Saturday
11/20
9:30 AM
Leisure
Brevard
|
Merritt Island
National Wildlife Refuge Day Hike.
MINWR is one of the top birding sites in
the South. Many migratory waterfowl species winter at the Refuge, in
addition to the many who call it home. The Refuge offers nature walks,
light hiking, biking and nature photography. We’ll hike the 5-mile
Cruickshank Trail, named in honor of the famous wildlife photographer and
naturalist who was instrumental in establishing the Refuge. After a
pause at the observation tower, we’ll continue around the loop and explore
the marsh habitat. Directions: Beeline or Hwy 50 east to
I-95, then north 4-miles from Hwy 50 to SR 406 (Garden St.). Take SR 406
east 5 miles into Refuge, then bear left to Black Point Wildlife Drive.
Trailhead parking is 3 miles along the Drive.
Trekkers and invited guests. Contact
Host for additional information.
Event Host: Yvonne and Brian Baldwin,
ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com (preferred) or 386-428-7058. |
Sunday
11/21
9 AM
Leisure/Moderate
Brevard
|
Turkey Creek Paddle
– We will paddle Turkey Creek,
just south of Melbourne. It’s an easy trip up stream against a very mild
current, about 4 hours round trip with a possible stop at an
interpretive center along the way. Last time we saw manatees with any
luck we’ll do the same. Limit 12 boats. For reservations contact Event
Host: Peter Jarvis: (407 657 9548) or email (preferred)
bandp2@adelphia.net
|
11/28
Sunday
8:15 AM
Moderate
Seminole
|
Wekiwa Springs State Park Hike. - Meet at Sand
Lake parking lot by 8:15 am for a morning hike, about 5-6 miles through
different ecosystems. Deer and bear as well as other small animals inhabit
the park. Once we saw a jaguarondi on the trail. Bring snack and water.
Entrance fee. No reservations needed. Host Erica Johnson, 407/327-4044 or
paddlepuff@earthlink.net
|
12/4
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
|
Daubenmire Trail Hike & Paddle.
Join me for this
easy 4.5 mile loop located in the
Flat Island Preserve in Leesburg.This
property safeguards an impressive and relatively undisturbed natural
area consisting of marshes, hardwood swamps, and upland hardwood
hammocks. We will hike the 4 1/2 miles of foot trails that now provide
public access throughout the property. I have requested to use three
canoes for 6 people to paddle to Magnolia Island. It is
accessible only by boat via the canal system from the Flat Island
Boardwalk. Canoes are provided by the park with a permit. Must make
reservations to Mabel Magarinos
magarim@ocps.net or 407-251-7546. For directions check
Flat Island Preserve
|
12/4
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Brevard
|
Merritt Island's Ulumay Wildlife Refuge Paddle -Join
us for a fun paddle along a series of winding trails through a scenic
mangrove estuary. Home to numerous waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors this
time of year – the 3-hour trip covers half the perimeter of the refuge and
return. No carry-overs; basic paddling skills a must. Reservations required
members and guests only. Host: Larry Reed
Godsgr82me@access4less.net
|
12/5
Sunday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Hernando
|
Weeki Wachee River Paddle - Join me for an after
Thanksgiving weekend paddle. This will be a liesure paddle and if we are
lucky we may see a manatee along with other wildlife. We will have a break
along the way, so bring a snack or lunch. There is a $5.00 launch fee,
however if everyone will bring me $3.00 dollars the canoe rental stated if I
coordinate it all they will give each a $2.00 discount. If you need to rent
a canoe or kayak, for more details on this paddle or directions go to
www.floridacanoe.com. Be there at
9:30am sharp to unload and shuttle! Host: Kim Joiner. Please email me at
kim.joiner@usis-tpa.com
for reservations. Members only. |
12/11
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Seminole
|
Little-Big Econ Hike. Join us for this lovely,
shaded hike. We'll hike and have lunch on the river banks of the Econ River
before heading back. This is a 5.0 mile trail. Directions to trailhead: In
Oviedo, turn left off CR 419 (also called Broadway) onto CR 426; go 3.3
miles, turn right onto Barr St. Trailhead parking immediately on your left.
Event Host: Lynn VanHorne and Kurth Chin Fatt
lynnv@oco.net or 407-331-8609. |
12/18
Saturday
5 PM
Leisure
Volusia
|
Trekker Holiday Potluck Party. Join us for our
annual Holiday Party at the home of Lee and Anita Simmons in DeLand. It is
casual and will be both indoors and outdoors. We’ll have dinner at 5:30.
We’re going POTLUCK this year so bring your favorite savory side dish or
main dish to share – contact the host for ideas! Also, bring your favorite
beverage. We’ll have food, fun and meet new members and renew friendships.
