28-Sep-2003 -- After planning on visiting this location twice before, but being rain-out both times, we finally had a clear sunny weekend. Left home about 9:30 am for a 105 mile drive as the GPS travels. Arrived at road to Landfill and Radio Control Airfield, but gate is locked and no one is around. So I scouted for possible alternatives, but found none. One likely try was a nearby terminal enterance, but the guards were not sympathetic to my efforts. Since the land fill sign only said closed to hunting and motor vehicles I decided it was ok to hike in.

Started hiking about 12:30. Was able to get to with .25 miles fairly easily. Past the RC airfield, but winds or church had noone out flying. But any further progress was more going to be hard, ahead lay the swamp. It was right at 1 pm when I started into the swamp. Water was right at ground level, reeds were hard going to push through, and clear areas were blocked in every direction by inhabited spider webs. And these are the big banana spides with bodies an inch or more in length. But I was determined to succeed.

At last, 30N 94W was under my feet. Only took about 40 minutes to go 1/4 of a mile. A little more wandering located the spot good enough to take some shots of the GPS. The funny thing happened while I was taking a picture of myself at the spot, a friend called. I would not have imagined there would be reception out there, but it was fun explaining where I was and what I was doing. But that done and all the shots taken, I headed out.

But wait, I forgot to take pictures of the elevation. Hiked a hundred yards back to the spot, even though it was pretty evident the area was flat. Everywhere was about a half inch under water. Only logs and some thick planted areas were good to stand dry on. But wanted to keep with the spirit of the adventure. Good leason for next time, have a checklist. Had recalibrated the GPS altitude on the hill when accuracy indicated 8 feet. And GPS on the ground showed... zero elevation, Sea Level. Well that explained the swamp problem.

Finally headed out. Made a little better time of the return trip. Must be getting better at avoinding spiders. Luckily no snakes, gators, or other swamp nasties. Darn and I had my camera all ready for them. Oh, there were mosquitos. Boy were there.

Back at the RC airfield a few hardy flyers were out just setting up. Explained my journey and they mentioned having seen another fellow stop by. Must have been Craig, or someone who also turned back. Can't say I blame them. Even with rubber boots it is a lot of work.

One down, more to come.