There were several posts on the YahooGroup leading up to New Years Day, trying to get a trail ride together. On New Year’s Eve, Jason from Inverness gave me a call and asked if I wanted to do something on the West coast. He is only about a half hour ride from my place and I said sure. Even though it was late, I put something out on the YahooGroup.

At 10:00 AM we met Jason from Inverness and Jason from Clearwater, by Trail 10, off State Road 581 and headed into the Withlacoochee State Forest, specifically the Citrus Wildlife Management area. This particular area covers approximately 49,042 acres. 

This is not a difficult area. The trails are pretty basic. No pin striping, nor water crossings. However, there are some washout areas and a few pits that can be challenging if you so choose. The thing you have to be careful of are the "little" red signs that prohibit you from going certain places.   Apparently they post them as they see them, when they feel like it. In other words one week it is fine to go there, then the next it isn't… a $250.00 fine if they catch you. On only one occasion did we find ourselves in a restricted area before we saw the signs and we were out of there.

 Jason led us to a particular wash out area to play. Upon arrival we found we had company. It was the Suncoast Flatlanders. This was in the morning and we played for about an hour. We then were asked by the Flatlanders, if we would lead them to some other areas. Jason from Inverness then led us to some other sites and finally finished up at Holder Mine. This is where we remembered the phrase, "...This ain't no hiking club." We then hiked around the mine area and this huge pit area that was obviously mined many, many years ago. Some had stayed back with the Jeeps and ate. We then called it a day.

This is a great trip for the stock Jeeps and just peaceful trail riding. The area is very well maintained and there is a camp ground there by Holder Mine.   Even though it was hunting season this particular area restricts the number of hunters and it is not overcrowded at all. They also DO NOT allow ATV's or motorcycles in this forest area, so that really made for a peaceful ride. Just 3 or 4 miles from where we entered the forest there is the main drag going thru Inverness, State Road 44. There are numerous restaurants in that area.    

This was a nice change of pace for a day. It is not the Ocala National Forest, with its size and diversity. But there are a lot of areas that may be worth discovering thru out the state. This is a nice trip for those on the West coast, that just need a quick fix. It is my understanding there are some beach areas up towards St. Augustine that might be fun for a day trip to those in the North.  

Keep up the posting on YahooGroups about possible trailrides. It is great when the club can get together for the big events but a small group for local weekend jaunts is great too. 

Thanks, Jason from Inverness for a great way to start the New Year!