Not Going According To Plan

[@karstoutdoors1606]

As a cave diver, I can tell you that the Suwannee River is more special and amazing place than most people realize. That entire region around the river is full of flooded cave and spring systems. The rain in the area drains down into the ground and into the Oligocene era Suwannee limestone. As the water flows through the limestone, its slowly dissolves the caves systems and comes back to the surface as a spring. The Suwannee river has actually eroded down into the Suwannee limestone, allowing many of these springs to empty directly into the river. The brown tannic water of the river keeps many of these springs hidden from view. That sinkhole next to the trail was actually an area where the ceiling of one of the underground spring systems has collapsed into the flooded cave passage below, thus acting as another entrance into the flooded cave system below. The Disappearing Creek is what would be called a syphon, and all of that water was flowing down underground into another cave system. All of that water is likely flowing underground and emptying into the Suwannee River, or coming back up to the surface as a spring close to the river. I will say that the trail on the surface along the river has helped me appreciate the submerged wonders underground that I have enjoyed for years.

[@Chris_Martin707]

That's fascinating. Thanks for that education. I'd like to see that area one day.

[@war5561]

Oh lovely, thanks! This answered all my questions. 👍👍

[@debvoltolina6143]

Can you swim km the river?

[@karstoutdoors1606]

@@debvoltolina6143 The cave/spring systems are all different lengths and sizes. They generally begin some distance away from the river and flow underground towards the Suwannee river. Only trained cave divers have any business diving in the caves. You can always swim in the river, if you like brown tannic water.

[@karstoutdoors1606]

@@eligiol First, no one should dive in caves without the proper training and certifications. Unfortunately, many people have died in FL spring/caves over the years, and most did not have the proper training. Many of the caves do have strong currents. A "spring" is a cave system where the water is flowing out of the entrance, which means the current is pushing you out of the cave. These are harder to swim into, but easier to get out because the current is pushing you out. A "syphon" is a cave system where the water is flowing into the cave entrance, which means the current pushes you further into the cave. This type of cave is even more dangerous because you have to swim against the current on the way back out of the cave.

[@claramullen]

Hi Dixie I just want to thank you for maybe opening so many people's eyes up to how beautiful Florida wilderness actually is. Most don't even know it exists.

[@niecek.6473]

It is beautiful, we honeymooned on the St. John’s River... it was an enchanted trip with the manatee... and our great friends Bob & Kathie P. 💖

[@claramullen]

@@niecek.6473 That sounds fantastic

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Wednesday = Dixie fix We are spoiled. Seeing this trail (actually, all the trails I’ve been privileged to watch you hike) and traveling them through your lens, your voiceovers and your optimism is a real treat. Thank you for this body of beautiful work that you continue to produce.

[@jackwyland7733]

This trail keeps getting more beautiful. Thanks for giving us this opportunity to travel with you always a pleasure

[@mollygarza3812]

Glad I found you recently. You have inspired me to load up a backpack with 16lbs and pace my backyard every day. This summer, if CA is not on fire, I’ll take the kids out for a hike.

[@ebc371]

Best footage of Florida I have ever seen in my life. Dixie you are an amazing cinematographer.

[@joeyblueeagle2707]

Sleeping along the river bank, under the warm Florida night sky, and listening to the roar of the Suwanee river (like a lullaby) - PRICELESS!

[@russellholdren1]

As a native Florida boy, I couldn't be more proud of how you've been treated by the locals.

[@melwilson4171]

For a trail not as sought after as some of the other trails. The trail magic seemed to be plentiful! 🤗

[@timdion7834]

Sitting here watching your video with all the neat bugs & animals you capture & I thought “I wonder how many cool little critters I walk right by & never notice.” I’m going to try to slow a down a bit this backpacking season & pay more attention to what’s around me and at my feet

[@ashleytamayo4157]

Idk how you night hike down here. I’d be scared that a gator would be ahead of me. Major kudos to you all! Super excited to see this hike footage!

[@user-bu3uk3te4y]

Gm

[@deborahnedreberg1213]

❤️I have watched you for years and I can see you aging gracefully. I can see you as an old lady eventually living in the woods and showing passerby’s your bug collection and tales of adventure.

