October/November 2001

Join us for car camping at Juniper Springs on Friday night, then canoeing the Juniper Springs Run Saturday morning. Participants can join either or both activities, but must make own arrangements for camping and canoe. Juniper Springs does not take reservations and the gates close at 8 PM, so participants must arrive before then to secure a campsite. Mention you are with the WT group upon check-in and look for a sign on the bulletin board for location of leaders. The run is about 7 miles long, narrow and winding in spots, but always with the current. Canoe rentals include shuttle. There is a charge for the shuttle if you have your own canoe. Limit 15 boats. Reservations required. Event hosts: Lynn VanHorne lvh@mpinet.net and Kurth Chin Fatt 407-331-8609. Co-Host Herb Huddleston.

Come mountain bike this trail near New Smyrna Beach. It takes you to high overlooks of Spruce Creek and it’s tidal waters. We’ll ride along a swampy spot with lush vegetation and meander through hilly oaks and pine. Helmets are mandatory. Reservations required. Members and their invited guests, only. Event hosts: Mary Ellen Bell (904) 761-7418 or bellme@cts.db.erau.edu

Meet us at Publix on Sand Hill Road at 7:30 AM or at Alafia River Canoe Rentals @ 813/689-8645 (Call them for Canoe rentals and directions, if you are going to meet us there). The Alafia seems like you are in a remote area, but you are only about an hour from downtown Tampa. You are likely to see an abundance of wildlife including wading birds, turtles, raccoons and an occasional alligator – so be sure and bring your camera. Depending on the water level we may experience a few easy rapids or shoals. Paddling this often narrow and twisty river is fun for the beginner or experienced paddler. BEGINNERS ARE WELCOME. No limit or restriction, but please email neillbeavers@earthlink.net or call 407-834-9708 for reservations and more information. Event Host: Neill Beavers.

This is a 9-mile loop that will take us westerly on Haw Creek (SW of Bunnell) for 3.5 miles to Dead Lake. We’ll head north on the lake for 1.5 miles to Bull Creek Fish Camp. There’s no place to get out of the boats along the way for lunch so we’ll dine at the fish camp; ask your mom for lunch money! After lunch we’ll reverse our route. The creek is deep and wide, the banks are pristine Florida wilderness. Bring your camera for the duck weed section where it looks like we’re stuck on a lawn in our boats! The put-in is a new wilderness park with a mile-long boardwalk in the woods with creek overlooks that you’ll want to meander down after your paddle. Members only, limited to 12 boats. Directions to confirmed participants. Event Hosts: Bob & Lorraine Sullivan (386) 734-9513 or Sullivans@cfl.rr.com

Exploratory paddle of the Econ River from Snowhill Bridge in Chuluota to Rte 46 in Geneva. Meet at the southwest side of the bridge, just south of the new Little Big Econ State Forest Headquarters on Snowhill Road. We'll arrange our own shuttle. This will be an exploratory paddle to check out various branches we will and probably make a few wrong turns as we wind our way toward the takeout. I have no idea how long it will take. Plan to be on the water most of the day. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Beware: jet skis and motor boats also frequent these waters. Directions: from Oviedo take 419 to the Snowhill Road bypass just before Chuluota. Pass the Econ forest bike/hike trail on the left and parking area is to the right just before you cross the bridge. Experienced paddlers only - limit 12 boats. Event Host: Judy Campbell Judyreads@aol.com

This will be a 6+ mile tour of the old logging canals that connect the Hontoon Dead River and the St. Johns River. It will be a leisure paddle with no tight turns or obstacles, however, there will be some open water and wind could be a factor. We will stop for lunch afterward, in the park, where you may wish to paddle up Blue Springs Run, or stroll up the boardwalks to the boil, or swim in the cool crystal clear water. Limited to 12 boats. Directions: Take I-4 to Exit 53CB, Orange City. Go west on Saxon Blvd to Routes 17/92. Turn right and go 2.8 miles to E. French Ave. Go left 2.1 miles to Blue Springs State Park. Entrance Fee $2 for a one occupant vehicle, $4 for 2-8 occupants. No reservations required. Event Host: Larry Blundell larry.b.blundell@lmco.com or 407 381 4969

This river is fairly swift and small shoals are exposed in lower water. The river starts at Alderman Ford County Park. Large oak, cypress and cedar trees line the banks. We will get an early start in order to shuttle our cars to our take out point at Lithia Springs Park. There is a small park entrance fee. Lunch will be on the banks of the river. Paddling will take an estimated 4 hours on the 12 mile run. Canoe rentals are available from Alafia River Canoe Rentals. You may contact them at 813-689-8645. Directions will be provided upon reservations. Reservations required. Members only, limit 15 boats. Event host: Kim Joiner kimjoiner@aol.com.

