(http://backpackingdeskjockey.blog)

A self-described desk jockey, Rob writes the Central Florida Backpacking Desk Jockey blog to share his experiences hiking, backpacking, and enjoying the outdoors near his Central Florida home. In his blog, he shares tips and insights from learning to backpack in middle age, and he also celebrates the special trails and state parks he has discovered through his adventures as a weekend warrior.
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…
“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…
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…
