Personal Locator Devices (PLD)

This entry is about technically advancing your hiking equipment with a device allowing you to summon help from the trail when you need it. I, like many people depend on my GPS and cell phone to summon help should the unexpected occur. Even in my area of Florida, with its abundance of cell towers, I have encountered areas with no coverage. Should an accident or an animal attack take place, I could be out of luck. My only hope would be that someone might come across me to provide assistance before the "worst case scenario" occurred. No one plans to experience a mishap or an emergency. You might be thinking, "need help? not me!". Well I know of at least three incidents where people needed to be rescued. First, was discovering upon returning to the car that the keys were missing. In a second situation, the person fell and broke a bone and could not move. Third, the person got stuck in muck so deep they couldn’t get out. In all cases they had cell phone coverage and a GPS, so by dialing 911 the sheriff’s department came out to save them. Now if they had been in a cell phone "blank" zone, they might not have been saved at all! ***Incidentally, the car keys were found without having to involve the sheriff. I have stumbled across many slithering creatures during my outward bound experiences. Some snake varieties were poisonous; water moccasins, diamondback rattlers, coral snakes, pigmy rattlers and they gave me a scare. I might have been unfortunate to be bitten by anyone of them - whether it would warrant a 911 call, I’m not sure. I also have been pretty close to some large gators that could have decided they didn’t like me. Oftentimes very large hogs have crossed the path in front of me, their behavior can be unpredictable. One of the worst things that I have encountered is Florida muck - you can find yourself stepping into it and not being able to get out - a very frightening feeling. The other is the random Cyprus tree knee. On these, I have stumbled and fallen "flat out" on a few occasions; always a little concerned I might become impaled as I am heading toward the ground. I was encouraged to get a Personal Locator Device (PLD), so I started researching the various designs. It seems the price range is quite extensive - from around $100 to thousands. I certainly didn’t want to spend a lot of money; it wasn’t as though I was going into the mountainous regions of San Bernardino or the Australian Outback! After reading reviews on the Internet I decided upon the following devices for a trial run. ***Disclaimer*** I am not a paid endorser of either product, only commenting on my direct experience with these devices.

Fast Find GPS Personal Locator Beacon - price $300

Spot 2 Satellite GPS Messenger - Price $149 plus $99 a year subscription fee


Both units use satellite systems as their communication method, not a cellphone network. Thus, if you can see the sky, you should be able to send out a signal. The "Fast Find GPS PLB" is a true PLD - it has one function and one function only - that is to send out an emergency signal when you are in trouble. You do have to do a little preparing before sending a signal, but it does work. The unit has to be registered with the IRBD before it can be used. So, if you get in trouble, pull the antenna out, push the button, help should be with you soon. It has a built in GPS and also sends out a beacon to the rescue people when they are in your area. Once used, it must be reset before it can be used again. The "Spot 2 Satellite GPS Messenger" is more of a "low class" PLD. It should do the trick, but I feel not as well as the "Fast Find" unit. For me there has been as much as a 20-minute delay from sending to receipt of the signal. So "buyer beware" if you believe 20 minutes may be of significance to you. It is very compact and does send all its signals using satellites. It has the ability to send out three message types (special buttons on the device) to a central computer. The central computer will forward those on to emails addresses and/or mobile phones of people you have defined in its database. One message might be used to report that you started/ended a hike to your friends. Another message might be used to report your location along the trail. Both message types contain the GPS location from where they were sent so the receiver can use that data to pinpoint your location. A third option is a message to send to a friend asking for help - this would be used if you wanted your friend to come and help you. The SOS / 911 function sends a signal for a rescue unit to come and help you. The SOS / 911 function is used in the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your GPS location and that you need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide - for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe. I ordered and looked at the “Fast Find" device, it is very complex and I feel it would get help if needed. The thing I didn’t like about it was the single use idea. I think that would be fine if I was using it on an occasional hike or mountain climb, but I would be using it many times. I sent it back and ordered a Spot 2 because I liked the idea that I could use it all the time, sending emails/Text messages to friends and family with status updates of my hikes. I have used it for a while now and find it to be a so-so device. You are never sure that after sending a message that it was actually sent. The email light flashes, but that just means that it is trying to send the email, not that it ever got sent. I actually had to return the first unit I had because it hardly ever connected to a satellite (test your unit extensively if you buy one). I did keep the second unit I received and do use it for reporting the status of my hikes. I hope I never have to use the SOS/911 function. So in conclusion, I highly recommend you consider owning one of these devices or any of the others out there. Adding "self security" measures can boost your confidence in your safety and elevate your hiking experience. It is a nice feeling knowing that you are connected "out there" and if the need arises, you can summon help. Cellphone coverage cannot be depended upon.