This will be about a 7+ mile downhill paddle from High Banks Rd. to Stark’s Landing. Setting up a short shuttle should allow us to get on the water between 9 and 9:30 AM. We will avoid most of the St. Johns River by traveling the scenic backside of Goat Island, usually a good wildlife viewing area, and then through the old logging canals and the Hontoon Dead River. A stop for lunch at Blue Springs State Park will also allow time to explore the park, paddle up the run and/or swim in the clear spring water. Directions: From I-4, exit 53, go west on Enterprise Rd. about 2 mi.to US Rts.17 and 92, in DeBary. Turn north and go about 2 mi. to High Banks Rd. Turn west and go 3 mi. to the boat ramp. DeLorme Gazetteer p. 80. No reservations required, but a response will allow me to send an update if needed. Members and their invited guest only. Event Host: Chuck Russakov, russakov@mpinet.net.

Halloween Paddle and Pumpkin Carving Party at Rock Springs! Meet at 9am sharp with your pumpkin and your carving knife, costumes optional. Bring your lunch and a Halloween treat to share for the river. After lunch we will carve pumpkins! Then we will strap the pumpkins to the boats and finish the paddle. Don't forget to fall back, it is daylight savings time! Directions available upon request. Reservations Required. Event Host: Liz Rice lizriceymca@aol.com and Co-Host: Kim Joiner kimjoiner@aol.com.

We will meet at the County. Rd. 445 bridge. That's off Hwy 19 out of Umatilla. Delorme pg. 73 D-3. The bridge is east of the Alexander Springs park entrance. We will unload our boats and shuttle the vehicles to the parking lot at the take out. Warning - the shuttle is on dirt forest roads. We will drive slow and your vehicle will get dusty but it is worth it. The paddle will start at the bridge and we shall paddle up stream to the spring, then reverse and paddle down to the take out. The upper portion of the run is open and as we get down the run we will paddle through some vegetation. Bring usual, lunch, sun screen insect repellent. Camping is available at Alexander Springs Campground first come basis. Let me know if you plan to attend so I can send you irrelevant information as we get close to the date. Event Host: Peter Blichfeldt pblichfeldt@hotmail.com

This 4 mile wilderness hike is in the center of Seminole County at the Environmental Center. Follow a shaded path alongside a stream, walk on a boardwalk out to Lake Jessup and experience the Saturday morning routine of the leaders. May be muddy. No reservations needed. Meet at the east end of Soldiers Field Soccer Park on 419 which intersects with 434 on one end and 17-92 on the other. Event Hosts: Lynn VanHorne lvh@mpinet.net and Kurth Chin Fatt 407-331-8609.

Come mountain bike this trail near New Smyrna Beach. It takes you to high overlooks of Spruce Creek and it’s tidal waters. We’ll ride along a swampy spot with lush vegetation and meander through hilly oaks and pine. Helmets are mandatory. Reservations required. Members and their invited guests, only. Event host: Mary Ellen Bell (904) 761-7418 or bellme@cts.db.erau.edu

Thanks to its diverse range of habitats, coastal location and semi-tropical climate, the refuge is home to 21 endangered species. The impressive bird list identifies 330 species sighted on the refuge. Obtain a copy of the bird check-list available at the Visitors Center. A 6 mile Black Point Wildlife Drive with many stops and a 0.5 mile loop path, named after wildlife photographer and naturalist Allan D. Cruickshank, are on the itinerary. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival in Titusville. Directions: I-95 to Hwy 406 (Exit 80). Head east on 406 across the causeway. Meet at the NWR Visitor Center on the right side of the road. Reservations not required. Event Hosts: Mary Kelsh, 407-628-4908 and Mary Anne Freyer.

Join your fellow Trekkers at River Forest Group Camp in the Ocala National Forest, west of DeLand on SR44 just over the St. Johns River, for the 6th Annual Gathering. This property is wooded, spacious and offers both primitive sites as well as RV spaces (sorry, no hook ups), and it is centrally located for easy access. Driving directions will be posted on the WT Website. A weekend of camping, socializing and outdoor activities, programs and educational sessions to enhance your wilderness knowledge and skills are on the agenda. Topics are included for beginning and advanced Trekkers. A preliminary program topic listing as well as the registration form is included in this newsletter. Space is limited to the first 100 paid registrants. Fill out the registration form in this issue and send it in early! For further information or additional registration forms visit the WT Website or contact Pat DeSalvo, Events Director, desalvop@n-jcenter.com, or at 386-736-3550.

