Jun.- Sep. 2000 

6/3
Saturday
Leisure
Volusia County

Circumnavigate Hontoon Island. We will paddle from Blue Springs to Hontoon Dead River by way of an logging channel, then down river to Hontoon Island State Park for lunch. Return will be via the St. Johns River. $2 entrance fee for one person, $4.00/vehicle. Reservation required/members only. Limited trip. Event Host: Larry Blundell larry.b.blundell@lmco.com or 407-3814969. Co-Host: David Counts Dcounts@prodigy.net 407-834-7396.

6/3
Sat/9 AM
Moderate
Volusia County

Come Mountain bike this challenging trail near New Smyrna Beach. It takes you to high overlooks of Spruce Creek and it’s tidal waters. We’ll ride along a swampy spot with lush vegetation and meander through hilly oaks and pine. Helmets are mandatory. Reservations required, limited trip, open to members and guests. Event host: Mary Ellen Bell (904)761-7418 or bellme@cts.db.erau.edu, Co-Leader: Shelley Claudin.

6/10
Sat./ 9 AM
Moderate
Seminole County

Lake Mills is encompassed by a cypress forest which grows into the lake. It's fun to hone paddling skills while maneuvering among these stately trees. After a 90-minute paddle and a leisurely lunch, we'll practice canoe capsizes and rescues (it's harder than you think). Directions  Take Hwy 50 eight miles east of the SR417 (intersection - OR four miles east of SR 408 (EW Expressway) intersection, then turn north on CR419 (Chuluota Rd.) and proceed five miles to turnoff to Lake Mills Park (look for sign). Sorry, no rentals, but we can share boats for the clinic. No reservations. Camping available at the park, $5 per site. Camp reservations 407-788-0405. Also a great trail biking location. Event host: Larry Reed paddleFL@aol.com

6/10
Sat./ 9 AM
Leisure
Hillsborough

An SLR-type camera is required. We will be working on controlling the light and wind while photographing wildflowers. We will meet at the Dead River Park parking lot (located NE of Tampa off of Hwy 301) at 9:00 AM continue to noon and break for lunch before ending the day. You may want to also join us on Sunday for a leisurely paddle on the Hillsborough River (see 6/11), Registration required, limited to 6, members only. Event Host: Maryann Tempest m_tempest@MSN.com or 813-986-5594, Co-Host: Suzanne Redditt.

6/11
Sun/9:30.
Leisure
Hillsborough County

Join us for 5-6 mile paddle on the beautiful scenic Hillsborough River. Our start and finish points will be the Hillsborough State Park (located NE of Tampa). Camping is also available at the park ($13 per night). For camping reservations call (813) 987-6771. Canoe rentals available. Reservations required, members only, limited to 16 boats. Events Hosts: Mary Tempest m_tempest@MSN.com or 813-986-5594. Co-Host: Suzanne Redditt.

6/17
Sat.
5-10 PM
Leisure
Orange County

Join us for a moonlight paddle on the sparkling, blue waters of Big Sand Lake. This 10,000 acre lake with it's white sand bottom is located in the heart of Dr. Phillips in SW Orlando. We will take in the spectacular fireworks and we'll pass the home site of the legendary Phillip "Doc" Phillips, inventor of frozen juice concentrate. Nestled among the pristine shores we'll see magnificent estate homes. Come early and join us for a backyard cookout at 5:00 PM. We'll launch the boats (you must have your own) and od a leisurely 2 hr paddle the indulge in campfire dessert. Reserations required by 6/10. Adults only. Limited. Info: SASE to Events Hosts: Dave and Kim Lippy, 8611 Bay View Ct, Orlando, Fl 32836, Wildtreker@aol.com or 407-351-9966. Co-Host: Debi Ritt.

6/18
Sun/8:30
Moderate
Marion

Join us for a day of quality moutain biking at one of Florida's premier off-road riding destinations. With its 20+ miles of quality trails. Santos attracts mountain bikers from all over the state. Trails are easily marked. Helmets required. Reservations required by 6/15. Limit 15. You must bring your own bike, water, and lunch. Event Hosts: Doug Boyce fl_mtnbiker@hotmail.com or (904) 264-2864 or Mary Ellen Bell bellme@cts.db.erau.edu.

