The Florida Madcaps

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Summer is here and along with it are circumstances and challenges that can ruin a trip, cause injury, or worse.  The Madcaps discuss ways to prepare and avoid some of the more common issues that arise when recreating and hiking in Florida and how to avoid them.

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

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This week the Madcaps discuss the little-known oldest area of Florida:  The Lake Wales Ridge.  Millions of years ago when most of what we now consider Florida was underwater the exposed part is now known as the Lake Wales Ridge and is located in Central Florida.  In this episode, we discuss the significance and some of the great recreating opportunities available on the Lake Wales Ridge.

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

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This week the Madcaps discuss their favorite aspects of parks that are along the Santa Fe River in North Central Florida.  Oleno, Ichetucknee, Gilchrist, and more are discussed this week!  Activities include hiking, camping, spring hunting, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing.

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

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The Madcaps discuss the various aspects of one of the most exciting and diverse state forests in Florida.  The Withlacoochee has caves, lakes, ponds, rivers, trails, and much more!  Activities include hiking, camping, and exploring.

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Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

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The Madcaps discuss the Florida State Parks that are along the historic Suwannee River, from springs to history and everything in between.    The Florida Excursionist and The Sunshine State Seekers compare their experiences at each state park.  Parks discussed Big Shoals, Stephen Foster, Suwannee River, Fanning Springs, Manatee Springs.  Activities include;  Spring hunting, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated!

Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

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This week the Madcaps discuss their experiences visiting the state parks in the Florida Keys.  This includes Key Largo Hammock, John Pennekamp, Windley Key, Lignumvitae Key, Indian Key, San Pedro, Long Key,  Curry Hammock, Bahia Honda, and Fort Zachary Taylor.  Activities include camping, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling, birdwatching.

Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated!

Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

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This week the Madcaps discuss the Florida Trailwalker Program, with Brooks White of the Florida Forest Service.  By filling out comment cards and logging miles, the Florida Forest Service sends out freebies to hikers that hike different designated trails in Florida State Forests.  All three of the Madcaps are participants in the program.  For details and a listing of the trails go to:

 https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation/Recreational-Activities/Hiking/Trailwalker-Program

Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated!

Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

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This week we had the pleasure of learning about the Florida Native Plant Society with Valerie who is the Director of Communication and Programming with the FNPS.    

Information about the FNPS and the annual conference is below:

The Florida Native Plant Society's mission is to preserve, conserve, and restore the native plants and native plant communities of Florida. FNPS has 33 chapters throughout the state, and probably one that meets and hikes near you. Valerie is the Director of Communications and Programming for FNPS.

Conference info and registration: fnps.org/conference

Virtual conference: April 28-30 (recorded for those that aren't available all weekend, available forever to ticket purchasers)

In-person Field Days:

Naples Field Days May 6-7

Tallahassee Field Days May 13-14

Sanford Field Days May 19-21

Questions? Email Valerie - [email protected]

Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated!

Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

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The Madcaps recorded this episode from Torreya State Park with two special guests.  Wisdom Dave, a seasoned hiker from the Great Out Dorks (IG @thegreatoutdorks), and Patrick Connolly also an outdoor enthusiast as well as a journalist with the Orlando Sentinel (IG @pconnpie).  After a hike that day, we reflect on the excitement and features of this unique park.  

Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated!

Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en

Send us Fan Mail

The Florida Madcaps cover their outdoor experiences in West Florida, particularly the area around Pensacola.  State and National Parks are discussed as well as Blackwater State Forest and the iconic beaches.  Activities include camping, swimming, hiking, bird watching, fishing, and Florida history.

Please subscribe!  Shares and reviews are much appreciated!

Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council and sign up to be a springs advocate at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcaps

Questions and comments can be emailed at [email protected]

Ryan can be found on Instagram at:  https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/

Chris and Chelsey can be found at https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/?hl=en