Past Issues

Issue 40

June/July 2003

5/31
Sat
8:30 AM
Leisure
Orange

 

Rock Springs Run Paddle - Meet at King's Landing in Apopka at 8:30 am to paddle this 8 mile gem of a stream. Launch plus takeout fee $5. Bring lunch. Rentals available at King's Landing if needed (407/886-0859). Members and Non-members welcome. No reservations needed. Event Host: Erica Johnson ericadj@earthlink.net or 407-327-4044.

 

6/1
Sunday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Marion

 

Silver River Paddle - Come join me for a paddle on this great river. We will put in at Wayside Park ($3.00 fee) located at the SW side of the Hwy 40/Ocklawaha River bridge. We will paddle up stream to the main spring and back. Bring a lunch as we will eat along the bank. There is an abundance of wildlife and if we are lucky we will get to see a monkey or two. This trip is for members and guests. Limit 12 boats. Event host: Kim Joiner. Contact kjoiner@cfl.rr.com
6/5
Thursday
8 AM
Leisure
Seminole

 

Bike Ride/Cross Seminole Trail and breakfast at Heathrow Panera - Meet at EE Williamson Blvd Trailhead. Exit I-4 at 434 and go west until the first light, turn right on Markham Woods Rd. Go 2 miles and turn right on EE Williamson Blvd. Go about one block. The parking lot is just a grassy area on the left. We will ride about 16 miles round trip, past Panera and through Heathrow and possibly to Sylvan Lake. Then back for breakfast at about 10 AM. Some rolling hills, all black top surface. Reservations appreciated but not required, children welcome. Hosts: Lynn VanHorne and Kurth ChinFatt Lynnv@oco.net or 407-331-8609

6/7
Saturday
9 AM
Moderate/
Strenuous
Alachua

 

Santa Fe River Paddle – The Santa Fe is a great place to paddle in the warm summer months with crystal clear 72 degree springs all along the way. We plan to paddle a 15-mile section from the Hwy 441 bridge to the Hwy 47 bridge. This is a downstream float trip but the 15 miles may make it strenuous for some. This beautiful river boasts banks choked with pines, cypress, oaks, and other hardwoods. An abundance of wildlife can be sighted year round and we might see beaver, otter, deer, and alligators. We’ll use Santa Fe River Canoe Outpost 386-454-2050 to shuttle our boats back to the put-in, fee $12 per boat. Canoe/kayak rentals avail. Reservations required. Events Host: Dennis and Kim Gonzalez – dennisg@cfl.rr.com.

6/8
Sunday
8 AM
Moderate
Brevard

 

Indian River Bike Ride (Road Ride) - Ride along the Indian River, on Rockledge Drive (a "scenic" route), with historic homes & great views. Opt. 15-30 miles. Start at Cocoa Village Municipal Park. Lunch at a local restaurant is also optional. Bring lots of water and a helmet is required. Event Host: Mary Ellen Bell melonbell@earthlink.net or 321-253-2941 for more directions, if needed.

 

 

6/15
Sunday
9 AM
Leisure
Hillsborough

 

Alafia River Paddle - This river is fairly swift and narrow in places, however it provides beautiful scenery. We will put in at Alderman’s Ford park and take out at Lithia Springs. Depending on the water level the trip will take 3-4 hours. Bring a lunch as we will eat along the bank. Limit 12 boats. Members and their invited guest. Event Host: Kim Joiner. Contact kjoiner@cfl.rr.com for reservations.

 

 

6/20
Friday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Orange

 

Kelly Park/Rock Springs Tubing & Nature Hike -Tube down Rock Springs Run on a natural free flowing spring.  It's a short 30 minute ride, but hey we can go as many times as we like. Then we’ll take a short nature walk and eat lunch under an old oak tree. Admission is $1. Get your tube from vendors outside park entrance; no tubes at the park/cost is $ 2/day.  Directions: 436 to Apopka, right on Park Ave (435) go several miles to dead end. Turn right, go a short distance (200 yards) and the park entrance is on your right. Bring string to tie your tube to the roof of your car, sunscreen, hat, water shoes etc. For more info: (407) 889-4179. Event Host: Jamie Aiello info@aielloimages.com.  Families & children welcome!
 