6/24
Sat/ 9 AM
Leisure
Gilcrist

The Santa Fe River is a North Florida tributary of the Suwannee River. It's slow current and gentle curves makes for a leisurely float trip. Experience hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and many clear springs - so make sure to bring your swimsuit. See turtles, alligators and wading birds. This is a thirteen mile, one-way paddle (from Rt. 441 bridge to SR 47 bridge). Meet at 9 AM at the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost (904) 454-2050) on Rt. 441. Canoe rentals available. Outpost will provide shuttle ($10 pp). Reservations required/members only. Limit 12 boats. Directions/Info provided upon reservations. Event Host: Dennis and Kim Gonzalez. dennis-gonzalaez@worldnet.att.net.

6/25
Sun/10 AM
Leisure
Brevard

Palm Bay's Turkey Creek offers some of the most scenic paddling in Brevard County. This will be a fun trip, with 3-4 hours round trip paddling time to the Sanctuary and back. Once there, we'll eat lunch, then stroll the boardwalks. There's a good chance we'll see some manatees near the put-in or in the Sanctuary itself. Alligators are often seen along the way. Canoes/kayaks rentals available from Nik's Boat Rental, 312-725-8800 ($22/half-day), participates are responsible for making rental arrangements well in advance and allowing time to paddle 1/4 mile up river to meet the group at Goode Park. Reservations required by 6/21, members only, limit 15 boats. Event Host: Rob Boersma 321-725-7829

7/1
Sat/9 AM
Leisure
Seminole

Join us for one of Florida's most beautiful waterways. This is a leisurely 8-mile trip through dense cypress, pine, and hardwood forest of central florida. The clear water of the run flows swiftly through some stretches, but slows in others where the stream widens into quiet pools, We'll meet at 9:00 AM at King's Landing in Apopka. Rentals available, call livery for directions and rental info (407-886-0859). Camping is available at nearby Kelly Park (407-889-4179). Launch and take-out fee $6.00 per boat. Reservations required, limit 12 boats. We will work out our own shuttle. Event Host: Shawn Polgreen spollgreen@hotmail.com or 407-814-1701.

7/2
Sun/7:30 AM
Strenuous
Hernando

A challenging morning in the Croom Forest will be our adventure. This are of dry upland scrub contains a hilly single track all-terrain biking trail. Bring plenty of water, we will ride till about 11:30 and have lunch back at the cars. Helmet are mandatory, reservations required, open to members and their quests only. Call for reservations, directions and meeting location. Event Host: Eric Kendrick 407-445-0603 or kendrije@sverdrup.

7/8
Sat/8 AM
Moderate
Volusia

 This will be a 6+ mile tour 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 obstacle, however there will be some open water and wind could be a factor. We will stop for lunch afterward, in the park, where you may wish to paddle up Blue Springs Run, or stroll up the boardwalk to the boil, or swim in the cool crystal clear water. Directions: Take I-4 to Exit 53CB, 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 to Blue Springs State Park.Entrance Fee $2 for one occupant vehicle or $4 for 2-8 occupants. Park opens at 8AM. No reservations. Event Host: Chuck and Gail russakov russakov@mpinet.net 

7/16
Sun
Moderate
Volusia

We'll meet for dinner at JB's fish camp off A1A, in South New Smyrna Beach.  Then we'll put-in at Canaveral National Seashore for a leisurely moonlight paddle on Mosquito Logoon.  This is a beautiful portion of the Lagoon, but it can be influenced by wind and waves.  Sorry - no rentals available.  Camping available at New Smyrna Beach KOA, (904) 427-3581 or Sugar Mills Travel Park, (904) 427-2284.  Limit 12 boats, reservations required; deadline Monday 7/10.  Directions will be sent to reserved participates. Event Host: Larry Reed paddleFL@aol.com. 

7/22
Sat
9AM-4PM
Seminole

This is a great opportunity to update your first aid skills! A "wilderness medicine" seminar has been developed and will be presented by Bruce Ferguson (WT member). With 12+ years of first aid experience, Bruce will offer his knowledge, experience & training. By design, the course is a 5+ hour, interactive, comprehensive medical theory & practical content offering. Overall the program content will include fundamental principles of structure & function of human body & system, scenarios of possible problems encountered in the wilderness and the impact on our bodies, approach and techniques to
treat problems, evaluation of first aid kits, and a first aid practical to enhance participant skills. The class will be held at The "community meeting" room of the Sweetwater Tennis Club House, 801 Fox Valley Drive, Wekiva Springs Rd (off I-4, behind Sweetwater Square). Lunch (on your own) 12-1 PM. Registration: Reservation required by 7/14, limited seating! Event Host: Ed Cogle IndyEd@ptcs.net or 407-699-1076. Co-host: Donna Ellis.

