Blood, Sweat, & Gators: Hiking the Florida Everglades

Cuban Treefrog

One of the most memorable aspects about hiking the Everglades isn't actual blood, it's donating it to the mosquitoes.  While the mosquito level was high, at least it wasn't insane everywhere.  Most of the hikes in the everglades are easy access, paved, boardwalks, and a few unpaved beaten paths.  One of the longer trails on our visit was totally flooded which was very disappointing.

Making the trip from the entrance of ENP driving all the way to Flamingo in Monroe county we hit every trail we could.  Most of the trails were in the sun, so be sure to bring some sunscreen.  The shaded trails proved to be the worst for mosquitoes, and after a few minutes on something as simple as the Gumbo Limbo Trail, jogging was the best option to escape the little flying blood suckers.  You may as well leave the bug spray at home because I think that the mosquito buzzing...is just them laughing at you for trying.  So unless you want to wear a full bug protection suit I would highly advise to avoid any shaded trails.

American Alligator

The major attraction to the Everglades is the abundant wildlife.  Everywhere you look there is an interesting bird, reptile, or amphibian.  There is nothing more exciting than seeing an anole scurry away out of the corner of your eye every step you take or having a snake slither across a trail in front of you.  Florida is known for these creatures, but don't expect them to fall into your lap!  During our weekend in the glades we only saw about 10 snakes, and we were actually looking for them!  It certainly isn't like most television shows make it seem.  There are not invasive killer pythons around every turn and deadly venomous snakes aren't falling from the trees.  

Green Heron

If you are a birder, get in your car, book a flight, do whatever it takes to reach the Glades and visit this park! I recommend to go between January and March, which is Florida's dry season, meaning a lot loss mosquitoes!  If you are looking for large mammals this might not be the best place to visit.

American Crocodile

I would also strongly recommend that when you get to Flamingo to give up the dirt trails and try some of the water trails.  This is a fantastic way to get an opportunity to see the endangered American Crocodile.  There are canoes for rent at the boathouse in Flamingo, so while you are there give it a paddle!

Tailless whip scorpion

 There is virtually no challenge to any of the trails in the everglades, everything is flat!  The only issue is that the trails may test your stamina when it comes to the heat or test your patience when it comes to the buzzing blood sucking mosquitoes.  

Florida Softshell Turtle

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Chapin Forest Reservation

Shining Club Moss: Huperzia lucidula

Hike Date:  September 25th, 2011

Going home to visit my family for the first time, I also wanted to show Francis around one of my favorite hiking spots.  When I lived at home, I visited Chapin Forest often since it was beautiful and close by.  To give you an unbiased review I will let him tell you about it.  The area has some interesting geology so I'll let you know about that too.

Baby Northern Water Snake found along the trail

Well, as Ann mentioned, Chapin Forest is beautiful.  I enjoyed getting to hike through the habitat and see a bit of the variation when compared to the usual Maryland mixed oak and hardwood forests.  The trail itself offers some hills but no other difficult challenges such as rough, rocky terrain.  Some of the trails are paved, but all are heavily traveled and according to the laws of this park system, you cannot have any off the beaten path adventures.  Sticking to the trails, getting a view of the Cleveland Skyline, and getting a glimpse of Ohio's nature make this park a great place for a nice day hike.   As with most parks with heavy foot traffic the animals are a bit used to seeing people so spotting some white tailed deer, birds, and a few other local amphibians and reptiles along the trail is almost guaranteed.  Overall, it makes for a nice day out, maybe even bring the family along or take the dog out for a nice day adventure!

Trail Bites: Spiced Nuts

So I am obsessed with cooking and baking.  I really appreciate being able to say kiss my you know what to the  mega-conglomerate companies by making things myself.

If you like nuts, I am sure you've seen the expensive seasoned ones in the pretty gem-colored containers available in grocery stores or the fresh ones hot out of the kettle at the fair.  They are the perfect pick me up while out hiking, so why not make them yourself.  It's easy and delicious and will take you little time.

I used almonds for both recipes but you can certainly use any type you like.

Caramel-Coated Almonds

Caramel-Coated Nuts

1 egg white
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound of raw almonds
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325° F.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg white with the water and vanilla until foamy.  Add the nuts and stir gently to coat.  Combine the brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon and mix well.  Add to the nut mixture and stir to coat.

Spread on a greased jellyroll pan.  Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.  Cool and store in an airtight container.

Chili-Lime Almonds

Chili-Lime Almonds

1 egg white

2 teaspoons lime juice

1 pound raw almonds

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 325° F.

 In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg white with the lime juice until foamy.  Add the nuts and stir gently to coat.  Combine the chili powder and salt.  Add to the nut mixture and stir to coat.

Spread on a greased jellyroll pan.  Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.  Cool and store in an airtight container.

ENJOY!

Sugarloaf Mountain: Local Leafers Paradise

West View Sugarloaf Mountain

So it's that time again!  Fall is coming and the leaves are changing colors and all of a sudden it seems that everyone is out hiking again.  Sugarloaf Mountain attracts many people from the Washington D.C. area with nice views of the countryside.  


There are several miles of trail to hike and all of the trails are very well maintained and well marked.  If you can maintain a fast pace most of the trails can be completed in a day.  Maps are also usually provided at most trail heads and the trails are rated from easy to difficult.  The most difficult trails (red and orange) provide direct access to the east view of the valley.   

Trail Bites: Beef Jerky

Ann here to share another recipe for food to take on the trail.  When I am stuck inside unable to hike, I like to experiment with lots of different recipes.  Beef jerky is one of the best things you can take hiking with you.  It is high in protein, easy to carry, and relatively stable at room temp.  It is however, expensive to buy already made.  You get a measly three or so ounces for five or six bucks.  A three pound cut of brisket will yield approximately one pound of jerky.

I recommend keeping your eye on the grocery store adds for when beef brisket cuts are on sale.  You can usually get a good deal if you pay attention.  Have your butcher cut all of the visible fat off the cut of meat and slice the meat against the grain in ~1/4 inch slices.  You can do this at home if you like, but having the butcher do it,  it will save you time and hassle trying to slice evenly.

I recommend getting an original flavored jerky seasoning kit.  You can use any flavor you like; they come in a variety such as hickory, mesquite but I really like to create my own.  The jerky kit comes in two packets:  the seasoning and the cure. 

3 lb beef brisket, fat removed and sliced

4 tablespoons jerky seasoning

4 teaspoons jerky cure

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake

1 teaspoon hot sauce

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 

2 tablespoons honey

1 1/2 cups white vinegar

1 cup water

Placed sliced meat in a large non-reactive bowl.  In a separate container, combine the rest of the ingredients and mix well.  Pour over the meat.  Cover and refrigerate for one to two days.

AFter mainating the meat, drain the liquid.  You can dehydrate the meat in one of two ways.  You can either use a dehydrator or use your oven.  I use a Nesco Snackmaster dehydrator, which uses convection heat set at 155 degrees; set your oven to 175 degrees.  

Pat the meat dry and then lay out on racks.  If you are using your oven, you can lay the meat out on metal cooling racks placed on a large cookie sheet.  You can then sprinkle the meat with additional seasonings such as cracked pepper, red pepper, and even Old Bay.

The meat will take anywhere from 4-8 hours to dehydrate.  Once it is done, let it cool, then place it in zip top bags and place in the refrigerator where you can safely store it for a month or so though it is usually all gone long before then here.