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2/1 – 2/3
Fri – Sun
Leisure
Osceola County
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Prairie Lakes Camping and Hiking
Weekend camping and hiking trip at Prairie Lakes, south of St. Cloud.
This trip combines the solitude of backpacking with the ease of day hiking
because the camp site, Parker Hammock, is scenic but very close to the
parking lot and is near the junction of two 5.5-mile loop trails. One
trail will be hiked Saturday and one Sunday. Pot luck Saturday night. Meet
anytime Friday night, or 9:00 AM on Saturday. Contact host for times and
directions. Event host: Chuck Noe, writenow40@hotmail.com (preferred) or
561-588-7457. |
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2/2
Saturday
8:30 AM
Strenuous
Volusia County
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Spruce Creek Trail Ride
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 |
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2/9
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Marion County
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Farles Lake to Juniper Springs Hike
A leisurely one-way 8-mile hike along a section of the Florida Trail
from Farles Lake north to Juniper Springs, traversing pine and hardwood
forests. There is a section of marshland we’ll cross via boardwalk. The
U.S. Naval Bombing Range is to our west (haven’t lost any hikers to
bombs yet). We’ll stop along the way for lunch, so bring one. Don’t
forget your water, sunscreen, insect repellent, whistle, and compass for
those who enjoy Bob’s navigation lessons. We like to stop and take
pictures, gawk at flowers, orient ourselves to the map, so if you’re
into race-hiking this isn’t the one for you. We’ll meet in the Juniper
Springs parking lot ($3 per person entrance fee) and drive down to Farles
Lake in some of the cars. Juniper Springs is 5 miles west of SR 19 on SR
40. Contact Bob & Lorraine Sullivan to confirm so we know whom to
expect. 386 734-9513 or Sullivans@cfl.rr.com |
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2/9
Saturday
9:00 AM
Moderate
Martin/Palm Beach County
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Loxahatchee River Paddle
Paddle the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River, a pristine waterway
meandering 8 miles. For the first half of the trip we will paddle the most
unique waterway in Florida, under a heavy canopy of native growth. Bring
lunch we will stop at Trapper Nelson’s museum and eat our lunch before
proceeding on the second half of the trip, which is open savanna. We will
run our own shuttle. Camping is available at the take out Jonathan
Dickinson State Park (561) 546-2771. Delorme pg. 103. Let me know if you
are coming in case they have another drought and the developers draw off
all the water again. Host: Peter Blichfeldt pblichfeldt@hotmail.com |
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2/14
Thursday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Brevard County
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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Hike.
Enjoy the migrating birds at the Refuge which is home to 21 endangered
species. Choose between a 6-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive with many
stops or a 5-mile loop hike named after wildlife photographer and
naturalist Allan D. Cruickshank. Please call if you are going to meet us
at the Visitor Center. Directions: I-95 to Hwy 406 (Exit 80); head east on
406 across the causeway; meet at the Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on the
right side of the road. Event hosts: Mary Kelsh, 407-628-4908 and Mary
Anne Freyer. |
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2/16-2/17
Sat-Sun
10:00 AM
Moderate
Seminole County
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Seminole Forest Overnight Backpacking Trip - Trailwalker Trail -
Sulphur Island
We will meet at 10 AM at the south entrance on Hwy 46 which is just
past the Wekiva bridge going west from
I-4 or just past the bear bridge going east to I-4. It's about 10 miles
west of I-4. We will carpool to the north entrance where we will hike in 2
miles and set up our tents. Then we will explore the Shark's Tooth Spring
and hike some surrounding trails. Supper and campfire will be in the dark
so bring some stories to share. S’mores will be provided. The next
morning we will hike 6 miles to the south entrance. Bring $2 for the Iron
Maiden. Primitive Camping. Beginners are welcome. Please make reservations
by February 14. Event hosts: Lynn VanHorne LVH@mpinet.net and Kurth Chin
Fatt 407-331-8609 |
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2/16-17
Sat-Sun
8:00 AM
Leisure
Dade County
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Everglades National Park Camp/Canoe/Hike
Camping Saturday night at Long Pine Key; also, some who live far away
will wish to camp Friday night. (Park bureaucrats refused to rent me a
group camp site with more than two vehicles.) I'll lead paddling trips on
the canoe trails one day and hikes the other day. Also,
for off-road bicyclists, this is one of the few national parks that allows
bicycling on trails. Chuck Noe,
writenow40@hotmail.com (preferred) or 561-588-7457. |
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2/16
Saturday
8:30 AM
Leisure/Moderate
Volusia County
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Hontoon Dead River/Snake Creek Paddle
Join fellow Trekkers for a day paddle on the scenic Hontoon Dead River
and Snake Creek. This paddle will lead us to just South of Blue Springs
State Park where we can stop to eat lunch and check out the manatees. We
will then continue North on the St. Johns River to Lake Beresford, and
around the corner back to Hontoon Island State Park (the only State park
that is accessible by boat). The paddle will be approximately 8 miles and
could be easy to moderate, depending on the wind conditions. The park has
several canoes for rent at $3.00/hour or $20.00/day. Anyone that wants to
camp, can call the Florida State Park’s 800 number to make a
reservation. Hontoon Island State Park has 12 campsites, each containing a
picnic table, ground grill and access to a water faucet. Hontoon Island
State Park also offers 6 rustic cabins. Reservations are accepted through
ReserveAmerica at 1-800 326-3521 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) or 1-888-433-0287
(TDD) (For Hearing Disabled). Hontoon Island website is
www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/alpha.htm
The fee for Hontoon Island is $2.00 per car (up to 4 people). There should
be no fee to stop at Blue Springs from the river. Event Host: Lee Simmons
(386) 943-8745, or better by e-mail to leedeland@yahoo.com |
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2/23/02
Saturday
9:00 AM
Moderate
Lake/Seminole County
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Seminole State Forest Hike
We will hike the Florida Scenic Trail through the Seminole State Forest
from the South entrance to the North entrance. This is about a 7 mile walk
that includes both heavily wooded and scrub areas. Signs of deer and bear
are usually evident here and we will walk through a colony of scrub jays.