Read more about these two devices at -
Fast Find: http://www.fastfindplb.com/en/index.php
Spot 2: http://findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=102

Wet Area Hiking - Remedies

Throughout my hikes during the winter of 2009-2010, it seemed I continually encountered water in my part of Florida. Wetlands seemed to appear where they had not existed before. I mean the fields had water in them, the woods had water in them and the small manmade canals had not only water but also muck to cross. Regarding the muck, it was so bad at times I thought I was going to get stuck for life – ugh! I normally hike in breathable hiking boots to minimize the heat retained in a heavier boot (heat = blisters). The wet areas became such a hassle/hazard; I decided to invest in a pair of good gore-tex hiking boots to keep my feet dry in areas of shallow standing water. The gore-tex boots worked very well until a manufacturing flaw was encountered and they began to leak. I just don’t’ like wet feet, for many reasons (trench foot being the worst case scenario). Once I had the flawed boots replace, they did the trick for the standing water, but were useless when I encountered water that was over boot level. Many times I elected to turn around and give up on a trail. I hate to give up, so I started looking for something light I could carry which would get me through knee deep water. My first attempts centered on plastic garbage bags. I went out and purchased some “flex” white ones – no luck, they just tore. I then tried “flex” black garbage bags, again no luck. My next attempt was 3-mil heavy weight black garbage bag – those worked pretty well and did the trick at least for a few “fords”. As I said, they “worked”, but just barely! If I had to trudge for a while they would spring a leak and I would feel that cold water rising in my socks. They also where somewhat cumbersome to carry after use – bulky!

My Garbage Bag Waders After Using (click to enlarge)-

My pursuit continued for a solution to ford the high water into the summer months. While channel surfing I came across a TV show about Alaska and I noticed a fellow pull a pair of boots out of his pack, slip them over his hiking boots and ford a stream – finally my solution! Using the Internet I found a company in Colorado that sold such a boot – Wiggy’s. I immediately ordered a pair – I had to have dry feet! Since receiving my “lightweight waders” I have used them a few times to cross small creeks and rivers, as well as trek through some pretty mucky areas. All you do is pull them out of your pack, slip them right on over your hiking boots and your ready! I have even shared them with hiking companions – after I cross, I pack them back in their sack, insert a water bottle in the sack for weight and toss them back across the stream to my friend. What a great feeling not to have to waste time hunting for logs or less wet / mucky areas to cross. The ease of sliding these on, to trek across the wet area and not having my course interrupted is immeasurable. They are extremely lightweight, dry quickly and re-pack into their compact carrying sack with ease. After using them, I carry them out for a while to dry, and then put them into the sack provided for use again if needed. When I return home, after a thorough washing with a garden hose, and some time spent drying in the sun, they are ready to be stored until the next trip.