 
6/21
Saturday
Moderate
Flagler

 

Haw Creek and Dead Lake Paddle - Meet at Cody's Corner, the intersection of Hwy 11 and CR 304 at 9:30 a.m. We will caravan to the Put-in at the County Park. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, and a nice ramp on Haw Creek. Plan to paddle about 5 miles on the way to Lunch at Bull Run Fishcamp. If you like Gator tail and swamp cabbage you can find it on the Menu. I have seen Eagles, Fox, and Deer on this 10 mile paddle. About 3 miles of this trip is on the open water of Dead Lake, wind could be a factor that's why this trip has a moderate rating. Reservations required. Members and non-members welcome. Event Host: Lou Bonnell bnnavnjn@hotmail.com (preferred) or 386-441-1468.

 

6/22
Sunday
8:30 AM
Leisure
Hillsborough

 

Hillsborough River Paddle - The Hillsborough River canoe trail is a great summertime paddling destination. We'll be paddling a 8 mile stretch of the river that flows through a vast wilderness park and the many trees provide lots of shade. Along the way we'll stop for a long lunch break at a riverside park. Trip will be leisurely paced and suitable for all skill levels. Canoe trail is located east of Tampa and is easily accessible off I-4 or I-75. Contact host for additional details. Reservations required. Host: Chuck Jones  kayakk@webtv.net

 

 

6/28
Saturday
9 AM
Leisure
Volusia

 

Bulow Creek Paddle at the Plantation - Bulow Creek is recognized as a State Canoe Trail. Each bend of the channel reveals new scenery and opportunity for wildlife sightings. Bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites, and manatee are occasionally seen. Canoes rentals available. We'll go up river for approx. 4 miles and come back to the park for lunch under the shade of large oak trees and a breeze offered by the nearby ocean. The park has an old sugar mill and museum for those who wish to explore. This is really a nice park. Bring a hat, sunscreen, lots of water and lunch. Go to www.floridastateparks.com for more information. Directions: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is located three miles west of Flagler Beach. From Orlando take 95 north to Old Dixie Hwy, or 5A and exit here. Turn right and go approx. 1 mile, (look for state sign)... turn left onto hwy 2001 go about 3 - 4 miles and park entrance will be on your left. Go down a tree covered dirt road about 1 mile to put in. Jamie Aiello info@aielloimages.com
6/29
Sunday
8:30 AM
Moderate
Seminole

 

 

Little Econ Paddle (middle section) - The plan will be to meet at Riverside Park on Lockwood Blvd. at 8:30, shuttle to Snowhill Rd. then navigate the last leg of the Little Econ onto the Econ and thus avoid all the construction area. There will probably be pullovers on the Little Econ as well as the main because of the rising and falling of the river over the past year. Experienced paddlers only, and reservations definitely required so that I can change the plans if my pre-scouting proves its undoable. RSVP by Weds. June 25 to Judy Campbell 407-365-9889 judyreads@earthlink.net

 

7/5
Saturday
8 AM
Moderate/
Strenuous
Marion

 

Ocklawaha River Paddle - The Ocklawaha River is one of the most beautiful and scenic rivers in Florida. The area has abundant wildlife, including turkey, otter, birds, deer, bear and even the occasional wildcat, panther, and monkey travel this area. We'll meet at Wayside Park ($2.00 fee) on SR 40 at 8:00 A.M. sharp to begin shuttle to the take-out in Eureka. We'll plan to be in the water by 9:00 A.M. This will be an all day paddle, as it will probably take 10 hours to do the whole 18 miles. Bring plenty of food and water for the whole day. Also bring bug spray in case we are still on the river at dusk. Our final destination will be the Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost RV Park on CR 316 in Eureka. Rentals available from the Canoe Outpost or Florida Pack and Paddle. Members and non-members welcome. Limited to 12 boats. Reservations required. Event host: Shelley Claudin claudins@eccic.com or 407-281-7181.

