| I recently visited the Ocala National Forest just for grins. I packed a lunch, some water bottles and snacks into my backpack and wandered off.
Not having a GPS handy, I took a compass reading and toddled down a path into the woods and foliage.
Rule #1: Always re-check your backpack before the trip, not when you stop for binocs or sunscreen or a map of the area -- none of which I discovered were in my possession.
Rule #2: Weather reports become obsolete from yesterday. Recheck the weather just before jumping in your car to head afar. Halfway from Tampa to Ocala, it not only started raining but continued to do so until I arrived. While it stopped and I could move about -- and sometimes a little rain on a dusty tram road in the forest can be good -- it made all the trees and branches and underbrush drip. Consequently, I likewise got wet.
Rule #3: Protect your camera. In that vein, score me some points for bringing along a small Pelican case that's watertight.
Rule #4: Bring a change of socks. And in that vein, write a big "0" for points, meaning I had to stop periodically to wring out the moisture from my socks. The day was saved, however, when coming upon a lovely pond with lilies, clear water and a very convenient stump where I could sit and munch a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich -- my favorite munchy in the woods.
Before taking a saunter into Florida's great outdoors, do a check-list of your backpack or belongings -- especially if camping out -- and get a current weather report to ensure conditions will be nice. Those few minutes of forethought will pay off. |
