4/2
Sat
Leisure
Flagler
9:00 AM

Old Florida Trail Bike Ride – Fellow Trekkers, join Anita and I on a nice (old Florida) bike trail alongside A1A from just North of Flagler Beach to Marineland and return.  This will be a 12-14 mile easy ride along what use to be part of old Florida.  We will also make a stop at Washington Oaks State Gardens along the trail as well ($1.00).  We will meet at the Flagler Pier Restaurant just South of SR 100 and A1A at 9 AM for breakfast. Hosts: Lee and Anita Simmons. Please e-mail me at leedeland@yahoo.com (preferred), or (386) 943-8745.

4/3
Sun
Leisure
Seminole
9:30 AM

Wekiva Springs State Park Hike – We will meet inside the gate of the park at the parking lot at 9:30AM.  Parking Fee is $3.00.  We will be having lunch at Sweet Tomatoes after the hike.  Lunch is optional.  Contact Host: Jerry O’Keefe at 407-767-2442 or 407-353-8099  e-mail: euph201@aol.com.

Silver River Paddle up to Silver Springs – Meet at 8:30 am at Marion County’s Ray Wayside Park ($2 launch fee).  While the 5 mile paddle upstream can be work against a 3+ MPH current, it is well worth the effort while viewing birds, reptiles, fish, and monkeys.  The return trip is easy.  Bring a lunch for a break (there is a $4 fee if we stop at the state park).  Members and invited guests only.  Limit: 12. Email to register: Bill Maish (billsplash@bellsouth.net).  Use cell phone for any last minute messages (407 375-4406).

New Member Coffee and Hike – Meet at 9:00 AM at Big Tree Park which is on General Hutchison Parkway, ½ 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 Shelley Claudin at shelley.claudin@cubic.com or 407-281-7181.

4/10
Sun
Leisure/Moderate
Orange/Seminole
8:00AM
 

Rock Springs Run Paddle – Join fellow Trekkers for a paddle down Rock Springs Run.  This spring-fed waterway originates in northwest Orange County and takes a horseshoe shaped path to just over the Seminole County line.  Water clarity varies depending upon how much recent rain there is, but is usually very good this time of year.  The stream makes its way through the protected lands of Wekiva Springs State Park.  Wildlife is usually not too shy, and generally a good variety is seen.  We will begin this paddle at Kings Landing and finish at the Wekiva Marina.  This is a pretty good paddle for beginners.  Bring lunch and we will dine alongside the river.  Members and invited guests only.  King’s Landing (407-886-0859) rents canoes and provides shuttle service.  Reservations required.  Please contact Tony Owen at towen@finfrock.cc (preferred) or 407-884-0570.

4/16
Sat
Leisure/Moderate
Orange
4:00PM
 

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 Hosts:  Brian and Yvonne Baldwin ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com (preferred) or 386-314-6510.

4/23
Sat
Strenuous 
Volusia
9 AM
 

Mosquito Lagoon Paddle – Mosquito Lagoon is a large saltwater estuary located near the north portion of the Canaveral National Seashore. We will meet at JB’s Fish Camp in New Smyrna Beach to put-in then paddle part of the Shipyard Island paddling trail then cross the lagoon and stop for a break at Turtle Mound, a large shell mound originally created by the native Indians with a beautiful overlook of Mosquito Lagoon. We will then return to the paddling trail and finish back at JB’s. Our paddle will be about 6 miles and will take us across open water and in and around numerous mangrove islands. Wildlife is abundant and we should see various birds, dolphin and possibly a manatee. Wind is a major factor for this paddle - kayaks are the recommended paddle craft for this trip and participants will need to have strong paddling skills. Reservations required and limited to 10 boats. Event Hosts: Kim and Dennis Gonzalez dennisg@cfl.rr.com .

