4/3
Sat
2 PM
Leisure
Seminole
|
Trail ride and moonlight
paddle. A "bi-athalon"
sound interesting? Enjoy a flat 7 mile unpaved bike ride through the Audubon
Nature Trail in Sabal Point to the Little Wekiva River then return to the
host's condo for a pot luck dinner or order out pizza - to be decided by the
group. As the moon comes up, we'll slide our boats into Lake Brantley and
paddle its perimeter - about 4 miles. Limited to 12 boats/members only
(parking restrictions). Host: Judy Campbell 407-788-8919/ judyreads@earthlink.net
to make reservations and get details on directions
|
4/4
Sun
9:30 AM
Leisure
Seminole
|
Seminole Wekiva Trail Bike
Trail. Meet at Panera’s in Lake
Mary. We’ll do a nice easy 8 to 10 miler, great ride for new bike riders
and for people who want to greet the glorious warm weather. Brunch at
Panera's after the ride. Members and their guests invited. Event Host: Jerry
O'Keefe (H) 407-767-2442 and (C) 407-353-8099 or euph201@aol.com
|
4/10
Sat
9 AM
Leisure
Orange
|
Winter Park Bike and Hike.
We will meet at the Amtrak Rail Station on Park Ave and Morse Blvd to begin
our ride. If you come earlier, be sure to go to the Farmer's Market for
fresh pastry and coffee. We'll be there. We’ll take an 8 mile loop ride on
back roads around the lakes of Winter Park, stopping briefly at Kraft Azalea
Park. We will peruse (gawk at) the fine homes and landscaping. Our second
stop will be at Mead Gardens where we will lock our bikes and take a mile+
hike on the boardwalk and along a stream. When we return to our cars,
participants may go Brandywines, a popular deli with outside tables, for
lunch. Reservations appreciated. Lynn Van Horne lynnv@oco.net
or 407-331-8609
|
4/16-4/18
Fri - Sun
9:00 AM
Leis.- Moderate
Seminole/Lake
|
Seminole State Forest
Weekend. Come explore this 12,000+
acre section of the forest. Day hike some 21 miles of blazed trails,
backpack & camp on the south loop trail, paddle the pristine Blackwater
Creek or the nearby Wekiva or just relax and enjoy the camp area. We’ll
have exclusive use of the spacious, primitive Oak Camp area on Friday, Sat
& Sun. Stay one or both nights. Space limited by permit to a total of 24
campers. Members and an invited guest only. Reserve by sending a SASE to
Chuck Russakov, 306 Cambridge Dr., Longwood, FL 32779 received by March 10.
Gated area & camping fee is $3 per person per night, payable to the iron
ranger at the entrance. Instructions mailed immediately upon receipt of
SASE. Event Host: Chuck Russakov crussakov@cfl.rr.com
with questions.
|
4/24
Sat
9 AM
Moderate
Volusia
|
Tomoka Basin Paddle. Meet at
Bi-Centennial Park in Ormond-by-the Sea. Park near South-East Gazebo
overlooking the beach. We will do a short shuttle to the launch area. Cross
the Halifax River, cross the Tomoka Basin, and go up the Tomoka River to the
Addison Blockhouse. The blockhouse is a remnant of the Seminole Indian war.
It will take a short hike to get to. Lunch is at the Tomoka Park restaurant.
On return, we will hike back to our cars through wild Peninsula land. I have
seen Eagle, Dolphin, Manatee, Gator, Herron, Egret, Osprey, and lots of
other wildlife on this trip. Limited to 10 boats. Event Host Lou Bonnell, bnnavnjn@hotmail.com
or 386-441-1468.
|
4/24
Sat
9 AM
Leisure
Volusia
|
One Day Educational Offering.
Families/Beginners Welcome! Join others for a day of fun and learning at
beautiful DeLeon Springs State Park. At 9 a butterfly expert and
horticulturist will talk about plants needed to attract Florida butterflies
to your yard. A newly planted DeLeon Springs butterfly garden, using native
plants will be shown. From 10 - Noon paddle the beautiful DeLeon Springs Run
to Woodruff Wildlife Preserve. Climb the bird watch tower at the Preserve
before paddling back to the Springs to enjoy a potluck lunch in the Park.
Bring your favorite dish!! A firm reservation is required. Members and
non-members welcome, though members will have preference for
reservations. Rental canoes available from the State Park. Contact them to
reserve (386) 985-5644. $3 per person entrance fee to State Park. Event
host: Mary Kay Wareing mkwarein@mail.volusia.k12.fl.us
(preferred) or call 352-266-2321
|
5/1
Saturday
1—3 p.m.