[@djw8504]

I want you to know that your videos help me so much! I am full time caregiver for my sweet momma, and I have never understood depression until now May 15 I’ll be 51. Born and raised in Florida, your videos have picked me up and inspired me to daily hikes alone in the forest trails here close to my home. Just me, your videos and the beautiful Gods country. Keep up the awesome videos, and stay safe🙏🇺🇸❤️

[@robertrockwell7581]

Dixie I'm surprised you didn't start singing way down upon the Suwanee river being a Southern Gal. beautiful there. you and Marty stay safe

[@VickiCopland]

I've been enjoying your Florida Trail videos and rewatching your CDT and PCT vlogs as I recover from Covid. It's been a life-saver being able to escape my tiny apartment to the outdoors, even if it's through my screen! Thanks for sharing your experiences and can't wait for the next video!

[@1z1zmike]

Love the close-ups of the little critters. Thanks 🙂🙏

[@frolege1]

"Gators or cars ... you decide" ... great line

[@ujjc001]

Come north, come check out the superior hiking trail in Minnesota!!! 310+ miles and starts in my hometown!

[@ujjc001]

@Eastern fence Lizard I really shouldn't advertise, but, I can't help myself, it's amazing.

[@outtapocket1220]

I had my eye out for y'all in Suwannee. Even kept trail magic in my car in case I saw y'all.

[@NosyHausfrau]

That is so sweet. You have a good heart.

[@outtapocket1220]

@@NosyHausfrau Awe. Thank you for saying so.

[@valane178]

Loving your videos. You have shown the true FL wilderness with your awesome videos. I see you changed your shoes back to Altra. Happy Trails...Winkle

[@niecek.6473]

Oh, you guys did the Camino! I only did a 6 day trip! Love watching this FL trip! I plan to do the St. Francis of Assisi trip in Italy next... wanderlust❤️👣🙏🏼

[@jssjladue]

This is my favorite part of the trail I have hiked so far. Have only done bit and pieces as day hikes or overnighters, but I love, love, love the Suwannee between Big Shoals and 75

[@barrybedaw6633]

Thank you for work guys. I just moved to FL from NY and you’ve got me ready to start hiking here again

[@grnxnam]

Some people avoid Florida because of the wildlife. I think that's what makes Florida great. This is still my favorite hike that you've shared with us.

[@fergus247]

As a person who doesent live in florida its strange to realise there is wildlife because to me florida seems like a place where humans live everywhere :)

[@antsy_does]

@@fergus247 Which is why there are so many roadwalks to do on the FT. We're hopelessly overpopulated, with thousands more flocking to FL every month. Soon, there really won't be less and less or no more wildlife left. Look at the perils of the FL panther.........

[@demoncleaner80]

@@fergus247 Mostly just some of the coastal cities, though. Central has a few busy spots (Orlando, Gainesville, Tallahassee) but is pretty country-ish otherwise. NW FL is very much like Southern Alabama, lol.

[@brucemartin2605]

Florida is the second largest cattle producer to Texas..Most people think Florida is only beach resorts and it is primarily..We have top ranked beaches in the world.. it is a vast land mass state and worth camping along the many interior Wilderness Management Areas.. You will be amazed when they release the panhandle sections too..The last 200 miles are spectacular..

[@vince4316]

Just more awesomeness!!! Thank you for showing our amazing state!

[@montyollie]

What's neat about watching you hike this particular trail, is you are TRULY hiking your own hike this go round. You are not trying to beat the weather so you are doing your own pace. You seem to LOVE night hiking (OMG I could personally never LOL!) and you pitch your tent in the dark every single night. I love that you have the luxury of doing this as it's your body telling you those are the hours you keep. When you are on the AT you are at the mercy of the bubble and all the others around you. Fascinating series.

[@manfredseidler1531]

Because of you, I get to see what the vast majority of folks don't even know exists. And then what you consider as part of the trail in my book is 'Turn around Country' and impassible. Truly amazing

[@fortuneinternationalsemina3461]

Hey Dixie my team and I are planning our next section hike on the AT. We have a few others joining us from Washingron State, Virginia, Arizona, and Florida. My Buddy and I just retired out of the Special Operations Community (Fort Bragg) and the AT has been on our bucket list. We were hammered by rain for several days while on the AT last week...lol lol Thanks for keeping us updated; I’ll be in Florida (Fort Walton Beach) till the 18th.

