By Jeff Swallows
From Spring 2009 Footprint

The third annual FT 7-70 hike kicked off Saturday February 13th, 2009 in the middle of a pouring rain storm. After delaying the start of the trip for several hours, nine hardy souls left the relative comfort of the Seven Runs trailhead picnic shelter and ventured into a steady rain. But the hiking gods were smiling on us that day and not 20 minutes after we started the rain let up and we spent the rest of the day walking through the beautiful new section known as Nokuse.

The first several miles meander through a new stand of planted pines; we came across several remnants that provided clues to the former life this land lead as a sod farm. Huge irrigation fixtures stood rusting among the growing pines. The gentle path gave little clue to what lay ahead.

After a short break we dropped into the watershed of Black Creek. I’m sure when  the trail builders were laying out trail it must have been beautiful, but after 2 inches of rain it was a floodplain. Although it was “Only Ankle Deep”, any attempts at keeping feet dry were soon forgotten. After a short slog through Black Creek and Little Black Creek we were rewarded with a visit to the new Forgotten Creek campsite, complete with room for several tents and a fire ring. New and old friendships were made and renewed as we enjoyed Bill’s fire building skills.

Day two provided proof that even though we were in Florida, not everything was flat. Numerous steep hills were climbed as we snaked our way along more flooded creeks. Climbing out of one deep ravine would lead to a drop down to the next creek, providing much needed relief from the warm mid-winter day. Nighttime found us at the new Steephead Ravine campsite with an awesome clear night sky and yet another snoring contest in which it was impossible to determine the winner.

Our third day was one for the record books. After a short four-mile hike to the Owls Head trailhead, we spent the next four hours and 150 miles shuttling cars and hikers to our next starting point. Due to an unexpected closure of the next portion of Eglin, we were forced to relocate our hike to Blackwater River State Forest. Hurricane Lake campground was the destination for that night, and we were provided a real treat when Terri’s husband Jerry showed up with pizza for all. (One of the perks of being near a road and a great trail Angel!)

Day four gave more proof that Florida is NOT FLAT. Much of the trail reminded us of areas more closely resembling the foothills of the Smokies. Even the fauna was reminiscent of areas much further north. The long climbs and warm weather made for a long day. A group of us missed the turn off to the Otahite Shelter and were in no mood to backtrack, so we spent the night apart. The more alert members of the group were rewarded with venison steak and baked potatoes provided by a group of hunters that were based at the shelter. Some people have all the luck!

We managed to find each other early the next morning and resumed our trip. A short day to the next shelter was just what everyone needed as thunderstorms were in the forecast for that evening and they did not disappoint. Fortunately we were spared the brunt of the storm and only saw a small amount of rain and a wonderful light show; but a tornado did touch down not far from where we were.

Day six on the trail provided some great views as we met up with Juniper Creek and the high bluffs that tower over the winding path of water. A beautiful sandy beach was just the ticket for a leisurely lunch break in the warm sun, and gave us a chance to dry our equipment out. We had a special treat in store for that evening as Deb directed us to the Football Field camp area along the banks of Juniper Creek.  Imagine a sandbar along a rapidly moving stream the size of a football field and you’ll have an idea of this incredible spot. Another wonderful fire, great company and one of the clearest, darkest skies ever seen provided a fitting end to this marvelous trip. I know several of us fell asleep that night with dreams of soft beds and giant hamburgers that awaited us at the end of our hike out the next day.

Here’s looking forward to next year’s adventure.  Click here for pictures.

The 2010 hike, now called the Only Ankle Deep Backpacking Trip, is scheduled for February 13-20.  Contact Deb Blick at dblick@floridatrail.org.