There will be a lunch break at the bridge over Blackwater Creek. This trip
is for members and their invited guest. Reservations are not needed, but
an e-mail will allow me to notify you of any changes. The meeting place
will be the North entrance on SR 44. We will shuttle to the South entrance
and hike back. Directions: From I-4, exit 51, take SR 46 west about seven
and a half miles and veer right onto CR 46 A. When you get to SR 44 (
about five and a half miles) turn right and go about five miles to
Brantley Branch Rd. The entrance is on the right. Be prepared to pay the
iron ranger $2. DeLorme Gazetteer pp.80,79. Event host: Chuck Russakov,
russakov@mpinet.net |
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2/23
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure/Moderate
Seminole County
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Econ Paddle
Last Section-From Snow Hill Road to the St Johns River. Join us for
Part 3 of the Econ Saga (If you missed the first two, let me know and I’ll
tell you how to make it up.) The first part of the trip is an easy paddle
with high sandy banks and large oak trees. For the last part of the Econ,
you’ll see prairies, palm trees and cattle. We will then turn into the
St Johns for a short distance to the take out. This paddle is a distance
of 10 miles, although somehow it seems longer and at times tedious. Bring
plenty of water, a light lunch and sunscreen. No limit or restriction, but
please email or call so I can notify you of any changes. Event host: Neill
Beavers
neillbeavers@earthlink.net
or 407-834-9708 |
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3/1-3/3
Fri-Sun
6:00PM
Leisure
Seminole County
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Seminole State Forest Camp/Paddle/Hike
I have the Oaks Camp reserved for Friday night and Saturday night. I'll
lead a paddling trip on Blackwater Creek one day and hikes on one day.
Bicycling is also an option. Potluck dinner Saturday. Limit: 20 people.
Chuck Noe, writenow40@hotmail.com (preferred) or 561-588-7457. |
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3/2
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Seminole County
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New Member Coffee and Hike
Meet at 9:00 AM at Big Tree Park which is on General Hutchison Parkway,
1/2 mile off 17-92, 3 miles north of Hwy 434 in Seminole County or 2 miles
south of Lake Mary Blvd. This is a very small park so just look for our WT
T-shirts. We will share hot drinks, danish, and fruit and introduce new
members to board members. We will give a brief history of our organization
and answer questions. We will visit "The Senator" which is a
very large cypress tree. Then we will hike a short trail in nearby Spring
Hammock Environmental Center. While this is mainly for new members, all
are welcome for this leisurely walk. No reservations are required but a
head count is appreciated. Please email or call WT President, Lynn
VanHorne LVH@mpinet.net 407-331-8609 |
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3/2
Saturday
8:30 AM
Strenuous
Volusia County
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Spruce Creek Trail Ride
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 |
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3/9
Saturday
8:30 AM
Leisure to Moderate
Seminole County
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Wekiva River Paddle
From Wekiva River Marina to SR 46. Join us for a paddle along this less
paddled section of the Wekiva River. This section of the river is at time
a bit wider with a number of islands-maybe we will do a bit of exploring.