We’ll also have a Chinese auction gift exchange (the gift you open may be
taken from you by a subsequent person! It’s great fun!). Gifts may be old,
new, silly, or something "only a Trekker would love" ($15 or under limit
please). This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. RSVP by 12/12
to
Lee Simmons 386-846-8396 or
leedeland@yahoo.com (preferred)
MORE INFO |
12/19
Sunday
8 AM
Moderate
Lake/Seminole
|
Blackwater Creek/Wekiva River Paddle
- Blackwater Creek originates at Lake Norris and collects waters from Black
Water Swamp, Seminole Swamp and Seminole Creek on its way to the Wekiva
river. It doesn't get as much traffic as some of the other central Florida
waterways, and is a bit more pristine. It is primarily a rain fed creek, and
the complexion of the creek varies depending on water levels. It is a
meandering channel at low levels, but at high levels the waters spread
through the forest and the current can be difficult to discern. There will
be a few deadfalls to negotiate, and a small (30') portage may
be necessary if water levels are
low. Once we reach the Wekiva river, we will paddle upstream to Katie's
Landing. The total distance is about 8 miles and should take around 5 hours.
Bring a lunch and we'll eat along the way. We will meet at the entrance to
Seminole State Forest at 8:00 am and shuttle vehicles. Members and invited
guests only. Reservations required, please contact Event Host: Tony Owen
towen@finfrock.cc
(preferred) or 407-884-0570 |
12/28
Tuesday
8:30 AM
Moderate
Orange |
Hal Scott Preserve Hike - Meet at 8:30 am at the
entrance. In east Orange County, this a large tract of pine flatwoods and
prairies which has a buffer area along the upper Econ River. This will be an
exploratory hike of 5-6 miles as we’re not sure what shape the trails will
be in. Directions – From Orlando, East on SR 50 to SR 520; from 520, turn R
on Macon parkway, then L on Bancroft Blvd, R on Meredith Parkway, L on
Dallas Blvd. Go 1.6 miles and entrance is on the Right. Host Erica Johnson,
407/327-4044 or
paddlepuff@earthlink.net |
1/1
Saturday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Seminole
|
New Year's Day
Seminole Wekiva Trail Bike Ride –
We will meet at Panera's. Bakery located on Lake Mary Blvd., in Lake Mary
for a leisure bike ride to ring in the New Year! The ride will be 8+ miles
at a relaxed pace. Need Directions call Jerry Okeefe 407-767-2442 and e-mail
euph201@aol.com
|
1/2
Sunday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Seminole
|
Wekiva
Springs State Park Hike - Keep up that New Years' resolution.!
Hike!. We will meet inside the parking lot of the Wekiva Springs State Park,
located on Wekiva Springs Road In Seminole County. Good way to start the new
year off right with a nice hike thru a beautiful park and then Sunday Brunch
at SWEET TOMATOES on SR 436. Please let me know if you plan to have brunch
with us as I will have to let the restaurant know the # of reservations.
Parking fee is $3.00 at the park unless you have a yearly pass. Directions
call Jerry OKeefe at 407-767-2442 and e-mail
euph201@aol.com
|
1/8
Saturday
10:00am
Leisure
Orange
|
West Orange Trail Bike Ride – Join us for a
leisurely ride through mixed rural orange groves and homes to Oakland, then
on through the nature preserve and a planted xeriscape garden and a quick
view of Lake Apopka then on to Winter Garden, through the center of town
with landscaping and a road on either side of the trail, and head north
through some expensive developments and orange groves to another marsh
system with a second glimpse of Lake Apopka. Between 16 – 18 miles round
trip. All black top with some rolling hills and bridges. Meet at County Line
Station Trailhead on north side of Hwy 50. Take 408 West to exit 267B on the
Florida turnpike. Merge left to Winter Garden. Approx 1.2 miles west of the
interchange. Registration required. Event Host: Yvonne and Brian Baldwin
ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com or (386)
314-6510 |
1/14-17
Fri-Mon Moderate/Strenuous Collier
|
Everglades Paddle - We will be paddling Black
Water River through a mangrove forest. The Black Water River flows from the
park, allowing access to the Ten Thousand Islands and the Gulf of Mexico.
Other paddles will be in the Sandfly Island Trip and/or the Turner River
Trip, the scenery changes from pine and freshwater cypress forests, to open
prairie, to tropical saltwater cypress forests. It is important to have good
paddling skills and a sea or touring kayak (boats 14' or longer). Please contact me as soon as possible
if you plan to attend. Host: Mabel Magarinos
magarim@ocps.net or 407-251-7546.