7/22
Sat/9 a.m.
Leisure
Brevand

This hidden jewel in Northern Brevard County has some of the best summer hiking conditions in the state. The old growth hammock is well shaded and cool. A 2-3 mile hike leads through prolific wetlands, across an ancient beach, and through a mesic hammock with some of the largest magnolia and oak trees you'll ever see. Bobcat, deer and Indigo snakes have all been seen in the
forest. Rare plants such as the carnivorous Jack-in-the-Pulpit can be seen. Bring plenty of insect repellent. Those who wish can stay and eat lunch at the picnic tables afterwards. Directions: Take Highway 50 East to Titusville. Just past the bridge for I-95, make a right turn onto Highway 405. Continue 4 to 5 miles and watch for the Enchanted Forest sign on the left just past the Starvin' Marvin. A dirt road leads about 1/4 mile back to the parking area (meeting place). No reservations required. Event Host: Rob Boersma 321-725-7829

7/29
Sat/4:30 PM
Ice Cream Social

Join us at Katie's Landing on the Wekiva River for our annual Ice Cream Social. This is an excellent time to meet people, a first mixer of the season for new members, and a time to plan future trips. This year we'll have a contest and prize for the best homemade ice cream. We'll draw for door prizes also. Members only, and reservations are required. Send $4.00 pp donation, with SASE to Pat DeSalvo 323 Westchester Dr., DeLand, FL 32724. More info will be on the bulletin board in July. Event Host: Pat DeSalvo.

7/30
Sun/7:30
Strenuous
Marion

Join us for a half-day of quality mountain biking at one of Florida's premier off-road riding destinations. With its 40+ miles of quality trails on 300 acres of Florida's Greenway, Santos offers trails for varying levels of technical difficulty. Bring plenty of water, we will ride till about 11:30 and have lunch back at our cars. Helmets are mandatory, reservations required, open to members and their guests. Event Host: Eric Kendrick 407-445-0603 or kendrije@sverdrup.com.

8/5
Sun.
8:30 a.m.
Strenuous

Paddle one of Florida's most beautiful waterways. Perfect for a hot summer day, this leisurely 8-mile trip will take us through dense cypress, pine, and hardwood forests. The clear water flows swiftly through some stretches and switchbacks, but slows in others where the stream widens into quiet pools. We'll meet at kings landing in Apopka and do our own shuttle. Rentals are available, call livery for directions and rental info (407-886-0859). Camping is available at nearby Kelly Park (407-889-4179). Launch and take-out fee $6.00 per boat. Reservations required. Members and their guests only. Limit
12 boats. Event Host: Jim Adtkins 407-892-5373 or kboat@webtv.net.

8/12
Sat/9AM
Moderate
Citrus

Paddle the Chassahowitzka River, a beautiful saltwater estuary fed by clear fresh water springs along scenic hammocks and out to sawgrass flats. Wading birds, hawks, blue crabs, otters, alligators, and more. This is an estuary and is influenced by wind, waves, and tide. We'll depart on an outgoing tide and return with the incoming tide, taking time to snorkel a few of the springs along the way. Camping available at the Chassahowitzka River Campground (also canoe rentals) 352/382-2200. Please allow two hours travel time from Orlando -- boats get wet at 9:00 AM sharp - time and tide wait for no Trekkers! Bring your snorkels, fins & masks. (DeLorme Map page 77). Reservations required by Monday 8/7. Event Host: Larry Reed paddleFL@aol.com.

8/13
Sun/8AM
Moderate
Marion

This is a beautiful 7-mile spring run through a variety of protected forest areas, ending at Wayside Park where the river crosses SR19. Take a lunch & swimming/snorkeling gear and we will port a couple of times to cool off & eat. Canoe rentals including shuttle approximately $24. Shuttle fee for personal canoes/kayaks is $5 per person and $5 per boat. Participants must make their own advance arrangements for canoe rental and paddling partner. Meet in front of canoe rental office at 8:00 AM. Limited to 8 boats, reservations required/members only. Event Host: Eric Kendrick 407-445-0603 or kendrije@sverdrup.com.

8/18-20
Fri-Sun
Moderate
Marion

Paddle the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River, a pristine waterway meandering 7 miles under a heavy canopy of native growth. Canoe/kayak rentals available $32. Friday: Arrive at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Martin County) before dark. Saturday: Loxahatchee River paddle. We will run our own shuttle. Sunday: paddle a section of the intercoastal waterway. No shuttle required. We may use the group camping area. If not we will use standard camp sites. Will have decision later. Registration required. Registration fee (payable to WT) to be determined. Complete information provided on registration. Event Host: Peter Blichfeldt kayak@cfl.rr.com. preferred or 407-298-6662.