Leisure
Orange
|
Spring Gathering and Ice Cream Social.
Join us for our annual spring event at beautiful Mayor Carl Langford Park in
downtown Orlando a shady oasis of mature oaks, wide sidewalks, green lawns,
birds, & butterflies. We’ll share ice cream and treats, hold our
annual club elections and visit with friends and new acquaintances. The
event will be indoors (air conditioned!!) and you can also explore the park.
Be sure to bring a dessert to share and we’ll provide the drinks
and the ice cream. RSVP to Lynn Van Horne at lynnv@oco.net
or 407-331-8609. Directions: 1808 E. Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL
32803 (407) 246-2150. Take the Colonial Drive/Hwy 50 exit off I-4 and head
West to N. Orange Ave. Turn right and head to E. Robinson and turn left. Go
.2 miles to Rosearden Drive and turn right and follow it to Central Blvd and
turn left.
|
5/2
Sun
9:30 AM
Leisure
Seminole
|
Wekiva Springs State Park
Hike. Join us for a hike in this
beautiful centrally located park. We’ll meet at 9:30 at the parking lot
and explore the park. At this time of year we should be able to spot some
large gators and other animals. This is a perfect beginners hike. Call me
for directions. Members and their guests are invited. Event Host: Jerry
O'Keefe (H) 407-767-2442 and (C) 407-353-8099 or euph201@aol.com
|
5/8
Sat
9 AM
Leisure
Seminole
|
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 Lynn Van Horne lynnv@oco.net
or 407-331-8609.
|
5/9
9 AM
Sunday
Moderate
Seminole
|
Lower Econ Paddle.
We’ll paddle from Snowhill Road to the St Johns River. The first part of
this trip is an easy paddle with high sandy banks and large oak trees
gradually changing into grassy banks, palm cabbage and cattle. We enter the
St Johns and paddle for about a mile to the take out at Highway 46. This
section can be easy, paddling with the current, or strenuous if the wind
kicks up from the north. Total distance about 10 miles. Reservations are
required. Limit 12 boats. Members and non-members welcome. We will meet at
the bridge on Snowhill Road and run the shuttle to Hwy 46 promptly at 9:00.
Event Host: Shelley Claudin 407-281-7181 or
shelley.claudin@cubic.com
(preferred)
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN
CANCELLED! |
5/12
Wed
10 AM
Leisure
Seminole
|
Upper Wekiva River Paddle.
If you can get away for a weekday outing then join me to paddle and explore
the waters in the Upper Wekiva River basin. Our route will include paddling
to the spring head area along with portions of Rock Springs Run and the
Little Wekiva River. Leisurely paced out and back trip. Total distance
approx.
8 miles. Bring a lunch to eat along the way. Meet at 10 AM at the Wekiva
Marina boat ramp. The marina is located at 1000 Miami Springs Rd, Longwood
(407-862-1500) rental boats are available. Please let me know if you plan to
attend. Host: Chuck Jones kayakk@webtv.net
or 407-892-2105
|
5/14-16
Fri-Sun
8 AM
Leisure
Lake
|
Ocala National Forest
Paddle/Hike/Camp. We’ll camp at
Juniper Springs Campground. Friday am hike historic Pat’s Island – meet
8 am on Rte 19, outside the entrance to Silver Glen Springs, 9 miles north
of Rte 40 intersection; paddle TBA - Salt Springs run or Sellars Lake; Sat:
am hike Florida Trail; pm paddle beautiful twisty Juniper Springs Run. Sun
am – depart (see 5/16, Silver River trip below). Erica has reserved a
campsite to share for Fri & Sat nights in Tropic loop at Juniper.
Camping reservations available at Reserve America. Join us for any part of
this event, (2 night stay required for camping). Members and invited guests.
Host: Erica Johnson at 407/327-4044 or ericadj@earthlink.net
|
5/15
Sat
9:30 am
Leisure
Brevard
|
Tropical Trail to Fairyland
Bike Ride. Tropical Trail is a 24
mile narrow, shady, two lane road that runs the length of Merritt Island. On
its way from Melbourne to Fairyland, it travels past stately homes with
beautiful yards packed full of tropical-fruit-bearing trees and plants. The
riding is easy on this smooth, flat route that’s a pleasure to pedal along
while watching boats ply the Intracoastal Waterway. This road has a cozy
feeling that is becoming hard to find in Florida. Directions: in
Melbourne, from intersection of Eau Gallie Blvd (SR 518) and S. Patrick Dr.