Meet at Hidden River RV Park on SR 50 @ 407-568-5346 8645 (Call them for Canoe rentals and directions, if you are going to meet us there). Close to downtown Orlando, this river is fed by rainfall. We will try to paddle the section of the river from SR 50 to HWY 419. The Econ is twisty, full of wildlife and we are likely to encounter several carryovers. The ecology of the river is fragile and is threatened by development that its beauty attracts. BEGINNERS ARE WELCOME—but note that you need to be reasonably fit if we encounter carryovers. No limit or restriction, but please email neillbeavers@earthlink.net or call 407-834-9708 for reservations and more information. Event Host: Neill Beavers.

The scenic Bulow Woods Trail runs north from Bulow Creek State Park to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic Site. White-tailed deer, barred owls, and raccoon are often seen amid lush stands of live oak, hardwood swamp, and salt marsh. We'll begin our 7-mile hike at the Park, arriving at the Plantation Ruins in about 4 hours, and then take some time to explore the ruins and interpretive center. We will arrange our own car shuttle back to the trailhead. Parking at the Plantation Ruins is $2/vehicle. Directions: Take I-4 north from Orlando about 45 miles to I-95, then north 17 miles to exit 90 (Old Dixie Hwy). Turn right (east) and follow road about 2 miles to Park entrance on left. NOTE – look for the Wilderness Trekkers sign! Members and their invited guest only – no reservations required. There is camping available nearby at Tomoka State Park (904-676-4050). Event Host: Larry Reed paddleFL@aol.com .

Join other Trekkers and me in spending the Thanksgiving Weekend on one of the most scenic rivers in the state. We will meet at the Twin Rivers Outfitters (850) 929-2200 just East of Pinetta, Fl. on Highway 150 by Thursday PM. I will be working a choice of eating out for Thanksgiving dinner, or having it cooked by the outfitter/lodge. Tenting is available. We will start our journey near or above the Florida State/Georgia line and spend two nights camping along this hard rock bottom river that has an abundance of springs along the way. We will end up at the Suwannee River State Park on Sunday. The outfitter will follow our vehicles to the Suwannee River State Park before we start so they will be at the park when we end our journey. This will be primitive camping along the river, and you will need to bring your own food and water. The water level should be rather high in late November. I will be fine tuning this trip as it gets closer. Limited to the first 12 members only. Event Host: Lee Simmons – leedeland@hotmail.com or (386) 943-8745.

Join us for a weekend paddling Fisheating Creek, the only remaining pristine creek feeding Lake Okeechobee. We'll paddle in a beautiful cypress forest through lakes and marshes connected by a winding creek. We will car camp Friday and Saturday nights in an oak hammock along the creek. Bring food, water, and firewood. Saturday we will paddle upstream from camp and return back to camp after lunch. Sunday we'll paddle downstream and back to camp. Distance will depend on conditions. Directions: Fisheating Creek is located 26 miles south of Lake Placid in Glades County and is 125 miles from Orlando. From Orlando take I-4 west to U.S. 27 south. Go 97 miles south on U.S. 27. The entrance to Fisheating Creek will be on your right as you pass through the tiny town of Palmdale. We will meet at the Fisheating Creek Campground. Reservations required by 11/27/2001, limited to 20 people. Event Hosts: Steve Rodney srodney@stanfordalumni.org 954-474-6687 and Rebecca Bolduc dbapts@bellsouth.net

Come mountain bike this trail near New Smyrna Beach. It takes you to high overlooks of Spruce Creek and it’s tidal waters. We’ll ride along a swampy spot with lush vegetation and meander through hilly oaks and pine. Helmets are mandatory. Reservations required. Members and their invited guests, only. Event Host: Mary Ellen Bell (904) 761-7418 or bellme@cts.db.erau.edu

Brickyard Slough, Lake Monroe Conservation Area. 2:00 easy Hike under 2 miles to the St. John's River and primitive camp under old oaks right next to the water. Limit of 8 tents. Reservations required by November 17. Directions and information will be sent. Event Hosts: Lynn VanHorne lvh@mpinet.net and Kurth Chin Fatt 407-331-8609.

The Disney Preserve is a revitalization project established in 1992 with an initial purchase of 8,500 acres. More than 7 miles of hiking and interactive trails are laid out on about 700 acres of the 12,000 acre property. There is an admission fee of $2.00. There are two cypress shaded picnic tables for lunch. Directions: From I-4 take Hwy 192 exit and go east, toward Kissimmee. Turn right (south) on Poinciana Boulevard. and go to the end of the road (approximately 12 miles). Turn right on Pleasant Hill Road. The Preserve will be on the left, about 2 miles. Reservations not required. Event Hosts: Mary Kelsh, 407-628-4908 and Mary Anne Freyer.