Wiggy’s Lightweight Waders Being Used By A Friend (click to enlarge)-

As of summer of 2011, I can no longer recommend Wiggy’s lightweight waders for rougher area use, fine still to cross small water areas. They are not made for heavy-duty use, just short water/muck crossings. I was out GEOcaching and I encountered water on the trail. I pulled out my Wiggy boots and put them on. Well, there most have been a sharp twig in the water, as before I knew it I had a major slit in one boot and I had a very wet foot. I repaired the slit when I got home, but I didn't want that experience again so I went back to the Internet to look for other options. I found another company which makes boots which can be put on over hiking boots, that company is "NEOS". They call their line "overshoes", consisting of a river version and a trekker version. I purchased both of them because each has a different purpose. Both have a very good soles, tough rubber. The problem with both of them are that they are a little heavier and bulkier than the "wiggly" boots. I would try carrying the river version if I think I am going to encounter deep water, as they come up to the hip. The trekker version only comes up to the knee, but they do fit in my backpack very well, so those are the ones I carry if I expect some water. I did have to buy some bags to carry the NEOS in as they do not come with bags.

Option Summary -

• 3 mil garbage bags - will work, but very unreliable
• Wiggy Light Weight Waders - very light weight, easy to carry and put on. The problem is that they are not that durable so you have to be careful.
  http://www.wiggys.com/clothing-outerwear/lightweight-waders/
• NEOS River Trekker Overshoe - very durable, but heavy. Good, solid sole. I feel they will allow you to cut through some minor brush.
  http://www.muckbootsonline.com/NEOS_River_Trekker_Overshoe_Hipper_Brown_p/rtk8.htm
• NEOS Trekker Overshoe - very durable, solid sole. They can be backpacked with little problems. These are the ones I now carry into wet areas.
  http://www.muckbootsonline.com/NEOS_Trekker_Overshoe_p/trs7.htm

I'm sure there other options out there If you know of any, let me know.

In conclusion, some people can tolerate wet feet; but not me. When the going gets wet I now have my gore-tex hiking boots and "overshoes" to protect me from the ugly feeling (also, trench foot and blisters) of wet feet!

South Lake Conservation Area - Hiking

This is a small area (155 acres) located in Mims. It is made up of scrub, scrubby flatwoods, depression marsh, cleared trails and sandy roads. The sanctuary was donated to Brevard County as mitigation land and is managed by the EEL Group http://www.eelbrevard.com/. There are approximately 2 miles of hiking trails/roads. There are a number of scrub jay families living in the sanctuary, some relocated from the Melbourne Area. All trails are marked with arrows to assist you in finding your way around when hiking there. It is just about impossible to get lost in the sanctuary because roads and private property border it. There is only one access point with parking and that is located off Ford Road at N28 38.434 W80 52.583. There is an information kiosk there, with a layout of the sanctuary, along with trail maps.

Trails (click on it to enlarge)

As you walk around the trails you will encounter small sand hills and pass some depression marshes. The main area is just scrub, with a scattering of pine trees here and there. Along the edges you will encounter other types of trees. I am told that there is a nice variety of plants and wildlife in the sanctuary. The day I walked around I encountered a few families of scrub jays. Like most scrub jays I have encountered, they were very friendly, trying to land on my hat and camera. They are a lovely bird so please respect and protect them. Be forewarned it is against the law to feed scrub jays, you could be fined up to $200 if caught. The main trails are just sandy roads, but the EEL group has cleared some trails through the scrub that are very nice. There is no hunting in the area, so that is nice. There are many prescribed burns scheduled for this area, that could block access at any particular time. All in all I recommend that you take some time and visit this sanctuary. It is mostly very open so a cloudy day might be the best time to plan a visit. I walked every trail, discovering some very nice sites as I stopped and looked around. As always, please leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photos. Please consider carrying a small plastic bag to use to pickup any trash that might have been dropped by someone else.

Some pictures - click on a picture to enlarge
Information Area -

Trail out from information area -

Scrub Jay watching me -

Sand Trail -

Another trail view -

One of the hills to climb -


View my trails map - WIKILOC South Lake Conservation Area Hiking Trails> To learn more about using WIKILOC downloads, other areas, GPS’s etc, use search box in this blog for keywords like Wikiloc, Google Earth, GPS or an area name.

