Lake Arbuckle Backpack Trip

Lake Arbuckle (Lake Wales Ridge State Forest)

November 16th-17th (Saturday-Sunday)

Arrival 9:00 AM

Hike Begins 9:30 AM

Public/ Strenuous

Activity Leaders: Ryan Lusk

Get yourselves ready for another backpacking trip to Lake Arbuckle (Lake Wales Ridge State Forest)! This will be a beginner backpacking adventure for all skill levels. If you have ever been interested in backpacking this is a great entry level event design for those who want to dip a toe into this exciting hobby (for some a lifestyle!).

It is however a GROUP event. I as FTA Activity Leader feel a certain level of responsibility for the ENTIRE Group. Cell phone service is spotty in the area. If you sign up, plan to hike with the group and according to the group schedule. That being said I know that there are those that will sign up with more backpacking experience than me and know the area as well as I do. In the past I have agreed to allow them to leave the group and hike on their own pace. If you want to do that this year, MAKE CERTAIN YOU TALK TO ME ABOUT IT FIRST. Otherwise plan to stay with the group; which means getting up on Sunday and being ready to go by 10:00.

The hike will begin at 9:30 AM Saturday November 16th and will end as we exit on Sunday the 17th. For all who sign up everyone should expect to arrive at the McLean Cabin parking lot by no later than 9:00 AM Saturday. Maps of the trails will be provided by emailing me if you would like a digital copy.

Both days total miles will be about 14 miles. 10 miles day one out to Isabel Camp and around 4 miles second day hiking back to parking lot. You may want to test yourself before coming to a trip like this with a backpack loaded with gear . Hiking with a backpack/ gear is very different than a stroll through a park.

We usually find a restaurant to eat at after the trip on Sunday. We will be near Sebring/ Avon Park. I will come up with some options but feel free to put some options on the table.

There is NO water drop for this location. You will need to filter water.

There is a $15 fee per person for park entry/ camp reservation.

Minimum Hiking Gear List:

* Backpack
* Tent
* Sleeping pad
* Sleeping bag
* Insect repellent
* Flashlight
* Whistle
* Food for one lunch, one dinner, one breakfast (You could always bring food that does not need to be cooked and cut out cookware/ stove/ etc.) PS Food should be as light weight as possible.
* Snacks
* Stove
* Cookware
* Eating utensils
* Toilet paper and lightweight trowel to bury waste there will be no outhouse/ privy)
* Water filtration/ treatment

*If you do not own this equipment and you plan on buying, please remember to buy the lightest weight equipment you can afford. The more weight you have to carry the harder it will be. I do have some extra gear just in case you forget something.

**Keep your gear to a bare minimum. Clothes worn day one can be worn second day. You may want to have a couple pairs of socks and maybe a change of underwear.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Ryan Lusk

Cell at 904-891-4479

flabchomeinspection@gmail.com