About a year ago, I posted about the Little Big Econ State Forest by describing a one-night backpacking trip I did through Little Big Econ along the Florida Trail from its crossing of Brumley Road to West Camp near the Barr Street parking area, and I suggested that the north bank of the river and … Continue reading For a Quiet Riverside Hike in Little Big Econ State Forest, Try the Culpepper Trail
Author: Rob Rogers
Here’s how to find me at the Sunshine State Book Festival, and check out “Anger Sister” in The Gardan Journal
The Writers Alliance of Gainesville has now posted the location of each author at the Meet the Author Showcase at the Sunshine State Book Festival at the Santa Fee College Fine Arts Hall at 3000 N.W. 83rd Street in Gainesville tomorrow, January 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As you'll see from the map … Continue reading Here’s how to find me at the Sunshine State Book Festival, and check out “Anger Sister” in The Gardan Journal
The Prairie Lakes Loops at Three Lakes WMA are Perfect for Hiking and Backpacking
Just an hour south of Orlando off the Florida Turnpike, you can find one of those special places in Florida that offers virtually everything an outdoor lover might seek—hiking for both moderate and longer distances, backpacking, a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, birding, and even fishing and hunting, all in a vast landscape … Continue reading The Prairie Lakes Loops at Three Lakes WMA are Perfect for Hiking and Backpacking
If you’re in Gainesville on Saturday, Jan. 24th, come join me at the Sunshine State Book Festival
If any of you plan to be in Gainesville the weekend after the MLK holiday, I welcome you to join me at the Sunshine State Book Festival at the Santa Fee College Fine Arts Hall at 3000 N.W. 83rd Street. I'll be joining 100 other authors at the Meet the Authors Showcase and Expo from … Continue reading If you’re in Gainesville on Saturday, Jan. 24th, come join me at the Sunshine State Book Festival
Winter is the Best Time to Enjoy Ichetucknee Springs State Park Near Gainesville
Many University of Florida students are familiar with Ichetucknee Springs State Park and its well-known river that is a summer favorite for river tubing. Way back in my freshman year in the 1990s, the fraternity I pledged even went there in a rented bus and floated a keg down the river. But a far quieter, … Continue reading Winter is the Best Time to Enjoy Ichetucknee Springs State Park Near Gainesville
Although often crowded, Black Bear Wilderness Area is a spectacular place to see wildlife
Even though Black Bear Wilderness Area near Sanford is among the most popular places in Central Florida to hike, I’ve hesitated to post about it before now because of my reluctance to rain on those who love it. Truth be told, I was not particularly smitten with Black Bear when I first hiked there almost … Continue reading Although often crowded, Black Bear Wilderness Area is a spectacular place to see wildlife
“Morning Coffee,” my latest essay, has been nominated by Ponder Review for a Pushcart Prize
My latest essay (and likely the final one to be published in 2025) has now made it into print, as “Morning Coffee” has now been published in Volume 9, Issue 2 of Ponder Review. Ponder Review is the student-run literary journal of the MFA program at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi and publishes … Continue reading “Morning Coffee,” my latest essay, has been nominated by Ponder Review for a Pushcart Prize
Moses Creek Conservation Area Offers Pleasant Hiking Near St. Augustine—But Don’t Count on Backcountry Camping There
With hunting season limiting my access to many of my favorite stretches of the Florida Trail last weekend, I tried to make up for the opportunity I lost last spring to camp beside the intracoastal at St. George Island State Park and booked a reservation at the Murat Point campsite at the Moses Creek Conservation … Continue reading Moses Creek Conservation Area Offers Pleasant Hiking Near St. Augustine—But Don’t Count on Backcountry Camping There
Come join me on Dec. 14th by Zoom (or in Gainesville) for a live reading of my next essay, “Baby Bear”
I just learned this week that I'll be joining the Writers Alliance of Gainesville (WAG) next Sunday for a live reading of my next essay, "Baby Bear," with other authors whose pieces have been published in Bacopa Literary Review. Bacopa, which was released just before Thanksgiving, is the annual literary anthology published by WAG and … Continue reading Come join me on Dec. 14th by Zoom (or in Gainesville) for a live reading of my next essay, “Baby Bear”
Barr Hammock near Gainesville is Ideal for Family-Friendly Hiking Through Pretty Old Growth Forest
Many University of Florida students are familiar with the hiking trails at Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park. But another collection of trails through a beautiful forest of tall live oaks and longleaf pines can be found not far south of Gainesville, and it’s free and easier to reach from I-75. Barr Hammock Preserve is definitely … Continue reading Barr Hammock near Gainesville is Ideal for Family-Friendly Hiking Through Pretty Old Growth Forest