More Info
on Message Center |
|
1/14-16
Fri-Sun
Leisure
Hillsborough
|
Hillsborough River
Paddle/Camp – Our base camp for
Friday and Saturday nights will be at the Hillsborough River State Park. On
Saturday we plan to paddle an 8-mile section of the beautiful Hillsborough
River from Sargeant Park to Trout Creek Park. Boats are available to rent at
Canoe Escape 813-986-2067. On Saturday night there will be a group dinner
around the campfire where everyone should bring his or her favorite dish to
share. Reservations are required limited to 12 boats, members and invited
guest only. Please make your camping reservation early, as this is a busy
time of year. Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or online at
www.reserveamerica.com. We plan to stay in the Rivers Edge Campground
section. Hosts: Dennis and Kim Gonzalez
dennisg@cfl.rr.com. |
1/16
Sunday
9AM
Leisure/Moderate Orange
|
West Orange Trail Bike Ride - Join me for a
leisurely ride on the West Orange Trail. We will start at the Clarcona
Horseman's Park and travel on the paved trail toward Winter Garden. This
portion of the trail goes through mainly rural areas of Orange County (come
see it while you can). There aren't many steep grades, but there are some
long gradual hills to deal with. We will stop at Chapin Station along the
way and take a look at the garden there before we continue on to Winter
Garden. Then we turn around and head back. Round trip distance is about 20
miles. Open to anyone. For information contact host Tony Owen
towen@finfrock.cc (preferred) or
407-884-0570 |
1/21-23
Fri – Sun
Moderate
Osceola
|
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Hike, Bike,
Camp. Join us for a tour of Florida’s natural cultural heritage that has
all but disappeared. In the heart of Florida’s grassland palmetto country,
it covers 75 sq mi of unaltered landscape on the east side of the Kissimmee
River near Okeechobee county. We’ll hike and bike many roads and trails
where we might spot endangered crested caracara, FL grasshopper sparrow and
Sandhill crane. Meet at the park Fri night or join us Saturday and join a
potluck BBQ and stargazing. Make your
camping reservations at
www.ReserveAmerica.com as early
as possible. Reservations required; open to members and non-members.
Contact host for further info. Event Host: Ken Booker 407-791-8378. |
|
1/22-23
Sat-Sun
Moderate
Highlands
|
Arbuckle Creek
Paddle/Camp - If you
haven't done this creek east of Avon Park and Sebring, you're in for a
treat. It's terrain varies quite a bit along its 28 or so mile
corridor: tree tunnels, pastures, high banks, etc. and we usually see lots
of birds, not to mention cows. Our Saturday night campsite on a curve in
the creek is one of the prettiest around. Friday night, we'll be up in the
Arbuckle Tract of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Linda Leeds,
lindamarie7@juno.com or 561-683-2851. |
|
1/29
Saturday
9:30am
Volusia
|
DeLeon Springs
Paddle – Come and enjoy a day at
DeLeon Springs State Park. We will paddle approx 4 or 5 miles. Park
Entrance fee is $3 per person or $5 per car. Rentals are available, but
advise that you call ahead and reserve. There are picnic tables and a great
swimming area at the springs if you want to stay at the park after the
paddle. DeLeon Springs is just off Hwy 17 just beyond the town of DeLeon
Springs. Members and invited guests. Limit of 12 boats. Reservations
requested. Hosts: Yvonne and Brian Baldwin
ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com or (386) 314-6510.
|
|
2/5
Saturday
10:00 am
Moderate/Strenuous
Marion
|
Santos
Bike Ride -
Just west of Ocala, this
portion of the Cross Florida Greenway is best known for mountain bike
trails. Over 30 miles of trails with three levels of difficulty are
available to accommodate beginners to experts. The Santos trailhead draws
riders from all over the state and country to experience what many call the
best bike trails in Florida. We will plan to bike the yellow trails
(beginner) though if there is desire and skill, others can bike the blue or
red trails. Helmets required. Directions – Turnpike north wildwood exit
and right 301. Turn left at 441/27. Go about 5 miles and watch for signs
for Santos Trailhead and turn left. Trailhead is on the left. Event host: Shelley Claudin,
shelley.claudin@cubic.com
|
|
2/5-6
Sat-Sun
Moderate
Volusia
|
Blue Springs State
Park Backpack - We will hike in
3 miles in the well known winter home for Florida's endangered species at
Blue Springs State Park in Orange City. These large mammals gather each
winter in the spring's 72 degree water. Paddlers are welcome to join us for
the night by paddling to the remote campsite. Take I-4 and exit #116 and
follow the brown state park signs. $5 entrance fee per car.
Hosts: Kurth Chin
Fatt and Lynn VanHorne
LynnV@oco.net or 407 331-8609
|
|
2/11-13
Fri –Sun
Leisure
Alachua
|
Paynes Prairie
Explorer Weekend - Join us for a
weekend of camping and sampling some outdoor adventure at Paynes Prairie
just south of Gainesville off I-75. We will camp for 2 nights taking time
for hiking in the park as well as biking 8-10 miles of the
Gainesville-Hawthorne Rail Trail, one of the prettiest in the state. We
also plan to try to take in one of the ranger walks or programs offered that
weekend. A potluck Saturday night will give us a chance to show off our
culinary skills. If camping please make reservations as early as possible
through www.floridastateparks.org
cost for camping is $15 a night. $4 per
car day use fee. Please feel free to e-mail or phone us with any questions.
Hosts: Liz and Bob Rood
rrood@cfl.rr.com or 321-724-4970 |
