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Past Issues
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December 2005/January 2006 |
11/ 23- 11/ 27
Wed – Sunday
Moderate
Georgia
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Backpack Cumberland Island, GA.. On Wednesday, the 23rd, we will travel
north to a place near the ferry and camp for the night. On Thursday,
we will take a ferry to the island. From the landing, we have to
backpack to a site. The sites aren't reserved in advance, so it may be
a 2 to 10 mile hike to our site. I have been told that the farthest
ones are usually claimed by kayakers, so it may not be too far. I have
never been to the island, but have been told that there are a lot of things
to see and do. On Sunday morning, we will return to the ferry, and travel
home. There is a $15.00 fee for the ferry. I have made
reservations, but it is a first come first served situation. The first
10 people to send me the $15.00 get to go. Contact Nancy for times and
details. Event Host Nancy Doucette (561)968-1789,
kayakldy@yahoo.com |
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11/26
Saturday
10:00 am
Leisure
Brooksville
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Chassahowitzka
River Paddle.
Paddle the beautiful
Chassahowitzka River on Florida's gulf coast. It is spring fed and has many
tributaries. With any luck we may see Whooping Cranes as that area is the
home base for the experimental Whooping Crane migration program. Manatees
are often spotted in the spring runs. Birdlife is plentiful. There is a
county park and campground right at the launch location. No shuttle,
we will put-in and take out at the same spot. Launch will be at 10 a.m.
Bring a lunch. Directions from Orlando: Route 50 west to Brooksville, Route
98 North to U.S. 19, cross over 19 to County Road 480 which deadends at the
launch site. (Florida Gazatteer map page 76) It is about a two-and-a-half
hour drive from Orlando. If you want to camp the night before, contact
Chassahowitzka Campground at 352-382-2200. There is a $2 launch fee per
boat. Trip limited to 15 boats. Event host Fred Mays at
fredmays@yahoo.com or
407-963-4308. |
11/26
Saturday
9:00 am
Leisure
Tampa
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Hillsborough River Paddling Trip.
Work off those
Thanksgiving Calories. On Saturday, we will paddle the Hillsborough
River from Sargeant Park to Trout Creek Park (About 8 miles-there is a
takeout at 4 miles too for a shorter trip). On the river, we
will probably see much wildlife including alligators. You will feel
like you are in a jungle, but close to urban Tampa. We are
camping at Hillsborough State Park and will arrange a place for Thanksgiving
dinner-if anyone is interested. We may do a trip on Friday too, if
anyone is interested. For those not camping, on Saturday,
meet at Canoe Escape at 9:30AM, or carpool from Publix at
7:30AM, (7640
W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 Phone: 407-226-3315) .
Rentals are available at Canoe Escape
http://www.canoeescape.com/ or 813-986-2067. I will pass on
the names of people needing paddling partners, but you must talk to each
other and finalize plans--CALL EARLY IF YOU NEED A PARTNER. Everyone
must make their own reservations for rentals. We will run a shuttle
for folks with their own boats, if we have enough people to do so.
(YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR THIS TRIP ON OR BEFORE TUE, NOV 22, AFTER THAT I WILL
BE OUT OF TOWN AND YOU MAY BE ABLE TO REACH ME BY CELL) Bring a snack or
lunch, water, bug spray, sunscreen and, if you dare, a camera. Event
Host Neill Beavers
Neill4HomeLoans@Earthlink.net (preferred) or 407-927-7974. |
12-04-05
Sunday
9:00 am
Moderate
Sanford
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Seminole
State Forest Bike Ride.
We will meet
at the southern entrance to Seminole State Forest off of 46 and ride the
packed sand/gravel roads north to the other end of the forest and then
return. Most of the forest is recently restored scrub habitat and is open.
We will ride north on Sand Road, Pine Road, and Atula Road to the north
entrance, passing through scrub habitat, riding over Blackwater Creek and
Sulphur Run, and through some older growth forest. No guarantees on
wildlife viewing, but bear, bobcat, otter, gators and owls have all been
seen in Seminole State Forest along with many species of birds. Road
conditions vary, so please have either a mountain bike or hybrid and bring
plenty of water as there is none available in the forest. We should ride
about 20 miles at a fairly leisurely pace. Entrance fee is $1.00 per
person, so bring your cash. Also bring a snack and we'll take a break along
the way. Reservations required. Event host, Tony Owen
towen@finfrock.cc
(preferred) or 407-884-0570. Event will be
cancelled if anything more than a light rain is falling.
Trip is Cancelled
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12/10
Saturday
5 pm
Leisure
Deltona
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Wilderness Trekkers Seasons Greetings Holiday Potluck
Party. Join us for our annual Holiday Party
at the home of Kim and Dennis Gonzalez on beautiful Lake Theresa. It is
casual and will be both indoors and outdoors. Dinner will be at 5:30.
We’re going POTLUCK again. BRING A DISH! bring your favorite dish to share – contact the host for ideas! Also, bring your favorite
beverage. WT will provide a ham, dishware and hot apple cider! We’ll have food, fun and meet new members and renew friendships.
BRING A GIFT! We’ll have our
Annual Chinese auction gift exchange (the gift you open may be
taken from you by a subsequent person! It’s great fun!). Gifts may be old,
new, silly, or something "only a Trekker would love" ($15 or under limit
please). This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. RSVP by 12/5
to Kim or Dennis.