8/26
Sat/8AM
Strenuous
Seminole

Lower Blackwater Creek Paddle

This is a pristine limited access stream. There may be a pull-over or two, depending on water levels at trip time. We will start in Seminole State Forest and proceed downstream about 5 miles to the Wekiva River. We will then paddle about 4 miles up the Wekiva and take out at Katie's Landing. We will meet at the south entrance to Seminole State Forest and enter the gate at 8 AM sharp. There is a $2 day-use fee, correct change only. There will also be a $3 take-out fee at Katie's. Limited to 10 boats. Rentals available at Katie's for $25, 407-628-1482. Reservations required. Event Host: Chuck Russakov russakov@mpinet.net or 407-774-5737.

8/27
Sun/8AM
Leisure
Seminole

Excellant paddle for people without boats or boat owners w/o partners. Rentals available.

Tandem paddling trip for people without boats, who want to get out and paddle, and for people with boats interested in meeting others to possibly paddle with. Some mixing will be planned. Any members are welcome to bring their tandem boats and join in the mixing. For those with limited experience, there will be a short session to practice strokes first. Expect about an 8 mile paddle, and bring lunch. Rentals available. Time and Launch site TBA. MEMBERS ONLY, no children, reservations required. Those who wish to mix a little early can join Erica, Saturday evening at the contra dance in Casselberry.

For info contact: Event Host: Erica Johnson ericaj@magicnet.net or 407-834-7786.

9/2
Sat/8:30
Strenuous
Volusia

Come Mountain Bike this trail near New Symrna Beach. It takes you to high overlooks of Spruce Creek and it's tidal waters. We'll ride along a swampy spot with lush vegetation and meander through hilly oaks and pine. Helmets are mandatory. Reservations required, limited trip, open to members and guests. Event Host: Mary Ellen Bell 904-761-7418 or bellme@cts.db.erau.edu.

9/10
Sun/8 AM
Moderate
Hernando

Weeki Wachee Springs along Central Florida's West Coast is one of the 27 First Magnitude Springs in the state. The glass-clear waters coming out of the spring flow about 10 miles to the Gulf . The current is strong and we will have to do little paddling. Put in is just below the head springs and we will follow the river down to Roger's Park. Birds, turtles and even manatee are sometimes seen . Swimming/snorkeling are excellent. Canoe Rentals for $27 and kayaks for $20 are avail. Outfitter will shuttle those who rent. We will shuttle others. $5 launch fee. Reservations required by 8/29 members only, limit 15 boats. Event Host: Rob Boersma 321-725-7829.

9/16
Sat/8:30
Leisure
Seminole

We will put in at the Hwy 419 bridge, which is about 8 miles north of Hwy 50 in Chuluota. The take out is at the Snow Hill Bridge on Hwy 426. We will handle our own shuttle. The paddle is about 10 miles with possibility of some pullovers. In the past we have seen gators, eagles and assorted other wild life. Reservations required. Details upon registration. Event Host: Shelly Claudin claudin@bellsouth.net or 407-281-7181.

9/23
Sat
Strenuous
Citrus

Join us for a shaded paddle on this braided, spring-fed tributary of the Withlacoochee River. We'll stop for lunch and some snorkeling at the 7-Springs. This is recommended for experienced paddlers, since it is a 10 mile trip with 5 miles upstream and some pullovers. Meet at Burger King at the intersection of SR 44 and SR 41 in Inverness. Camping available at the very quiet Tillis Hill (State Forest). Electric and hot showers; tents and RVs. Make your own camping reservations and obtain directions 352-344-4238 (leave message). Must provide your own canoe/kayak. Limited trip, reservations required by 9/14. Event Hosts: Dave & Kim Lippy Wildtreker@aol.com or 407-351-9966.

9/30
Sat/9 AM
Leisure
Seminole

Join us for this lovely, shaded hike. We'll hike out to the swinging bridge, and have a snack on the river banks of the Econ River before heading back. This is 5.0 mile trail. Directions to trailhead: From SR 50: Take Alafaya Trail (SR434W), North 6.5 miles to center of Oviedo. Make a right onto CR 426 E. and follow 3.3 miles to Barr Street Trailhead on the right. FROM I4: Take exit 49 to SR 434 East and go 12 miles to center of Oviedo. Make a left onto CR 426 E. for 3.3 miles to Barr Street Trailhead. Guests welcome, no reservations required. Event Hosts: Lynn VanHorne and Kurth Chin Fatt 407-331-8609 or lvh@mpinet.net .