It’s been a minute but we’re back with not one, not two, but THREE locals to know in our LTK series. Kevin, Tiffany, and Dave Aka “Downwind, Swamp Witch, and Wisdom Dave” make up The Great Outdorks, a fun local account to follow on Instagram that’ll get you pumped on traversing our great outdoors.
The band of misfits are long-time friends who decided to start hiking during the pandemic. Their amazing captures coupled with their humorous takes on hiking caught my attention and I figured they’d grab yours too.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
First things first, are you long-time Orlandoans? We were all born out of state, but have been in Orlando long enough to remember Rosie O’Grady’s, Mystery funhouse and Terror on Church St.
Tell us about your work in Orlando. Your day job and any volunteer work, too.
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- Dave: I run the art glass studio that supplies all the Disney theme parks worldwide.
- Kevin: I am a movie prop photographer/archivist.
- Tiff: I am a legal secretary for a law firm.
You each can pick a favorite local outdoor experience. What is it? What’re we doing? Who’s going with ya?
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- Dave: Taking a pontoon boat out on the Butler Chain of Lakes (with anybody but these two haha) with a BBQ & good music.
- Kevin: Navigating the Ninja Warrior-like abandoned boardwalk with The Dorks at Mead Gardens (and probably ruining my shoes in the process).
- Tiff: Hiking out in Orlando Wetlands, followed by a visit to Fort Christmas. (Bonus: if I see any horses on the drive over, I will stop and say hello.)
What is one Orlando wildlife/outdoor hot topic that you think people need to be paying more attention to? Stop trashing the trails! Pack your junk up, and take it back out. We are sick of finding garbage out in the woods during our hikes.
Tell us any unpopular opinions about experiencing the great outdoors Central Florida has to offer. You don’t need to get up early to hike, and you can absolutely hike during the summer. There is no “hiking season” in Florida. Trust us. We are lazy, and we do this every week.
You’re moving. What is your “last hike” in the area? This is technically not in the “area,” but Circle B Reserve in Lakeland. Amazing spot for wildlife viewing.
Your calendar opens up and you get one hike/bike ride/experience with an Orlandoan of your choice. Who’s it going to be? Why? And where are you taking them?
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- Dave: John Morgan. I’ll take him on the Orlando Urban Trail, but we will probably wind up at Wally’s.
- Kevin: Brewery hiking with DJ Magic Mike & DJ Icey.
- Tiff: I’d love to go hiking with Anna Eskamani at Tibet-Butler Preserve and talk ways we can make Orlando greener.
You can change one thing about locals’ perceptions of the great outdoors. What’s it gonna be? That Florida hiking is boring. We have seen everything from caves, wild bison & horses, ancient trees, limestone formations, disappearing rivers & ghost towns.
❓ What’s a project you’re working on (big or small) and how can Pulptown readers help you with it? We are currently hiking our way through “Florida Hikes: 50 Hikes in Central Florida” list (we’re on # 30!), and we are always open to suggestions for new, interesting places to hike.
❓ Fill in the blank (specific to your time in Orlando): 100 years from now, we hope we’re remembered for… Being the Fleetwood Mac of hiking groups.
Know someone we should feature in our Locals to Know series? Slide into Katie’s DMs (or inbox) at katie@pulp.town, subject line: Feature this local to know.