[@cup_and_cone]

You should hike some of the Florida Trail while visiting. The Eglin Reservation section is right next to Ft Walton. You will need to obtain a permit at Jackson Guard because it's Air Force property. Another good alternative is the Blackwater River section (a side trail that connects the Florida Trail to Alabama). A great day hike is from Deaton Bridge trailhead (Mile 9 in Guthook) to the Red Rocks Road trailhead (Mile 16.4). This stretch has a nice variety, from pine scrub forest, to white sandy banks, to clay cliff overlooks, to swamp bogs. A good majority of the trail hugs Juniper Creek. If you hike NOBO, it very easy to find a hitch back to the Deaton Trailhead. You'll often find lots of families swimming just down the road from the Red Rocks trailhead at the bridge crossing. Edit: Didn't realize you were leaving in a week.

[@fortuneinternationalsemina3461]

Thank You

[@cleverchimp]

The quality of this footage and editing is superior. Is the recent leap in your production values something you’ve discussed elsewhere?

[@Nynke_K]

OMG so beautiful! Those flat Jurassic swamps are unmistakably cool and a must-see, but these idyllic places just make my heart sing.

[@Samantha-pn4zk]

Thanks for the awesome nature imagery of Florida. Looks like the wilderness is as special and kooky as the residents!

[@quiqweig13]

Oh my lord, the shot of the water with the reflection of the tree at 7:30, and again at 7:35, are stunning. Excellent eye, Dixie! I don’t just watch your vids for the hiking aspect; looooovvvve the videography.

[@Steve_Farwalker]

Just love your closeups of some of the 'critters' you see. Talking nice and gently touching that HUGE spider was spellbinding. Never could I imagine a spider could be cute.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thanks for sharing your adventures! Love the cypress trees and all the wildlife, big and small!

[@mchapin86]

You picked a good year to hike the Florida trail. It's been a very mild spring. Best of luck to you as summer nears.

[@robertligas250]

Thank you for taking us along. Praying for safe travels.

[@marcohanig176]

What a fantastic video - one of your best! The scenery was breathtaking, your shot at 7:35 is worthy of an Anselm Adams award, the wildlife close-ups amazing (how do you get so close to snakes?), and finally, in true Dixie style, a gem of wisdom about learning to go with the flow. You are good enough to have your own TV show, but these days a KZbin channel with 350,000 subscribers may be even more impressive! Thanks for providing such great inspiration once a week!

[@marlenemanzer1170]

Your close ups of the snakes and spiders are awesome. Being able to look at their eyes gives them personality. Thank you for a beautiful look at Florida from a desert dweller.

[@johnarnold2029]

I've been watching most of your content on youtube. Watched all of your " through hikes " from beginning to ends. What I particularly love is the evolution of the quality of your videos.

[@bposey69]

Me and a couple buddies went to the Suwannee section about a month ago. What a beautiful area. Holton creek was an awesome place to stay. Especially considering around 4am some big ole thunderstorms rolled in and started dumping rain and lightning on us

[@robopecha]

the car wreck in the beginning was my favorite part. i smiled so hard my face hurt :)

[@mikewilson8749]

Out of all your travels the Florida trail series is my favorite. Especially the Ocala section. I spent many a week in that forest during my younger days Oh, I live just a few miles north of where you were born. You ever hike this way again I will be glad to assist it any way I can.

[@williamhowell2096]

8:51,,, I was southbound on that section and remember climbing up with the rope,,, Absolutely love this Suwannee River Section,,,

[@ThisIsUnused]

Y'all are making me want to hike this trail! It's never been on my radar before. Happy Trails!

[@carolynmoore9788]

As an Aussie I’m saying in my head, “Don’t touch the spiders!” 😂 Loved watching this trail section (so beautiful) and all your vids x love from Oz 🇦🇺

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

I would so be dead in Australia 😅 I’d have to treat myself like a kid-“Don’t touch ANYTHING!”

[@Rosenlnk1]

Oh Dixie! This segment of your hiking trip has some of the most beautiful areas....I'm a native Floridian and I have never seen these places....so, so glad you decided to do the Florida Trail. Keep on keeping on! Sending hugs for the rest of your trip 'cause that's what I do....

[@gulfcoastedc7803]

Hey Dixie!! I saw y'all today walking North on Hwy 331. I wish I could have stopped to say hello.

[@NickEDowning]

What a lovely sentiment. We should embrace things even when they didn't go as planned. Based on the title I was expecting a bash of the Florida Trail. I was delighted to see I was wrong.

[@rumblechick73]

Timing is everything and it looks like yours has served you well for this trip.

