MORE
Most Recent Entries
- Feelin' proud to American
- Gold Head heaven
- On the green in three
- Company from out of town
- The Gang's all here!
- One Humbled Hiker
- Dog days with Ranger
- Jacks are Wild
- Stars and Bars
- Stars and Bars - Part Deux
- A Tom Gaskins moment
- What's in a name?
- White Springs Eternal
- A River for Backpacking
- LOST and FOUND
Monthly Archives
| Photos: Along The Trail | Map: Track Mike |
Video: DeWitt On The Trail | Video: DeWitt’s Gear
Thirty years ago I was on the cusp of graduating from a small high school on an Air Force base once known as Hahn in a country once known as West Germany. One of my closest friends was Barbara Klinke, a German girl who was the daughter of the town doctor. We’d grown up together and now stood on the threshold of adulthood, infused with the serum of endless possibilities.
One day, as we hiked in the woods near her house, Barbara confided to me that she dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps. She would become a doctor and, one day, take over her father’s practice. I revealed to her that my dream was to travel to the remote corners of the world and write about them. I had never before told anyone because no one but Barbara would have believed it.
Two weeks later I was a high school graduate and on my way to the United States and a disaterous year at the University of Florida. I never saw or spoke with Barbara Klinke again.
My year as a Gator gave way to a four-year enlistment in the Marine Corps. I was an infantryman, otherwise known as a grunt. Grunts are provided endless opportunities to backpack and camp in some of the most remote corners of the world. Although the Corps strongly encourages self-improvement, developing the writer’s art is understandably absent from it’s infantry training doctrine.
The years following my service are a blur of footloose backpacking, motorcycle touring and a couple of marriages. I settled down, worked a few jobs and somehow wound up as a hazardous materials emergency responder. I started a business, had some luck and raised a family. I became a Boy Scout leader when my son grew old enough to join. With 20 more like him in tow, we backpacked, climbed, camped and paddled every chance we got, and for the first time, I wrote about it. Climbing Magazine published it.
I was 45 years old and needed no further encouragement. I sold my business to the first buyer who showed the slightest interest and resolved to become a journalist. Everyone with my best interests at heart did their best to talk me out of it. The most convincing of these was a friend of mine who is a veteran editor at the Tampa Tribune. When finally he found me terminally unreceptive to reason, he arranged for me to interview for a correspondent position. I managed somehow to land the gig and for the past three years have enjoyed the privilege of writing weekly outdoor stories for the Tampa Tribune.
A couple of weeks ago I suggested the idea of hiking the Florida Trail from end-to-end and writing weekly stories of the people and places that are the custodians of what may be Florida’s greatest and least-known treasure. The response from the Tampa Tribune was overwhelmingly positive. I have not stopped smiling since that time.
In seven days I will awaken on the Florida-Alabama line and make the first of the 2.3 million steps - a distance of about 1078 miles - that will lead me to the heart of the Everglades. For two and a half months I will walk in some of the most remote corners of Florida and at the end of each day -technology gods willing-I will write to you. My hope is to do that well enough for you to feel as if you are right there with me - every step of the way.
And Barbara Klinke? I heard that she’s married with a couple of kids. And that her practice is doing very nicely, thank you.
Posted by Robin "Mariah" Jenkins, Lake City, Fl on 02/20 at 07:50 PM
Hello! It’s me Mariah from SunCellular, the Verizon store. I saw your comment and it was much appreciated. You are a very intresting person and I’m glad to have met you. Maybe we can keep in touch and you can tell me more adventures another time.
Be careful and stay safe!
Best Wishes,
Mariah
Posted by MONICA TALAVERA, Tampa, FL on 11/03 at 01:56 PM
It is as if I can see the “Real Florida” through your eyes. Please write a book when you get back. Hope to meet you then.
Posted by lauren westervelt, tomlin middle school,plant city on 10/25 at 08:17 PM
WOW, THAT IS A BIGG TRIP, all he way to the everglades it sounds very exciting my class and I will be following you and you extrvagant adventures best of luck!!!!!!
one of your encouraging fans!
Mrs.Marshalls 3rd period class 6th garde
Posted by Eric Toole, Pensacola on 10/25 at 05:42 PM
Good luck, Mike!
This will be revolutionary for the FTA!
Did you pack your waders? I guess they don’t fit the bill for packing light…
I’m very excited to follow your journey online. Let the trail be known! Good weather and good fortune be with you.
Posted by Mary Twiford, Ruskin, Fl on 10/25 at 10:55 AM
Hi, Mike...Your inveterate fellow-hiker-via-computer in Ruskin..Am REALLY looking forward to this trip, as I do every Sunday..Love those ideas re packaging quickie meals in freezer bags..You should write a book on that...You may be hearing from my son, a former Marine, in Idaho.. We were a Scouting family too.. He’ll LOVE THESE.. Mary Twiford, Ruskin, Fl…
Posted by Mary Jane Leist, Temple Terrace on 10/25 at 09:42 AM
Good Luck Mike,
I will watch out for your family while you are gone. As your sister I coldn’t be prouder. I hope that you have a wonderful adventure and I am sure that you will do a gret job sharing it with the rest of your followers. Temple Terrace Elem. will be following your blogs and will be looking forward to talking with when you return. Stay in touch, I love you and be safe.
Posted by Sue Baisch, Hudson, Fl on 10/24 at 05:40 PM
Mike!
Your trip is one of the best role models ever presented to adults, young adults, and children alike. We need more people like you to bring Florida and the environment ‘back home’. I will certinly look for your trip details. Thank you!
May the wind be at your back and your sails always full! 
