Sandra Friend is a freelance writer and photographer whose work has appeared in "Blue Ridge Country, Appalachian Trailway News, Florida Hiker", and "Backpacker". She participates in the Florida Trail Association as an activity leader, a trail maintainer, and a volunteer with organization publications. She is also the author of "Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in Central Florida; Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in North Florida; Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in South Florida; Florida in the Civil War: A State in Turmoil", and "Sinkholes". She lives in Ocala, Florida.