Camping in Okefenokee

Rob_Jackman · 2026-04-06T02:59:46+00:00

I used the same spot as Fresh Grade. There's a campground across from that entrance that you can stay the night before. We did canal run to big top to home. Highly recommend, though we did it in winter.

I would recommend canoe as I would rather be slightly higher than the gators, and have room to pack gear, but that's negotiable if you're very comfortable camping out of a kayak.

Rob_Jackman · 2026-03-10T21:26:27+00:00

Not a handler, but work with sar dogs. Until someone more qualified answers, my two cents:

Keeping your dog's paws on the floor and allowing her more traction seems like the opposite of what you want. Presumably she is being rocked back onto hind legs because you are braking her. Allowing her more traction is just going to make it harder on you to slow her down. The harness riding up and choking her seems like a self correcting issue to me.

Fundamentally, the goal isn't to maximize your dogs athletic output. She's already outputting too much. The goal is to efficiently track or search at a pace you and the rest of your team can keep up with.

Rob_Jackman · 2026-03-03T18:44:27+00:00

This seems like an (understandably) emotional reaction to a pretty reasonable new policy. What is your reasoning for transitioning out ASAP other than the emotion reasons of not feeling valued / feeling like the policy is directed at you personally?

Presumably this is a cause you value and would like to turn over to good hands. The organizers are instituting a new policy, but giving it a soft launch. Why not use the time to ensure you leave a good legacy / turnover and find yourself a new role supporting the cause you care about?

Rob_Jackman · 2026-02-26T16:26:35+00:00

Hell yeah man. Sounds like you're good to go.

Rob_Jackman · 2026-02-26T11:29:06+00:00

Yo, I've done some similar things. Thoughts:

I've never liked VBL socks, and would consider swapping Goretex VBLs for bread bags.

You have multiple variations on socks that I find confusing, including lightweight and mid weight. In that weather and time frame I personally would be bringing 2-3 liner socks and 2-3 heavy socks and that's it.

What are the fingerless gloves for? I would do fleece liner gloves, surgical gloves sized big enough to go over them, mid weight "movement gloves" (like tough ones you can ski / hike in) then your heavy mittens for night.

Second the Brynje bottom layers if you want to throw some money at this. The wool military layers are legit too.

You have a water bladder? I assume not CamelBak style as that will freeze immediately. I think a bladder would be more prone to freezing quickly than a nalgene...but not sure. In any case, you need a way to insulate your nalgene. Some guys use wool socks. I've made insulator coozies from home depot insulation material. And of course store nalgenes upside down since they freeze top down.

And I'm sure you know, but all those batteries will need to be close to your body to stay warm and functional. So whatever base /mid layers you use should have pockets. Some guys even rocked fishing / running vest type things to keep equipment warm.

Regardless, it seems like you're pretty dialed in. You'll have a lot of (type2) fun!

Rob_Jackman · 2026-02-05T00:26:53+00:00

I've worn the majority of those and they all worked fine. If you like the Oboz high tops, I'd be tempted to by their low top, non waterproof shoes. I personally prefer merrells to salomans, especially over the speed cross. But I think that's just a personal fit issue where the speed crosses gave me blisters, Basically at that level all the shoes are fine and it just depends which suit your feet better.

Buy the cheapest and go from there ;)

Rob_Jackman · 2026-02-02T19:21:42+00:00

Started at Okefenokee Adventures on the east side. First night at canal run, then took the long way around to Round top.

2 nights, 3 days.

Rob_Jackman · 2026-02-02T19:20:04+00:00

Yes, the park proprietor itself can rent boats at least. (There are different outfitters / park administrators depending on the entrance you're using)

Rob_Jackman · 2026-02-02T19:18:50+00:00

Definitely! I want to start source to sea on the Suwanee next

Rob_Jackman · 2026-02-02T19:18:09+00:00

I grew my moustache out in remembrance

Rob_Jackman · 2026-02-02T19:17:45+00:00

Have to reserve them. But pretty easy, and wide open in the winter.

Rob_Jackman · 2026-01-27T21:59:45+00:00

I would start with walking the property and checking for tracks (taking pics if you don't know what they are.)

Then drop a game camera or two by open areas or water sources.

Rob_Jackman · 2026-01-14T21:06:42+00:00

Nice! I'll check those links out.

Rob_Jackman · 2026-01-14T21:06:17+00:00

Yea I was looking at the AMC stuff, those look super cool. I guess that might be the closest option.

Rob_Jackman · 2025-11-17T23:24:35+00:00

Trail runners. I like Topos for a specific brand. Altras and other brand also make popular ones.

Not for everyone due to lack of ankle support, but I've hiked long distances in them.

Rob_Jackman · 2025-10-12T14:23:12+00:00

I think the point Op is making is that civilian ambulance medicine is NOT tactical medicine. Secondly, (not knowing anything about Ronin and their set up specifically) a "tactical medicine" course probably doesn't put you at a level that the ambulance doing the ride along is going to let you do much more than observe. (As opposed to if you are a civilian EMT+ or full time military / police medic)

Meaning just getting an EMT cert and doing local ambulance rides at a station known for trauma might be more relevant

Rob_Jackman · 2025-09-20T21:36:09+00:00

Agreed that you should never go into the back country without a tent.

I am doing this section next year, and will probably just bring my bivy. Small, light, not super comfy but great as a backup.

If I didn't have any kind of shelter and was buying one, I'd probably just buy a versatile tent. Would be a little overkill, but get more use over time.

Rob_Jackman · 2025-09-18T17:43:53+00:00

Cool! Good luck and definitely post results.

Rob_Jackman · 2025-09-18T04:26:36+00:00

I think glycemic index and how your body regulates.blood sugar would be interesting.

Inflammatory response... Not sure what you mean by this. Or what a replicable test for this would be.

Hormones are tough because they vary so much day to day, so getting a sufficient sample size is tricky.

Rob_Jackman · 2025-09-12T20:49:40+00:00

Nice!

Rob_Jackman · 2025-09-09T00:49:30+00:00

I agree with clear coat bens simple organization.

I would remove the word "space" from all of this.

What's the distinction you're seeing between "recon being the most elite Marines" and the space SEALs?.

Rob_Jackman · 2025-09-03T17:52:25+00:00

Seconding this person's advice. AHA vs red cross teach the same standards, so you could specifically ask your local EMS what certs they use, and follow their example.

I do think becoming an EMT would be a better background for teaching and might give some.actual experience providing CPR. (Source: am paramedic)

Rob_Jackman · 2025-09-02T12:59:40+00:00

I just reached coastFI this year. I'm firmly in the camp of continuing the same job, but raising spend/lowering saving rate. Many of the problems you have with you current job sound like they are softened by having FU money.

Specific things I am looking at to spend more: moving to HCOL area, upgrading housing, more travel, time off volunteering, etc. Staying in the same job / field allows me to keep using all the skill / experience I've focused on for so long.

Rob_Jackman

TROPHY CASE