune Strand State Forest

This is where it all began for the adventures of Carl and Stacey.  The Picayune Strand State Forest  was where it all began, so its a perfect place to start this blog. We were invited out by Carmel, a good friend of ours and our go to Florida Panther expert.  This trip started as a forest ranger guided tour and end with a wondering hike that lead to spotting a wild Florida Panther.

This picture is of Carl and Stacey catching their breath and talking about their first spotting of a wild Florida Panther .

On the guided part of the day we where taken to an old growth cypress tree that for some reason was hollow on the Inside. This picture is looking up from inside the cypress tree.  What an amazing feeling and experience.  If you get a chance to go and walk around it is  well worth the trip. Lots of wildlife to see and a great view of the Everglades.  Here is a link to some Google information about Picayune Strand State Forest.

This is a map of the area trails we walked when we saw the wild Florida Panther.

What is the best camping knife and why?

Which knife would you take with you on a camping trip in the Everglades? The schf45,the mora heavy duty or the the Becker BK9.  Feel free to pick a different knife and also leave in the comment why you pick that knife.

Website with great camping and hiking pictorial

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/absolutely-essential-diagrams-you-need-for-camping?sub=2320819_1262187

The Florida Trail

The Florida Trail is a great place for people to go hiking and it runs from South Florida up to North Florida.  I have walked this trail and seen lots of wildlife, including lots of birds and deer.  This trail is also great for camping.  This winter I am planning a camping trip on the South end of the trail.  The area I will most like camp at will be in Big Cypress.  Most likely my group will start our hike from I75 and go north.  There are a few trails that run off the main trail and some areas require you to have a permit before entering those areas.  My hike will be in open land with no permit required.  Here is a link of the main trail laid out over a map of Florida.   http://warriorhike.org/expeditions/florida-trail/

Intro

Hi my name is Carl. I have started this blog to show people how great the South Florida outdoors are. My Group and I will be talking about everything from the ocean and beaches to the Everglades and posting many photos. There are many great and wonderful things out here that even the locals don't get to enjoy, so we hope this will help people to get out there and enjoy nature. As time goes by we'll be participating in events including camping trips, hikes and ocean dives. So watch this space for plenty of outdoor information as well as pictures and video's! There will also be reviews of gear and recommendations for items to bring with you.
On a personal note, I have grown up in South Florida and have always been passionate about the outdoors. This is my first blog so don't be too hard on me. And I am excited to share all my adventures. I Hope you enjoy this blog.