[@wf3955]

So happy to see that you’re doing well Dixie. 🌸

[@melissarobinson9618]

Just because we as humans plan out a trip, doesn't mean it will be as we predicted; but when we slow down, look around, enjoy the journey and everything around us without agendas, that's when we truly appreciate the world we live in

[@stephaniem999]

Watching you get into it with a spider has been one of the highlights of 2021. I don't know if that says more about me or you 🤣

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

😂😂😂

[@fuggoff5277]

Sie haben eine kurze Lebenserwartung in meiner Umgebung, dafür sind Trekkingstöcke gemacht worden m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3XCgn6PZcR1rs0

[@beeveedee9355]

I've been to White Springs. It's a cool little town. You're right about the timing. I followed Masochist on the FL Trail a couple of months ago and he was wading thru water in this section.

[@steveharrelson88]

Wow !! You and your editor are knocking it out of the park !! Total pros. Such a joy to watch. I'm sure I'm not the first to comment that you should re-hike the AT and others with your mature documentary-style skills. Thank you so much. ( SUPPORT DIXIE ON PATREON )

[@berrywd]

Thanks so much for documenting your adventures! Watching your videos has greatly increased my wife's enthusiasm for backpacking.

[@buckshot4428]

We used to go to White Springs back in the 70's. Glad to see it's still a nice place.

[@beach3girl459]

For you northerners, no that white stuff is not snow; it's sugar sand. Your videos bring back fond childhood memories. Thanks!

[@MinekaC]

I love how the auto-subtitles for waterfalls is "applause"; cause truly nature is something to be applauded.

[@vibelife5133]

So cool, I've been hearing about all the flooding over the winter, I'm glad you got to experience it without the high water levels we had. I'm going to do a day hike out there asap (working to much for anything else).

[@cailin5309]

I used to live in a cabin tent out there for several months when my boyfriend had a contract job. Suwannee river, itchetucknee river, all the springs out there.. it’s so pretty!

[@cameronturner5082]

I have to say the production value on your videos has been wonderful, the videography, the classical music, the commentary, I enjoy them all. Much love, keep it up

[@tez310574]

Hello from Oz ,the land down under,absolutely love watching your travels, its inspired me to get up n move and get out of my comfort zone,love your sense of humour Dixie u crack me up,God Bless you and safe travels.

[@rjhikes6248]

When has it ever gone exactly according to plan? 😂 That bridge? Once when I lived in St. Louis I was doing my normal Saturday 50-miler on my bike when I took a wrong turn and ended up on a road just like that. I literally thought I was going to die for two miles. There was so much traffic I couldn’t stop. All I could do was keep my front tire on that little white line and pray, a lot. 🥰😍

[@cup_and_cone]

Great job! Another video that perfectly captures the unknown beauty of Florida's backwoods and conveys the ambiance beyond pictures.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

What a beautiful section I was surprised to see the rapids on the Suwannee River. I was waiting for Marty to begin playing with that spider. Take Care and have a great weekend.

[@cooperpabis4642]

Thanks for taking us along 🥾 I liked the lil peek in the bird’s nest.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dixie, thank you for sharing this variety filled outdoor adventure. Wow with the speeding automobiles, gators, snakes and spiders will certainly get your heart rate going. Be safe out there. 🤗

[@eddiethehitchhikingmaltipo6754]

Your in my neck of the woods. It’s fun watching someone else’s perspective 🙂 14:36 you should see Graffiti Bridge after a rain storm with all the vibrant colors ❤️

[@AlaskanAmblers]

That looks like an amazing hike. Very different from any that I am used to, so thanks for bringing us along!

[@tomfisher44]

That turkey and deer go together like peas and carrots.

[@ritasmoot1823]

You have your own nature show girl!!! I so enjoy your videos! I even watch the almost 4 hour long ones! Thanks for taking me along with you!

[@mikemichaud5186]

Great episode. We live just a few miles from the old US 90 bridge.

[@Stevenpylant]

I'm heading off to trail days and was hoping to see you there, o well maybe next year. Love yous videos

[@TimCresswell]

Really didn't expect to hear Delius as backing music ('By the River' from his Florida Suite) - well done for that & quite appropriate! Love it :)

[@countcagliostro3337]

spider alert at 9:15! Bless your heart Dixie give us arachnid fearing folks some warning.

