[ft-l] Hiking boot's for FL trails

[mjllotten at sprynet.com (Otten Family)]

Charles,  The best time to start hiking is right about NOW (though some die hards hike all year round to varying extents).  Weather is starting to change, Florida "fall" is in the air.  Though its still hot, it's much better than summer.  The best time, in my opinion, is December thru March.  Only problem may be arranging your hikes around hunting seasons.  Winter backpacking and hiking is pretty enjoyable in Florida.  Ocala can get cold (below freezing on occasion) but no snow to deal with.

If your lucky, you may even have a winter without mosquitos.

Mike, Palm Bay
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Charles Boyd 
  To: ft-l@backcountry.net ; Deb Blick 
  Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2003 7:37 AM
  Subject: Re: [ft-l] Hiking boot's for FL trails


  Hi, when is a good time of the year to go backpacking in central Fl.  We've only been here since spring 03 and have not read many comments about backpacking in Fl.  We would like to stay in the central Fl. area for now.  We're near Ocala Nat'l. Forest.  Any suggestions?  Thanks, Chuck
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Deb Blick 
    To: ft-l@backcountry.net 
    Sent: Monday, September 22, 2003 10:37 PM
    Subject: Re: [ft-l] Hiking boot's for FL trails


    Many folks in Florida don't use boots at all.  I'd start with a good pair of
    walking shoes that you may already have or can use for other than hiking.
    Lots of long-distance hikers swear by New Balance because of their very
    stable foot bed. I've hiked and backpacked about 600 miles of the Florida
    Trail and 300 miles of the Appalachian Trail in New Balance 1121's.

    If you feel like you need a little more support than a walking shoe I'd look
    at the "approach" shoes.  They are cut at or below the ankles so are lighter
    weight than boots, but they are sturdier than the walking shoes.  I've done
    about 300 miles of the FT and 400 miles of the AT in these.

    I'd suggest you try one of these options before buying heavier and more
    expensive boots.

    Cricket

    >
    > I'm in the market for a pair of boots...mainly to be used on trails in
    > Central and South Florida.  At this point we're just starting to
    > camp/hike with our 3 year old son.
    >
    > Anything to look for or avoid?
    >
    > Thanks!
    >
    > Paul
    >



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