Posted by Donna Marshall, Tomlin Middle School - Plant City on 10/24 at 04:25 PM
My students and I will be keeping track of your adventures! We just came back from our class trip to Nature’s Classroom (Tampa), so it will be a good extention of what we learned about Florida’s flora and fauna.
Have a safe trip!
Posted by Robert Menendez, Tampa on 10/24 at 03:22 PM
Hey Dave, lets meet up with him and take a 20 miler maybe from croom. What da ya say.
Posted by Chris Dolan, Minnesota on 10/24 at 12:54 PM
Mike,
Enjoy your journey. Make the most of it and it will make the most of you. Be safe, have some fun and we’re you not an ex-marine I’d offer some advice, but I think you’ve got it pretty well sorted. Take care.
Chris
Posted by Mark Nusekabel, Odessa, FL on 10/24 at 02:13 AM
Hi Mike - this is fascinating. I’ll be watching. Be well.
Posted by Carolyn Wight, Sun City Center on 10/23 at 10:35 PM
This trip sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Posted by Virginia Lane, Coral Springs, FL on 10/23 at 09:54 PM
Mike,
I’m looking forward to following you on your journey. I look forward to either walking with you or providing some “trail magic” when you reach the southern end.
Posted by Dave Micciche SM Troop 339, Tampa on 10/23 at 09:52 PM
Mike, this fellow Buffalo is cheering you on. Please be safe and would love to meet up with you when you get on this side of the state. We will be keeping up with you daily and sharing your progress with my troop. I know Fraser and I would be there if we could. Be safe and stomp on.
“Go Buffalo”
Posted by Sharon Dekin, Tampa, FL on 10/23 at 09:38 PM
Looking forward to reading all about your fantastic trip. Someday my husband and I would like to also walk the trail....
Have fun!
Posted by Bill Guglielmi, Tampa on 10/23 at 08:48 PM
Mike,
Good hiking my friend. What an adventure. Hooah.
Posted by Daniel D. Dye, New River (Brooker), Florida on 10/23 at 05:52 PM
Hello Mike,
What an adventure! You are truly blessed to do such a trip. I, like you love the Florida outdoors and have been to all three corners of it. Kimberly French recommended the book “A Land Remembered” by Patrick Smith. I could not agree more...it’s my all time favorite, I could not put it down! Be safe and watch out for venomous snakes. Here’s my web site to help you ID the snakes you may see: floridabackyardsnakes.com
Best regards,
Daniel
Posted by Jeffrey Mckee, Jacksonville Florida on 10/23 at 05:45 PM
1078 miles? And you’re getting paid? You are one extremely fortunate Guy. Hope you have an excellent hike through the sandhills, swamps, and hardwood hammocks Florida has to offer. Keep a keen eye out for the rattlers. I will be keeping track of your progress. Have a great hike and stay tick and chigger free. Best wishes,
Jeff
Posted by Kimberly French, Tampa on 10/23 at 03:16 PM
My husband and I read your column in today’s paper with a longing eye. Some day we would like to take the same journey, but it won’t happen anytime soon with our two young children in tow.
Best wishes, and please read A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith if you haven’t already. It’s a great work of historical fiction set in many of the areas you will explore.
Posted by Nita Bearry, 13021 Simpson Rd. Dover, Florida on 10/23 at 03:01 PM
I am envious. In Feb. we’re going to go from Juniper Springs to Hidden Pond. can’t hardly wait. If you can, plan to camp one night at a camp just past Juniper Springs south of Hwy. 40. You will know it, it is BEAUTIFUL, full of old oaks and cabbage palms.It will be great fun to folow your trip.
Posted by Gregory Hall, Lutz on 10/23 at 01:58 PM
Mike, you captured my interest with your descriptions of the armadillo’s rustle and barred owl’s “locomotive hoot”. I have camped with my adventurous wife and now nearly grown sons many times near springs in north Florida. Hearing these sounds in fast growing Lutz is rare now, so when I heard two barred owls calling to one another at 2:00 am a couple of nights ago, I shook off sleep and stole quietly outside to listen to the mysterious sound.
I look forward to sharing your trip through your camera lens and your already exhibited art of description.
Posted by Wanda & Vern Hixson, Wauchula, FL on 10/23 at 12:15 PM
Have a wonderful hike. We will look forward to hearing your experiences. We have done many miles on the trail in Ocala Forest, but at 83 & 89 our hikes are now walks. Stay safe.
Posted by Clau Ordonez, Tampa on 10/23 at 12:01 PM
Happy Trails Mike! I’ll be following your trip online & might follow you in the effort a couple of years from now.
...and your Trail name shall be?
Posted by Darcy Maness, Spring Hill on 10/23 at 05:01 AM
I am envious! As a former triathlete (mostly in my own mind) I am a true nature lover and hiker-from-way-back (Iowa). My spinal stenosis - from years of training for the almost-made-it triathlon - keeps me from doing the one thing I truly love in life - hiking, so I am with you every step of the way. I too have a passion for the pen and have been a guest writer for the Trib & Times, writing on topics such as Florida’s ecological systems, etc - I was also once an eco-tour guide here in Florida - both on horseback and in canoe/kayak. As you journey your way through the Florida terrain, I will be following you (not stalker-like, though)like so many other Florida nature lovers. I can’t wait for the journey to begin - don’t leave out a thing!
Advertisement
Send Us Your Comments |
Terms & Conditions |
* Comments Must Include Full Name And Location
Posted by Jaden Hair, www.steamykitchen.wordpress.com on 06/10 at 09:12 PM
Mike- I hope this msg gets to you. I saw your video on YouTube...it’s so beautiful and captivating. I’ve lived in the area for 4.5 years and have always missed “home’ (San Francisco), so I have never really fell in love with Florida. This video really highlighted the soul of the state.