 

 

7/7
Monday
7 - 9 p.m.
Panera Bread
Lake Mary

 

WT Board Meeting—The Board will meet at the Panera Bread restaurant/bakery in Lake Mary.  All members are welcome to attend.  Please contact the President 2 days in advance if you would like to present new business.

Panera 
1210 S. International Pkwy
Lake Mary, FL 32746
407-804-8340

Directions: Take I-4 to the Lake Mary/Heathrow exit #98.  Go west on Lake Mary Blvd.  Turn left at first intersection (Walgreen's). Go right into Oak Mount Plaza (first drive). Panera is at the far end of the plaza near Kinko's. 

 

7/15
Tuesday
8:30 AM
Leisure
Seminole

 

Spring Hammock Hike and Splash Park - Open to hikers over 3 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 VanHorne LynnV@oco.net 407-331-8609.

 

7/19
Saturday
8 AM
Leisure
Marion

 

Juniper Springs Paddle - This easy paddle of approximately 7 miles in clear spring water, has many water birds and an occasional alligator sighting. Often narrow and twisty - a fun paddle. You will want to bring your swimsuit, as we will take time to cool off along the way. Rentals available at 352-625-2808. Meet at the canoe launch area. Park admission is $3 per person and the shuttle fee is $5. Reservations required limited to 12 boats. Hosts: Dennis and Kim Gonzalez kemg@cfl.rr.com.

 

7/26
2 PM
Saturday
Volusia

 

 

Wilderness Trekker Board Retreat - We are planning a one day meeting to discuss where the organization is, where we want to go, and how to get there. If you’ve attended a Board meeting, you know that we barely get through the pressing business, and seldom have time to brainstorm or work on new ideas. Well, this is our chance, and yours. There will be some committee discussions on old business, such as web site links to other organizations and publicity. We should find time for swimming or paddling, in addition to getting some work done. This is open to all Wilderness Trekkers members, so please come and participate. The retreat will be held at the home of Kim and Dennis Gonzalez in Deltona from 2 PM – 8 PM. Their home is on a lake so if you would like to paddle bring your boat and they also have a pool so bring your swimsuit. Directions: From I-4 take exit 114 in Deltona and head east. Go about six miles and turn right on Newmark. Go one mile and turn left on Humphrey Blvd. Make the third right (1430 Sonnet Ct). Reservations required. Host: Shelley Claudin, claudins@eccic.com

 

7/27
Sunday
8 AM
Moderate
Volusia

 

Snake Creek and Canals Paddle - This will be a 6-8 mile tour of Snake Creek and at least one of the old logging canals that connect the Hontoon Dead River and the St. Johns River. It will be a leisurely paddle with no tight turns or obstacles, however, there will be some open water and wind could be a factor. Bring lunch. We will eat afterward, in the park, at Blue Springs. where you may wish to paddle up Blue Springs Run, stroll up the boardwalk to the boil, or swim in the cool crystal clear water. Directions: Take I-4 to Exit 111, Orange City. Go west on Saxon Blvd. to Rts. 17,92. Turn right and go 2.8 miles to E. French Ave. Go left 2.1 miles, pass the entrance to Blue Springs State Park and continue down the dirt road to Starke¹s Landing. No reservations required, but an e-mail stating your intentions will allow you to be notified of any changes. Host: Chuck Russakov trekker1@cfl.rr.com
8/2
Saturday
9 AM
Leisure
Marion

 

Alexander Springs Paddle – We will paddle from the Alexander Springs Recreation Area for about 7 miles to the Outfitter's dock. The cost should be approximately $15 for a shuttle and 2 people. There is an abundance of wildlife including birds, turtles, gators, otter, fresh water stingrays, and an occasional bear. This paddle is not too sxtrenuous, but it is technical in some areas. Please be sure to bring suntan lotion, bug spray, plenty of liquids, and lunch. This should take about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours to do. Canoe rentals available. Alexander Springs is located in the Gazetteer page 73. US 17 North from DeLand to SR 40 West, and South on CR 445A to CR 445. Limited to Trekkers and a friend. Also limited to 12 canoes. Host: Lee Simmons leedeland@yahoo.com (386) 943-8745

 

 

 
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Date Updated: 03/18/08