(SR 513), just east of the Eau Gallie Cswy., head north on S. Patrick Dr.
for .5 mile. Turn right at light onto Yacht Club Rd. Take the first right
into parking lot at W. Lansing Gleason Park, .1 mile later. Picnic tables
and shaded pavilions available. Also a paved path around the lake at Gleason
Park. Members and invited guests. Reservations please. Hosts: Brian and
Yvonne Baldwin ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com
or (386) 428-7058.
|
5/15
Sat
9 AM
Easy
Volusia
|
DeLeon Springs State Park Family Paddle.
Bring the kids/grandkids for a casual paddle (approx 1.5 hr) starting at the
Dock. We’ll paddle out into an open area then on toward the Woodruff
National Wildlife Refuge Area. If strong winds we may stay closer to the
springs. We will see many types of birds and perhaps other wildlife. The
park charges $4/4 people for admission (386) 985-4212); tandem/single
kayaks/canoes may be rented at the Mill by 9 am (contact them 386-985-5644).
Those who want to can stay for a picnic or pancakes at the Old Spanish Sugar
Mill ($3.50/adult), shaded playground, and/or swimming near the spring.
Members and non-members welcome, though members will have preference for
reservations. Event Host: Bill Maish billsplash@bellsouth.net
(preferred) or 407-977-4406
|
5/16
Sun
10 AM
Moderate
Marion
|
Silver River Paddle.
This 10 mile r/t paddle has abundant wildlife, including turkey, otter,
birds, deer, monkeys, bear and even the occasional wildcat and panther. The
put-in will be at Wayside Park ($3.00 fee) located at the SW side of the Hwy
40/Ocklawaha River Bridge just east of Ocala. After a short canal to the
main river we will proceed upstream to Silver Springs. The first 5 miles of
the trip is strenuous paddling upstream against a 4+ mph current. We will
then reverse our path and enjoy a leisurely pace (with the current) back to
the Wayside Park. Reservations required. Members and invited guest only.
Limit 14 boats. Host: Mabel Magarinos magarim@ocps.net
(pref) or 407-251-7546.
|
5/24
Sun
9:30 AM
Leisure
Seminole
|
Secret Lake Jessup Hike. A new trail that
Lynn Van Horne showed me. It’s a secret but I will tell you it goes out to
Lake Jessup and you really don't know what you will come across. Bring your
camera as the flora is just out of this world. Call me for directions and
more information. We will get started at 9:30 sharp. Event Host: Jerry
O'Keefe, (H) 407-767-2442 and (C)407-353-8099 or euph201@aol.com
|
5/30
Sunday
9:30 AM
Moderate
St. Lucie
|
St. Lucie Estuary Paddle.
We'll meet at the Intracoastal Waterway at Cove Road in Stuart and paddle
south across the water and through lots of mangroves for 3-4 miles to get to
a secluded landing. A short trek (50ft) through the brush will have us on
the beach. This beach can only be reached by boat so it should be very quiet
and peaceful. Lots of wildlife to see along the way including dolphin. We'll
have a picnic on the beach, rest and enjoy the ocean, then head back to the
start. Members and invited guests only. Please contact Cathy Phillips for
more info and directions at flakayaker@aol.com
(preferred) or 1-561-688-2398.
|
6/8
Tue
8:30 AM
Leisure
Seminole
|
Spring Hammock Hike and
Splash Park. Open to hikers over 5
years of age. Bring your children or grandchildren to experience a
completely shaded 2 mile hike along a stream leading to Lake Jesup. This is
a great introduction to the wilderness as we hike a narrow trail, go under a
viaduct, walk on boardwalks, and then see huge Lake Jesup. We may get muddy
feet. Then we will drive 4 miles to the Torcaso Splash Park in Winter
Springs. No fee, just lots of spouts to run through. 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 Host: Lynn Van Horne LynnV@oco.net
407-331-8609
|
6/19
Sat
9:30 AM
Leisure
Volusia
|
DeLeon Springs Paddle. Come
and enjoy a day at DeLeon Springs State Park. We will paddle approx 4 or 5
miles then have a picnic lunch at the park. Fee is $3 per person or $5 per
car. Rentals are available, but advise that you call ahead and reserve.
DeLeon Springs is just off Hwy 17 just beyond the town of DeLeon Spgs.
Members and invited guests. Limit of 12 boats. Reservations required. Hosts
are Brian and Yvonne Baldwin ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com
or (386) 428-7058. |
|
Early July
|
Colorado Hike/Camp. Moderate/easy hiking
& car camping in glorious central or North Colorado, 4 to 7 days,
starting either the weekend of July 3/4 or July 9/10 (TBA). Also possible
day of rafting or paddling. Members and invited guests. Details being worked
on; contact Erica soon if interested in more information, 407/327-4044 or ericadj@earthlink.net
|