We will probably see an occasional alligator and lots of birds. Canoes can
be rented from the Wekiva River Marina, but you will have to transport
them back to the outfitter. We will run a shuttle. Overall distance looks
to be around eight miles. Bring plenty of water, a light lunch and
sunscreen. No limit or restriction, but please email or call so I can
notify you of any changes. Event host: Neill Beavers
neillbeavers@earthlink.net
407-834-9708 |
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3/16
Saturday
10:00 AM
Leisure
Seminole County
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TCO Front Porch Seminar
Join us for one of TCO’s outstanding Front Porch Seminars. These
seminars are always informative and provide a great forum for our members
to increase their knowledge and have a great time! The topic will be
posted on the WT web site as the date approaches. TCO is located at 101
East Hwy 436, Altamonte Springs, FL. Call for directions to the store
407-831-0777. |
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3/16
Saturday
8:30 AM
Moderate/Strenuous
Marion County
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Lower Ocklawaha Paddle
We will paddle Ocklawaha River from Hwy. 19 to the Rodman Dam round
trip. Put-in and take out at Hwy. 19. The put in is the first bridge north
of Salt Springs on Hwy 19. There is a large unpaved parking area. The trip
will be on the main river. There are several creeks that can be scouted.
There are many spots to get out and swim. The round trip is 12.4 miles. We
will eat lunch at the dam, there is a small park, boat ramp, picnic tables
and modern restrooms. The river is shaded early in the day except for the
last half-mile which is open and noisy. Near the dam there were some very
large black objects jumping from the water. I asked a fisherman what they
were and he told me that they are a fish called a SHAD. He told me they
eat the other fish but people do not eat them. On weekends there will be
powerboat traffic. Camping available at Salt Springs Ocala National Forest
(352) 685-2048. Delorme pg. 73. Let me know if you are coming so I can get
some email. Event host: Peter Blichfeldt pblichfeldt@hotmail.com |
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3/17
Sunday
8:00AM
Moderate
Orange County
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Hal Scott Preserve Off-Road Biking
A relaxing morning in this preserve will be our adventure. This area is
owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District and is mostly flat,
open, dry upland pine/palmetto scrub with double-track trails for a
variety of outdoor activities. Bring plenty of water, we will ride ‘till
about noon. Helmets are mandatory, Reservations required, open to members
and guests. Call for reservations, directions and meeting location. Event
host: Eric Kendrick 407-445-0603 or eric.kendrick@jacobs.com |
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3/28
Thursday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Marion County
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Land Bridge at Cross Florida Greenway Hike
The Cross Florida Greenway occupies much of the land formerly known as
the Cross Florida Barge Canal. Florida's first Land Bridge, a landscaped
overpass that connects the east and west sides of the Greenway, allows
trail users and wildlife to safely cross I-75. We will hike 4-5 miles of
the trail. Please call if you are going to meet us at the trailhead.
Directions: Rte. 441 north to Belleview; west on Rte 484 toward I-75;
right or north on Rte 475A to new parking area and restroom facilities
north of the existing Land Bridge parking. Event hosts: Mary Kelsh,
407-628-4908 and Mary Anne Freyer. |
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3/30
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure/Moderate
Volusia County
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Mosquito Lagoon Paddle
The trip will start at 9:00 a.m. somewhere off US 1 between Oak Hill
and Edgewater and paddle through the islands of Mosquito Lagoon to visit
Turtle Mound located on the Canaveral National Seashore. Depending on the
distance, the trip may also stop at El Dora an old community dating from
the early 1900s, abandoned and now recently restored. Lunch will be at
JB's Fish camp in New Smyrna Beach, a very famous local watering hole,
followed by a route back through the islands to the takeout spot. The trip
is rated moderate but at this time of year, there can be some north wind
and a good part of the trip will be paddling into it. There is no
restriction on the number of people and those canoe things are welcome.
Please make reservations so we can notify you of the exact put in and
possible changes. Event hosts: Stan Driscoll
StanDrscl@aol.com
(preferred) 386-677-4353; Lou Bonnell
BnnAvnjn@hotmail.com
386-441-1468 and Neill Beavers
neillbeavers@earthlink.net
407-834-9708. |
June 1 to 5
Saturday to Wednesday
Leisure to moderate
North Georgia
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Camp and
Hike Vogel State Park in North Georgia
Join Kurth and Lynn on a camping and
hiking trip to Vogel State Park in north Georgia. All participants
must make their own reservation by calling 1-800-864-PARK and request a
walk- in or a car camping site. The walk-in sites are 25 to 200
feet up a steep hill from the parking area but close to bathrooms and
hot showers.
Reservations for the walk-in sites are
$10 and the first night is nonrefundable. There are
18 walk-in sites and many more car camping sites, but all
fill up fast so plan to call early for your reservation.
All sites are level and have a fire ring and picnic table. Vogel
has a camp store, porch swings around a lake, a swimming area and
evening entertainment. This is civilized camping! We will
gather at the walk-in sites for planned activities - but participants
will be mailed maps and a list of events which includes day hikes on the
AT, hikes to waterfalls, streams, etc. so they can plan activities on
their own.
Reservations required. To register
send a SASE to Lynn VanHorne, 710 Georgia Ave., Longwood, FL 32750 and
state if carpooling is desired and if you are willing to share a site,
if needed. I will try to match up people. Members only. Deadline
is May 18, or earlier, if there are no more spots open. Lynn
VanHorne and Kurth Chin Fatt LVH@mpinet.net
407-331-8609.
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