6/4
Saturday
Leisure
Brevard
9:30 AM

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.

6/7
Tuesday
Leisure
Volusia
8:30AM

Tomoka River Paddle – This will be a short leisurely morning paddle at Tomoka State Park which is at the mouth of the Tomoka River where it joins the intercoastal waterway.  We’ll meet at the canoe beach inside the park at 8:30 to launch.  No shuttle.  Rentals (386-671-2774) available at the park.  Depending on the weather and our mood, we’ll paddle upstream and back on the river or poke around the inlet or more protected areas.  To get to the park: take Rte 40 through Ormond toward the bridge over the intercoastal; just before crossing the bridge, turn Left and then stay on that road several miles until you come to the park on the Right. (State Park entrance fee.) No reservations, just show up please.  Host: Erica Johnson  407-327-4044.

6/11
Saturday
Leisure
Lake
TBA

Paddle Against Cancer – Come join Team WT! - our own Wilderness Trekkers Team for the first annual Statewide Paddle Against Cancer for the American Cancer Society.  Paddle the Lake County Blue ways from Wooton Park and enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife of Lake Dora, Dora Canal, Lake Eustis, Dead River and Lake Harris.  Afterward, don’t miss the “Paddle Appreciation Party” in panoramic Wooton Park in Tavares with food, refreshments, music, prizes and friends!  We are hoping to take a team from WT to have fun and support the American Cancer Society.  Please contact Hosts for more information or if you would like to sponsor the team with a donation but are unable to attend the paddle.  Hosts:  Brian and Yvonne Baldwin  ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com  or 386-314-9641.

6/18
Saturday
Moderate/Strenuous
Alachua
9 AM

Santa Fe River Paddle –  This 15-mile section of the Santa Fe is a great place to paddle as the warm summer months set in because there are numerous crystal clear 72 degree springs all along the way to cool off in. It is located about 20 miles north of Gainesville in High Springs, FL. We'll paddle from the Hwy 441 Bridge to the Hwy 47 Bridge.  As you paddle downstream, you will experience river banks choked with pines, cypress, oaks, and other hardwoods. An abundance of wildlife can be sighted year round, including several species of turtles, birds and fish. In addition, on special occasions, beaver, otter, deer, wild boar, and, of course, alligators. We will be doing our own shuttle this year so make sure you arrive at 9 sharp! $3 put in fee. Reservations required; limit 12 boats. Events Host: Dennis and Kim Gonzalez – dennisg@cfl.rr.com.

6/23
Thursday
Leisure
Seminole
8:30AM
 

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.

6/24
Friday
Leisure
Orange
9:30 AM

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.  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.  Event Host:  Shelley Claudin  shelley.claudin@cubic.com  or 407-758-2633  Families & children welcome

6/25
Saturday
Leisure/Moderate
Marion
10:00AM
 

Rainbow River Paddle – Come join us for a paddle down the Rainbow River in late June.  The Rainbow river is a spring fed river with crystal clear water and offers 72 degree temperatures year round.  This river offers beautifully clear water for viewing the life below.  You will see lots of fish, scuba divers, rocks and some springs while paddling.  Paddle will be approximately 4 hours total; this includes time to swim.  We will do our own shuttle at the end of the trip.  Bring a lunch, sun screen and drinks.  Rules are extremely strict on this river regarding no throw away containers of any kind for your food or drink.  There is a heavy fine if throw away containers are found.  Bring your lunch items in things like Tupperware.  Drinks must be in a sort of take home bottle not a store bought water bottle.  No plastic bags, cookie wrappers, etc.  We will meet at 10:00 am at KP Hole in Dunnellon on June 25^th.  Limited to 12 people.  $3.00 launch fee and if you want to swim on the river a dive flag needs to be rented for $6.00 or bring your own flag.  Host:  Jamie Aiello notboredyet@yahoo.com

Wilderness Trekker Board Retreat - This is the kick-off meeting for the new board. This will be our chance to discuss plans for the upcoming year.  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 – 5 PM. Reservations required. Contact host for directions/info.  Host: Yvonne Baldwin ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com

Juniper Springs Paddle - This easy paddle of about 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. Get your boat to the canoe launch area and be ready to go by 8:30 sharp! Park admission is $3 per person and the shuttle fee is $5. Reservations required limited to 12 boats. Hosts: Dennis and Kim Gonzalez dennisg@cfl.rr.com.