Past Issues

 

April/May 2004

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