Favorite Spots - Hiking Areas

Many people have asked me where my favorite spots to go are. My number one area is the St Johns River where ever I can get to it. I have been to many parts of it from RT46 to down below RT192. I have hiked in from Canaveral Marshes up off RT50, Tosohatchee WMA (many spots) and River Lakes Conservation Area in Viera. When the water is low, the views are just beautiful. I also have been lucky enough to be taken on boat trips with friends. There are a lot of gators in the river, so kayaking just isn't that appealing. The Cypress trees which are found along the river are beautiful in their own right.

As far as other areas to hike, I really enjoy these; hiking a pretty fair portion of each -
Tosohatchee WMA - loads of trails and areas to explore
Tosohatchee South - Nice blazed trails, plus much areas to explore
Moccasin Island Tract/River Lakes Conservation Area - right near Melbourne and again loads of areas to explore
Canaveral Marshes - Some very pretty areas to explore, some marked trails
Charles H. Bronson State Forest - Massive amount of areas to hike
Seminole Ranch - Nice blazed trails in woods

You can find many of my hikes (trail hikes, not exploring) at WIKILOC Hiking Etc

Some other places I have hiked and enjoyed -
Bull Creek WMA
Three Lakes WMA
Buck Lake WMA
Salt Lake WMA Seminole Ranch WMA
Prairie Lakes Unit
Triple-N Ranch
Forever Ranch
South Lakes Conservation Area
Hal Scott Preserve
Seminole Ranch Consevation Area
Mills Creek Woodland
Beachside Sanctuaries
Grant Flatwoods Sanctuary
Chuluota Winderness Area
Orlando Wetlands

Details on any of these places can be found using Google.

Bull Creek (Herky Huffman) WMA - Hiking

The Bull Creek/Herky Huffman Wildlife Management Area, with its vast array of trails, will appeal to both the serious hiker and friends out for a casual walk in the woods. Those with a sense for genealogy might find themselves lingering in a very old cemetery. If you want see more of the area, there is the option of driving along a picturesque loop road that takes you down near a beautiful small lake. I have frequented this area, hiking many of its trails (though not all of them) and driven around the area to experience a variety of views. The only drawback for hikers and wildlife viewers are the times of the year that this area dedicates to hunting. It tends to be a popular sport so I suggest that you make yourself aware of the hunting schedule, and at all times be extra cautious.

Trails From RT192
From the parking area on RT192, pass through a gate and head out on the orange blazed Florida Trail, beginning on the right side of the berm just as you reach the bottom. As you follow the blazed trail through the woods, passing a small pond along the way, you arrive at the Jane Green Campsite established by the Florida Trail Association. At that site you will find a primitive camp area with a picnic table and a fire pit. There also is a hand water pump, but it is not recommended for use. From here you can head further south or elect to follow the Florida Trail. I normally follow the orange blazed trail to the west. On this trail you will come across three footbridges crossing Bull Creek. I have seen a variety of wildlife in that area - from limpkins, to owls, to a large alligator, to river otters frolicking in a creek. Eventually the orange blazed trail swings to the southwest. You can continue on that trail, looping back when you like (it does go all the way to Key West) or branch off and go to the very old "Crab Grass Cemetery". If you wish to do some more exploring, there are some white blazed trails that will take you out and around the area below where the cemetery is located.

Crab Grass Cemetery (Crabgrass Cemetery)
This is a very old cemetery located in the Bull Creek WMA. You can get to it by hiking in from RT192 or if you wish and have a hardy vehicle, drive in from the loop road. There is a sign on the loop road that will direct you to the cemetery. This cemetery has been referred to as the "Bull Creek Cemetery", but that is incorrect. The Bull Creek Cemetery is located down below Billy Lake, on the other side of Bull Creek. The only way I know of to get to that cemetery is from RT441. That area is private property so it is not available to the public. As of this writing there where 22 graves in Crab Grass Cemetery - oldest being 1883 to newest being 2000. A fence surrounds the cemetery; please display proper respect the dead and those that mourn them when visiting.