4/23
Sat
Moderate
Marion
5:15PM
 

Moonlight Paddle on the Silver River  - If you've never seen the Silver River in the moonlight, you haven't really paddled in Florida! We'll put in at Wayside Park (off Rte. 40, east of Ocala, just west of the Ocklawaha River Bridge) at 5:15, paddling up stream, against the current (inflatable boats NOT recommended) stopping at the Silver River State Park ramp to eat before we head to Silver Springs as the sun sets at 7:55.  Then it will be a leisurely float/paddle back with the current as the moon rises. Be sure to bring light sticks for the back and front of your boat so you can stay in sight of the group. Bug spray may be appropriate. We'll see lots of birds and gators, and with luck monkeys, raccoon, deer and maybe even a bear! If rain is forecast, it will be canceled. Please e-mail Judy Campbell judyreads@earthlink.net or call 407-788-8919 to reserve a spot.

5/7
Sat
Leisure
Seminole
4:00PM
 

Little Big Econ Hike – Meet us for a late afternoon hike and then go for dinner at the Black Hammock Restaurant on Lake Jessup.  This is a shaded 5 mile hike along the shores of the Econ River.  Directions: In Oviedo on 434, turn east on CR 419 (also called Broadway) and almost immediately take the left fork which is CR 426 towards Geneva.  Go 3.3 miles to Barr Street and park at the fenced parking area.  No reservations required.  Event Hosts:  Kurth Chin Fatt and Lynn VanHorne  lynnv@oco.net.

5/8/05
Sun
Leisure/Moderate
Seminole
8:00AM
 

Wekiva River Paddle – Join Fellow Trekkers for a paddle down the Wekiva River.  This paddle is a continuation of the 4/10/05 Rock Springs Run paddle.  The Wekiva River originates at Wekiva Springs and flow for a short distance before being joined by Rock Springs Run.  Water clarity is good and wildlife abundant.  For the majority of the trip, the river flows through Wekiva Springs State Park and Rock Springs Run Preserve and is undeveloped.  It has been designated a Wild and Scenic river.  Normally, this is an easy paddle.  The river is shallow and wide the last mile of the trip, so wind can become an issue, otherwise this is about as leisurely a trip as there is.  Bring a lunch and we will search for a place to eat alongside the river.  Please be prompt as there is no commercial shuttle service available, and the shuttle will take approximately an hour and 15 minutes or so.  Reservations required.  Please contact Tony Owen at towen@finfrock.cc (preferred) or 407-884-0570.

5/15
Sun
Leisure
Volusia
2 PM to 4:30 PM
 

Spring Gathering Luncheon Hike and Paddle at Gemini Springs.  Join us at Gemini Springs in DeBary at the The Springhouse for our annual spring business meeting and luncheon at beautiful Gemini Springs Park!  We'll provide the chicken wings and you need to bring your favorite side dish to share along with your drink!  After lunch we'll elect our new board members then you can stay and enjoy the park - Hike, paddle, or bike!  Please RSVP to Lynn VanHorne no later than May 1 or (407) 331-8609.  The park has hiking and biking trails as well as a canoe/kayak launch.  Come for the meeting or for the whole day!  Info & Map.

5/21
Sat
Moderate
Seminole
9:00AM
 

Lower Econ Paddle - From Snow Hill Road to the St Johns River. The first part of the trip is an easy paddle with high sandy banks and large oak trees. For this last part of the Econ, we’ll see prairies, palm trees and cattle.  We will then turn into the St Johns for about a 1 mile downstream paddle to the take out. Depending on weather conditions this portion can be strenuous!  This paddle is a distance of about 10 miles. Meet at the Snow Hill Road bridge and be ready to run the shuttle to Hwy 46 at 9 sharp. Reservations required. Members and non-members welcome. Event Host: Shelley Claudin shelley.claudin@cubic.com or 407-281-7181.

6/4
Sat
Leisure
Brevard
9:30AM
 

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 along the Drive.  Trekkers and invited guests.  Contact Hosts:  Brian and Yvonne Baldwin, ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com (preferred) or 386-314-6510.