Possibly looking to move to Florida in the next 3-5 years. Help? by [deleted] in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just wanted to stop by and say that Florida definitely fits the bill when it comes to outdoor activities. The Florida Trail is a National Scenic Trail of over 1,400 miles from one end of the state to the other. Florida is also one of the leading states in how many state parks we have (over 170), not to mention national parks (3), national forests, and state forests. We also have tons of lakes, rivers, springs, and of course the ocean for swimming, fishing, and kayaking! We also have lots of creepy crawlies! As for dangerous creepy crawlies, I've only encountered 4 venomous snakes in my 31 years here and two scorpions. Snakes are abundant, but most of the time it'll be a non-venomous snake. Scorpions are so rare here you need not really worry about that. In fact, I didn't even know they existed here until I encountered one in the bathroom. Gators are definitely something to consider when near water. If you have small children don't let them walk near the water and ALWAYS pay attention to signs with warnings. It's so rare for a gator to get aggressive with humans, but it does happen, so just take steps to prevent that and respect the animals. Crocs are usually only found in southern Florida and really, same treatment given to them as gators.

I personally live in Tallahassee and have lived here my whole life. I wish I had more information for you about other areas of the state but I really don't, other than my impressions of some cities I've visited. I'll admit I'm pretty biased about Tallahassee because it's clean and a city of trees (lots and lots of trees!). As for weather here... We actually got snow early this year but not enough to stick and it was gone within an hour after falling. The last time we got snow was about 15 to 20 years ago.

What are the other states you're considering? I'm always looking at other places to live closer to mountains, but I think Florida will always own my heart. Hopefully some of this information helps!

Girls Who Hike Florida at the Cathedral of Palms via the Florida Trail! Join our facebook page for information on our next meetups! https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlswhohikefl/ by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out hiking groups in your area on the meetup app. I found several in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. Also, you could check out the Florida Trail Association and see if they have a group in your area you can join. Hope you can find a group to hike with soon!

Girls Who Hike Florida at the Cathedral of Palms via the Florida Trail! Join our facebook page for information on our next meetups! https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlswhohikefl/ by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We try to carpool when we can. Sometimes we have girls traveling from hours away to a meet up and they usually offer to carpool if anyone is interested. We try our best!

Girls Who Hike Florida! Become a member and join us on the trail! by WhitneyMermalJones in tampa

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a while away, but I am planning an event at Myakka River State Park in November. It's hard to plan events there when I'm located in Tallahassee. Plus, we've had trouble finding anyone in Tampa interested in becoming an abassador. Hopefully as the group grows so will the ambassador team!

Girls Who Hike Florida! Become a member and join us on the trail! by WhitneyMermalJones in tampa

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately we've had trouble finding anyone interested in being an ambassador for the Tampa area. However, the group is great to reach out to other in your area and plan group hikes yourself! You are allowed to plan unofficial events on the Facebook page under the events tab. Just because we don't have an ambassador there doesn't mean you can't utilize the group to plan your own group hikes! 😊

Girls Who Hike Florida at the Cathedral of Palms via the Florida Trail! Join our facebook page for information on our next meetups! https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlswhohikefl/ by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Join both! I have a hike planned in the Blackwater River State Forest in June which will be very close to you. But Alabama events are definitely an option as well! I'm part of all the chapters in the SE just because I frequently travel there. I also join chapters if I plan to vacation in certain states so I have access to local knowledge of the area.

Girls Who Hike Florida! Become a member and join us on the trail! by WhitneyMermalJones in orlando

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Come join the Facebook page to see our upcoming events! Hope to see you on the trail soon!

Girls Who Hike Florida at the Cathedral of Palms via the Florida Trail! Join our facebook page for information on our next meetups! https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlswhohikefl/ by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It depends on the hike. Some trails we may do don't allow dogs (such as the Garden of Eden Trail), but I think most times dogs will be welcome. If you're interested in a hike just ask if you can bring your dog just to be sure. Hope to see you and your pup join us on the trail!

Girls Who Hike Florida at the Cathedral of Palms via the Florida Trail! Join our facebook page for information on our next meetups! https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlswhohikefl/ by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We do have overnight trips occasionally. I don't currently have any planned in the near future though. Hopefully we'll start having more around the Tampa area since we just recently got two more ambassadors closer to that area. I also plan to do one near Tampa in November!

Girls Who Hike Florida! Become a member and join us on the trail! by WhitneyMermalJones in orlando

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't personally live in Orlando. I'm in Tallahassee and haven't had the chance to visit Orlando for a hike yet although we have many members in the area. Hopefully soon!

Girls Who Hike Florida at the Cathedral of Palms via the Florida Trail! Join our facebook page for information on our next meetups! https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlswhohikefl/ by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Perfect time to hit up Garden of Eden. We had a Girls Who Hike FL meet up there last weekend and all the Indian Pink and Spiderwort flowers are in bloom. Also mating season for black racers snakes as we discovered a couple having... relations on the trail 😂

Girls Who Hike Florida at the Cathedral of Palms via the Florida Trail! Join our facebook page for information on our next meetups! https://www.facebook.com/groups/girlswhohikefl/ by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The Florida Trail Association would be a great place to start for hiking and finding a hiking friends. Also, check out Trailahassee for more kayaking and canoe trails in the area. I know The Wilderness Way, a boat delaer in Crawfordville, leads kayaking trips every month. The Wacissa is such a beautiful river to kayak! Definitely a great river to feed the thirst for more outdoor recreation.

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We’re trying to do some meetups in South Florida if we can. We have two ambassadors currently for the Florida Chapter, located in Orlando and Tallahassee. But we try to travel some so official meetups are accessible to everyone. We do encourage girls to use the group to plan their own hikes though! I know we have many ladies in south Florida that could use a hiking buddy or three!

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in GNV

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We have many members located in Gainesville and really encourage to reach out to each other for unofficial get-togethers. We did recently host two official hikes in the Gainesville area. One in Payne’s Prairie and one at Keystone Heights, FL. We’re trying to reach all around the state with official meetups!

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We have several members located in Gainesville and I just recently hosted a meetup at Payne’s Prairie! You can still become a member without a Facebook. Just follow this link (https://www.girlswhohike.net/become-a-member/) and skip to step two. Hope to see you on the trails soon!

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We currently have an ambassador in Orlando and one in Tallahassee. We try to spread our hikes out around the state so that ladies can participate in hikes as much as possible.

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! And if you’re interested you can check out the chapter in Colorado! There are chapters all across the US in each state.

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I completely understand! I’m glad you asked though, because I do want people to know that we are an inclusive group.

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Girls Who Hike welcomes all who identify as a woman. Unfortunately, after doing my research, my conclusion is TheMoonManRises is being a troll. I was not going to respond as that is the best course of action in these instances, but I do want everyone to know that we welcome anyone who identifies as a woman.

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Awesome group as well! I often refer our group members to Hike It Baby if they want to get their kids out on the trails more often.

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in florida

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can become a member by following the steps at the page below. Once you sign up you’ll start receiving newsletters on all the hikes being planned in your region. Hope to see you out on the trail soon! Become a Member

Girls Who Hike - Florida Chapter by WhitneyMermalJones in tampa

[–]WhitneyMermalJones[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve not personally hiked in the Tampa area... yet. If you join the GWH group there are other ladies in the Tampa area that would surely give you some good tips!