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Florida O.A.T.S.

Florida O.A.T.S.

Outdoor heritage, Florida waterways, the backcountry kitchen, and stories worth passing on. Learn. Preserve. Share.

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  • Journal & Storiesread my thoughts on several Florida things from the water to the palmetto and pine woods
  • Heritage & the Old WaysWhere the canoe builder, camp cook, Sea Scout skipper, wilderness medic, recipe keeper actually live — profiles, oral histories, interviews on applying Bushcraft, Scouting, oral stories, camp traditions, old Florida culture, and conservation history
  • Florida WatersExplore Florida’s rivers, coastal waterways, forgotten passages, and maritime heritage. Discover the people, traditions, and historical journeys that shaped life along the Sunshine State’s waters.
  • Backcountry KitchenDiscover traditional campfire cooking, Dutch oven recipes, cast iron techniques, and the stories behind outdoor meals. Explore culinary heritage, time tested equipment, family traditions, and the wisdom shared around the fire.
  • Outdoor ReflectionsPersonal essays exploring fatherhood, family, faith, philosophy, and the deeper meaning of outdoor life. Discover reflections on adventure, solitude, gratitude, stewardship, and the wisdom gained through time spent in nature.
  • Self Reliance & StewardshipExplore traditional wilderness skills, outdoor safety, emergency preparedness, and responsible adventure. Learn how sound judgment, practical knowledge, conservation, and Leave No Trace principles help us care for ourselves, others, and the natural places entrusted to future generations.
  • About the AuthorMeet Jeffrey Fabiszewski, outdoor writer, expedition paddler, educator, and founder of FloridaOATS. Discover how his experiences in Scouting, Florida’s waterways, family adventures, history, and philosophy inspire his mission to preserve traditional outdoor knowledge for future generations.
  • Contribute a StoryHelp preserve Florida’s outdoor heritage by sharing personal stories, traditional skills, family memories, and local history. Nominate a waterman, camp cook, Scout leader, craftsman, or community elder whose experiences and knowledge deserve to be remembered and passed to future generations.
  • Paddling LessonsLearn practical sea kayaking skills with Liquid Rhythm Kayaking. Explore group classes, private lessons, Greenland paddling, rescue techniques, and expedition training on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Author: Jeff Fabiszewski

a motivated outdoor professional inspiring others to be conservation mindful by way of history
Outdoor Reflections

It is ok to say no

24 Mar 202214 Oct 2026
It's ok to say no when you feel like a situation is not safe.  This goes for guides, owners, employees, customers, family, parents, children, and on an outing with friends.…
Heritage & the Old Ways

🔦Camp Lights

7 Jan 202214 Oct 2026
Candle light It is challenging to pick my favorite camp light. Candle, battery, solar, iso-butane fuel, oil burning, wood, there are so many choices to brighten up the campsite.My oldest…
Heritage & the Old Ways…

👨‍👩‍👦Perspective of an Outdoor Dad

10 Dec 202114 Oct 2026
The Crossroads Between Adventure and FamilyOriginally published May 11, 2013. Revisited as a reflection on parenthood and the outdoors.There are moments when the pull of the next expedition competes with…
Outdoor Reflections

🎦Halloween Survival Thriller Movies

28 Oct 202114 Oct 2026
🎃 Halloween fun. If you cannot get on the water this weekend for a moonlit paddle or venture into the woods 🍂 🍁 to curl up around a campfire 🔥…
The Backcountry Kitchen

🍩Dutch Oven Apple Fritters

26 Oct 202114 Oct 2026
A Sweet Tradition Around the CampfireApple fritters have a way of bringing everyone closer to the fire. The sound of dough meeting hot oil, the scent of cinnamon, and the…
The Backcountry Kitchen

🍗Dutch oven Chicken Fajitas

25 Oct 202114 Oct 2026
Chicken Fajitas are a tasty and fun item to cook around the fire with a part of your Dutch Oven. Most Lodge Dutch Oven lids have a Concave means "hollowed…
The Backcountry Kitchen

🍪Peanut butter Smore Cookie

15 Oct 202114 Oct 2026
In the evening around the campfire many of us start to crave a sweet treat. Lately I have enjoyed experimenting with a stove top hot sandwich cooker (mountain/campfire pie iron,…
Heritage & the Old Ways…

🔥A Stove for every generation

13 Oct 202114 Oct 2026
The Stove My Son WantedI bought my Snow Peak GigaPower stove in 1999. It traveled with me on kayak expeditions, long hikes, mountain bike camping trips, and climbing adventures. It…
Florida Waters & Forgotten Places

🥾Hiking on water

12 Sep 202114 Oct 2026
Brooker Creek Preserve 2021 September, Pine Flatwoods The beauty of the Brooker Creek Preserve is in a few hours a person can experience four unique Ecosystems. Most of us with…
The Backcountry Kitchen

🥪Fresh hot sandwiches

20 Aug 202114 Oct 2026
Fresh hot sandwiches with a crispy edge are easy to make on a campout.  I grew up in scouts around the campfire with long handle pie irons, laughing, and enjoying…

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Florida Trail

The Florida Trail is calling you

Posts On:

  • Florida Waters & Forgotten Places
  • Heritage & the Old Ways
  • Outdoor Reflections
  • Self Reliance & Stewardship
  • The Backcountry Kitchen

Often I am asked “why take a class” when retailers, people, and electronic media give information away for free. There is a lot of misleading, bias, and misinformation that can confuse and cause harm. A class allows for guided discovery and opportunity to practice skills without causing damage or harm to oneself.

My goal is to share the love and knowledge of the outdoors with others. I focus on you. Information can be lost in large groups and often there are questions left unanswered. Having a personal understanding of our local and unique parts of Florida enables me to customize a class to a student’s needs.

I can use the knowledge, training, and certifications I earned, and the school of hard knocks to enhance a fun learning environment for the new and experienced student. Being outside is a dream, passion, and means of relaxation for all.

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