Loop Road
There is a road that loops around the center of Bull Creek WMA. You get to the road by entering Crabgrass Road off RT192. Just follow Crabgrass Road until you come to the entrance to the WMA. You must sign in and out at the main entrance. If it is hunting season you will notice much activity in the area. There are restrooms located in the area for your use. I’m not sure, but I assume anyone can camp there. Should you find out otherwise please post a comment. Park in the designated area and begin hiking the trails from there, either heading north or south. If you head south and follow the orange blazes you will come to the "Forever Ranch" (http://www.foreverflorida.com/) - that is another nice place to visit - it is not part of this WMA. The loop road itself is a dirt road, usually in pretty good condition. It does flood during the wet season, leaving many ruts and sink holes during the dry season that are rough on your vehicle. The whole area is open to the public, so if you wish to stop and explore, feel free to do so at anytime. The Florida orange blazed trail is near the road at times, giving you the option to stop and hike for a spell. Down in the southern section there is a road off the main loop road that leads to "Billy Lake" - see write-up below. The road loops as stated, and eventually you will get back to the entrance to the WMA.

Billy Lake
Billy Lake is actually a section of Bull Creek where you can stop and enjoy a very pretty Florida scene. You can launch a kayak there if you wish. I have been there a number of times, at times having the whole place to ourselves, while at other times sharing it with some "locals"! The only drawback that I find with the place is that I find myself picking up some of the litter left by people who just don’t respect the wilderness. I have explored the area, seeing a large variety of wildlife - birds, gators etc, as well as some beautiful cypress trees. Like any place near a creek, in the wet season you might not get that close.

Palmetto Scrub
There is any number of ways to explore Bull Creek, from the spots I mentioned to a parking area on Crabgrass Road. The parking area on Crabgrass road will give you access to the palmetto scrub, if you wish to explore that. You can also explore Crabgrass Creek from that parking area. Across Bull Creek There is a whole area of Bull Creek WMA which is hard to get to, but well worth visiting. The section I'm referring to is actually on the east/southeast side of Bull Creek. You can get to this section by crossing Bull Creek on the road found at N28 0.799 W80 55.668 (this road is normally closed so you have walk or bike it - it also can be underwater). If the water in Bull Creek is high, you will actually need a boat to get across it. You also can get into it from the dike out of RT192, again a bike might be the way to go because of the distance. Once into this area, you will find plenty of old roads to explore, as well as a variety of ecosystems. To the south you will hit barbed wire fences, do not cross them as the property is private owned by Deseret Ranch. The coords for the center of the section I have been in are N28 0.361 W80 55.446.

GPS Locations Note: can use in Google Earth "Fly to" box - just "copy & paste the coords to Google Earth to zoom to the spot

• RT 192 Parking Area - N28 07.000 W80 55.957
• Crabgrass Road Entrance - N28 04.977 W80 57.724
• Crabgrass Road Parking Area - N28 06.951 W81 00.480
• Crab Grass Cemetery - N28 06.090 W80 56.792
• Billy Lake - N28 00.029 W80 56.470
• Jane Green Campsite - N28 06.399 W80 55.640
• Old Road Crossing Bull Creek - N28 0.799 W80 55.668
• South Edge of Bull Creek WMA - N27 59.880 W80 55.659

A few of hikes that can be viewed/downloaded -
WIKILOC Bull Creek / Florida Trail from RT192
WIKILOC Bull Creek WMA / Florida Trail
WIKILOC Bull Creek / Crabgrass Cemetery Hike 
 
Pictures from Bull Creek Area (Click on picture to enlarge)
River Otter in Bull Creek