[@joycejudd5109]

as someone from S Florida, I cannot imagine any other time of year to hike that trail. Certainly, not any later than March, but yes, January 1 might have been better - although this year, you would have swam some of those crossings. Beautiful hike. Thank you for taking us along!

[@anthonypayne2526]

Big Shoals on the Suwanee River! The only river rapids in Florida.

[@Motorep146]

Playing with a wolf spider then a cool Gulf racing caterpillar. Just another video from Dixie!

[@danielcluley870]

This is the absolute best portion of the FT in my opinion. Such a great area to hike and so much to see. If people are interested in this section, you can also do long-distance "canoe trip" camping in this section instead of hiking, staying at remote river camps you can only get to by the river or jeep trails/forest roads. It is a great way to "get out there" in the wilderness. Or do a hke up, canoe down section hike to Big Shoals.

[@troymartin8142]

Camped at the same place couple years back when my son Scout trope when we did the Suwannee river. Only class three rapids in the state of florida. We didn't run it we decided to portage around it.

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

Hello Dixie. Wow another great video. Loving these videos. What a beautiful state your walking through. The trees, animals and rivers are great. That looked a bad car crash at the beginning of the video 🥺. The sandy area on the river looked like a oasis. That does look like the perfect hike. Great. Really enjoyed watching and well done to the both of you. Steve from England 🇬🇧👍

[@CougarMutt]

At one point I thought it was awesome how you showed the difference in background noise level between being next to a highway and being on trail. So far the Florida trail looks to be a really good hike.

[@Q2bFF]

I started watching your videos during the quarantine last year. And so far this year me and my boys have hiked 5 times a good bit of pine mountain at FDR state park and in April we did springer mountain to woody gap. Hoping to be able to arrange time one day to hike the PCT

[@JohnGalt1960]

Holton Creek River camp! I've camped there many times over the last 20 years... I'm always in a canoe though....ive got to hike the river soon!

[@johnmac8065]

Hi Dixie , how did the the TOPO shoes go for you ? have you now changed back to Altra ?

[@heidi8909]

The footage at 2:58 is beautiful -- nice camera work, Dixie!

[@DG121480]

That's definitely a place I've never been. Beautiful, swampy, sandy goodness. Love it!

[@LWilli5]

You...TOUCHED...a SPIDER. Oh ____ no! I respect them and the role they play in nature but I don’t have ta like ‘em.

[@PisgahGravelProject]

I've learned the hard way....I follow no plan. What happens, happens...I can only choose to react after sh*t happens....and sh*t will happen

[@taramiller2672]

When i first moved to Florida 20 years ago i hated it! It was just so primitive to me! But, i learned to love it! You are right, the wildlife and unique ecosystems, plantlife, and the people are truly free thinkers. I'm so happy you are showing the world our amazing state!

[@antsy_does]

I feel lucky that I get to hike in FL all year long, even if others think it's boring due to the lack of elevation :)

[@melizabeth908]

Thanks for taking me along! That was incredible.

[@davidbennett1585]

Awesome cinematography. Love the way you present your stories

[@Dastramel]

I often almost panic when I cannot go on a hike. Thanks for sharing your long walk, living in California I doubt I will ever be able to hike the Florida trail.

[@1eyedjacksRwild]

Thanks for the video Dixie. I always enjoy your close ups of the insects and flowers. There is no way my wife would ever have touched that spider except maybe with a shoe. I have done that before as I think spiders are cool as long as they are not crawling on me. Blessings on you and yours.

[@kellyscott8566]

The wildlife has been absolutely amazing!!!!

[@rayleo529]

This has been a remarkable adventure. Thk you for sharing this.

[@craigbenz4835]

This one is about my favorite part of Florida.

[@sharonmills1013]

What a beautiful section of the trail.

[@ScottKent]

White Springs is great and the B&B is amazing.

[@thetrailneverends100]

I'm curious about your verdict om the TOPO Athletic Terraventures since you chose to swap them out with ALTRA LP again ... I recently chose to swap from LP to Terraventure and I'm pretty satisfied with that decision allthough one og them just lost the heel centerpiece of the outer sole. I haven't been in touch with the supplier yet, so I don't know how customer service works out. But since I have the Camino Frances comming up I'm pretty sure that TOPO would be the right choice for me. Still I'm curious about your thoughts 😊

[@AlpacaMade]

Gorgeous section, Thank you. Masochist had a much tougher time of it due to flooding and snarly dogs.