2009-02-22 30 -85

• Sunday 22 February 2009 - First known attempt in the Panama City, Florida graticule was foiled by natural, manmade and legal barriers.

Sun 22 Feb 2009 in Panama City: 30.2803137, -85.8701622 geohashing.info google osm bing/os kml crox

This try by Bos, B4Work and roundnroundwego was vaillant but unsuccessful. Even with the technological advantages of satellite navigation, satellite imagery and Roundnround's Jeep we failed to reach the goal.

[Map and satellite imagery] gave us the impression this would be at worst an easy 0.3 mile walk over well maintained logging roads; maybe even a drive up to within 20 meters. Woefully wrong, significantly over confident, hopelessly unprepared. As we crashed through dense brush B4Work, who is most experienced in the wilderness remarked this is good aligator country. The way was bared by dense vegetation, murky swamps, flooded marsh, and tank trap like water-filled ditches reminiscent of castle motes. Probable easy approach from about 2 miles south was bared by a locked gate and no trespassing signs.

Lessons learned: Do lots more homework Arrive early and scout the approach more thoroughly Bring boots at least to the knee for swamp penetration Swamps are more successfully navigated after a dry spell.

We'll be back.