Butterfly on ButtonBrush Flower Next to Bull Creek

Billy Lake

Billy Lake

Small Pond Next to Florida Trail

Crab Grass Cemetery

Jane Green Campsite

Foundation of Old FIT Observatory

Oak Hammock Next to Loop Road

Loop Road

Crabgrass Road Entrance

Orlando Wetlands Hiking

Please Note: Orlando Wetlands current closed dates are from November to February 1st - don't even go out there during that time period as they won't let you in! ===============================++++========================

The Orlando Wetlands is a unique area to visit. It is made up of multiple Eco-Systems, which make each visit new and interesting. The original area was purchased in 1986 by the City of Orlando to be used as the final processing of Orlando wastewater. Natural plants are used in deep marshes to perform the filtering. There are many websites that explain the actual process of how the wastewater is processed, so this posting will not delve into the topic. The total area is 1,650 acres with approximately 20 miles of scenic trails. Please, remember the Wetlands are closed during the winter months - check before going out there. The City entered into an agreement with the original landowners at the time of the purchase of the land. This agreement gave the family exclusive rights to use the property on those dates until the year 2038. This closer covers all trails, including the Florida Trail that passes through the park. During that time frame the Florida Trail is detoured down Wheeler Road, where it connects back to the main trail. I will just cover the hiking/walking aspect of the Wetlands. I have hiked the area many times, covering around 60 miles (according to my GPS records). The trails are made up of roads around the filtering ponds, as well as blazed trails through the wooded section. As you walk around the ponds you will see a variety of wildlife - the variety changes for each season of the year.

Parking and Main Entrance Area
The Wetlands provides plenty of parking. They have also setup a very informative section complete with pictures, right near the parking area. So whether you are a wildlife, or plant life enthusiast, the information is available to fill you with expectations of what you will encounter while out and about the area. You will also find a clean restroom area and a large covered picnic area. There are different events held in the field near the parking area during the year. As I noted above, the area is closed during a section of the winter. If the gate to the parking area is closed, don’t try and get in.

Map showing some of my hikes around the area (yellow lines - multiple hikes)


Filter Ponds and Berms Area
This area of the wetlands is located mainly to the left of the parking area. You can enter it from any of the roads you will see as you leave the parking area. It is here that you will see most of the wildlife. I have seen a lot of alligators, a large variety of wading birds and songbirds. The amount of birds and animals you will see depends on the time of the year of your visit. You can walk all around the berms, it seems for miles and miles. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the berms, so that is not a problem. I have run across horse riders, but that is it. You will also be exposed to a large variety of wildflowers that grow around the filtering ponds. The berms run all around the filtering ponds, you can walk around all the filtering ponds without getting lost.

Woods and Blazed Trails
There are some nice blazed trails that start in the woods to the right of the parking area. I enjoyed the variety of woods, streams, wildlife and wildflowers found along these trails. The first trail you encounter will be the "South Woods Branch Trail". This trail starts just a short ways from the parking area and winds through the woods until you reach a berm and one of the filtering ponds. They estimate that it is a 15-minute hike - it takes me longer because I like to "stop and smell the flowers". There is a nice primitive campsite located along this trail, keep an eye open for the sign. Walk awhile down the road and around the tip of the filtering pond until you come to the "North Woods Branch Trail" on your right side. This trail ends up at the Florida Trail. They estimate that it is a 35-minute hike. You will encounter the Florida Trail (orange blazes) after crossing a small stream, which actually is the filtered water on its way to the St Johns River. Follow the trail to the east and than back to the west where you will hit a road taking you back to the parking area. You will know you are leaving the Wetlands area because you will hit a fence with a hiker’s crossover. Once you cross the fence you are into the Seminole Ranch WMA. If you elect to explore, you can take the roads in the area all over. As I mentioned a fair portion of the area is the Seminole Ranch WMA, but as you get closer to the river it is SJRWMD property. Both these areas are open to the public year round. The one thing you want to be aware of when you explore those areas is that hunting is permitted, so be watchful. I have hiked all the trails in the Wetlands Area, as well as most of the roads in the areas to the north and east of the Wetlands. I can tell you that it is a great place to visit and explore.

GPS Locations Note: can use in Google Earth "Fly to" box - just "copy & paste the coords to Google Earth to zoom to the spot

• Parking area - N28 34.180 W80 59.781
• South Woods Trail Start - N28 34.213 W80 59.740
• South Woods Trail End - N28 34.224 W80 59.385
• North Woods Trail Start - N28 34.451 W80 59.034
• North Woods Trail End/Florida Trail - N28 35.023 W80 59.173
• FT Fence Crossover - N28 35.015 W80 58.800 Orange
• Mound Campsite - N28 34.900 W80 59.028
• Seminole Campsite - N28 34.251 W80 59.550

A couple of hikes that can be viewed/downloaded -
WIKILOC Orlando Wetlands to Florida Trail Hike
WIKILOC Orlando Wetlands / Berms and Trails

Some Pictures of the area (click to enlarge) -
Picnic area at parking area -

Filtered Pond View -

Small Gators Near Filtering Pond -

South Woods Trailhead -

Seminole Primitive Campsite -

South Woods Trail View -

North Woods Trailhead -

North Woods Trail View -

Small Bridge Along Trail -

Bridge Over Filtered Water to Florida Trail -

Filtered Water on Way to St Johns River -

Florida Trail View -

Florida Trail Crossover to Seminole Ranch -

Small Dam near St Johns River on Seminole Ranch -

Florida’s “Wild” Cattle

If you do any rural hiking around Florida you are sure to encounter some pretty impressive cattle out there in the wilds. Most of the time you do not actually see them, but rather the evidence they leave as their “pies” and the well-worn “trails” they use in their search for grass and water. Of course these beasts are not “wild”, merely left by the owners to forage for themselves. At one time Florida was the largest cattle state in the union, this is no longer true; but it is I’ve been told number ten. The cattle that wander around in the woods and grasslands are not raised for food, but for their offspring. The calves that are born in the wild are rounded up just after weaning and sold to ranches in cattle country to be raised for beef. Thus, the cows and bulls you encounter are seasoned veterans, most likely wandering the area you are in for years. During my exploring of different areas, I have encountered a variety of these beasts. Some were skittish and left the area as soon as they saw me. While others just stood there and tried to stare me down. I’ve had some actually give me the impression (false charges) that they were coming after me, but none of them actually did charge me. During a few encounters, I have used the procedure of taking my hat off and putting it on my hiking stick, waving it around above my head to make them think I am bigger than I actually am – works just sometimes. For those times it doesn’t work, it is usually a big steer that decides he is tougher than I am; I then have to find an alternate way around them to continue my hike. I have had a couple of confrontations where I had to walk within 10 feet of a big steer to get where I wanted to go, so far they have just glared at me, seemingly with hate in their eyes. I try never to get between a mother and her calf, but at times that has happened with no real problem. I have used many a cattle trail to save myself from bushwhacking and so far have never had to yield a trail to one of these beasts. I have to imagine they hear me coming and sneak off into the woods to avoid confrontation. All in all, I’m very happy they are there because the trails they make are very useful. I truly believe that they are more afraid of us than we need to be of them. In any encounter always border on the side of caution, but don’t let them upset a good hike.

Cattle/Game Trail

Mother and Calf I was Forced to Walk By

This Guy Popped Up As I walked By

Just a Casually Look

This Guy Really Gave Me A Look - Finally Had to Work Around Him

Major Cattle Trail Near St Johns River

One of The Cows Which Died in The Woods

These Boys Really Gave Me Some Bad Looks

If Looks Could Kill....

One Mean Looking Cow