Place a bid for a 3-night stay in a cozy
cottage in the Nantahala Forest in NC!!
Feel
free to come early and bring your boat if you'd like to paddle!
MORE INFO |
12/17
Saturday
9:00 am
Strenuous
Jupiter |
Loxahatchee River
Paddle.
The
Loxahatchee River is Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic
River. The first stretch of the river is beautifully shaded with cypress
trees. There are 2 dams we will cross over before reaching the famous
Trapper Nelson's camp for lunch. The second half of the river is wider with
mangroves and palm trees. We will take out at Jonathan Dickenson State
Park. We'll meet at Riverbend Park on SR 706 just west of I-95 or the
turnpike no later than 9am. Then we will shuttle our cars to Jonathan
Dickenson State Park, returning back to Riverside Park for the put-in. For
those who want to rent a kayak or canoe, Canoe Outfitters is located at the
put-in at Riverside Park. There number is 561-746-7053. Also, there is a
park entrance fee for Jonathan Dickenson SP.($4). If you would like to
camp the night before or after, reservations can be made at Jonathan
Dickenson's with ReserveAmerica 1-800-326-3521. Also, there is a full moon
this night so if anyone is interested in paddling at sunset let me know. The
river from Jonathan Dickenson State Park is great paddling in the dark! Open
to members and their guests. Reservations Required. Bring lunch, water,
sunscreen, and bug spray. Event host: Cathy Phillips at
flakayaker@aol.com
or 561-688-2398. |
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12/26-12/29
Monday – Thur
Strenuous
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Peace River
Paddle and Camp. This trip is for the adventurous only. Info at
www.canoeoutpost.com. We will probably spend
3 days on the river. Camping is primitive i.e., no hot showers, chemical
toilets-or none at all. NO Whiners Please-we will all grin and bear it.
Prefer experienced campers and paddlers - advanced beginners accepted if you
practice before going-you don't want to be banging the banks with 150 pounds
of gear. I HAVE NEVER PADDLED THE PEACE RIVER but I am going to-and "yes, I
am the trip host"... Winter is a great time to give it a shot. Rental
boats and camping gear is available. Sign up for this early. You will
be responsible for taking all the gear you need including food, water,
etc. Event Host Neill Beavers Neill4HomeLoans@Earthlink.net
(preferred) or 407-927-7974. Contact Neill
for details and times. |
1/7
Saturday
9 a.m.
Moderate/Strenuous
New Smyrna Beach |
Mosquito
Lagoon Paddle. Join us for a day exploring the canoe trails of
Mosquito Lagoon. We will paddle approx. 10 miles weaving through
mangroves and islands. Our trip will include
a climb up to the top of Turtle Mound. Lunch will be at J.B's Fishcamp after
we take-out.
Wind can quickly turn this into a tough paddle when we are in the open
areas, so strong paddling skills are necessary for this trip. Put-in
will be at JB's - be ready to depart promptly at 9 am. Limited to 15 boats, no boats
shorter than 13 ft. on this trip please. Reservations required. Members
only. Contact Event Hosts Kim and Dennis
Gonzalez.
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1/14
Saturday
9:00 am
Leisure
Flagler Beach
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Flagler Trail Bike Ride.
The ride will be along A1A from north of Flagler Beach to Marineland and
back. The ride is approx. 12-14 miles long. Meet at the Flagler Pier
restaurant just south of SR 100 and A1A at 9:00 a.m.. Event hosts Yvonne and
Brian Baldwin. Please e-mail to
bbaldwin7@cfl.rr.com.
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1/13 to 1/15
Friday to Sunday
Leisure/Moderate
Tampa
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Hillsborough River Paddle and Camp. Join us
for a great weekend of base camping
and paddling the beautiful Hillsborough River. We will camp Friday and
Saturday nights at Hillsborough River State Park. On Saturday we plan to
paddle an 8-mile section of the Hillsborough from Sargeant Park to Trout Creek Park. Boats are available to rent at
Canoe Escape 813-986-2067. On Saturday night there will be a group dinner
around the campfire; please bring a dish to
share. Reservations are required and the trip is limited to 12 boats, members and invited
guest only. Please make your camping reservation early!
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1/28
Saturday
10 am
Leisure
High Springs |
Santa Fe
River Paddle.
Meet at 7:15 am at Publix on Sand Lake (7640
W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819-5112)
to caravan or at 10 AM sharp at Santa Fe River Canoe Outpost (386-454-2050
www.santaferiver.com) near
High Springs. The Santa Fe is a great place to paddle with crystal
clear 72 degree spring all along the way. Our trip will cover approximately
6 miles and take a little over 3 hours. 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. Event Host Neill Beavers. Contact Neill for details and
times at
Neill4HomeLoans@Earthlink.net (preferred) or Call 407-927-7974. |
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1/28-29
Fri - Sun
Moderate
Sebring
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Arbuckle
Creek Paddle/Camp. Arbuckle offers varying scenery along its 28-30
mile course from Lake Arbuckle down to Lake Istokpoga, east of Avon Park and
Sebring. It winds through tree-covered banks, savannahs, high cliffs,
pastures, etc. There's usually a good current, and rarely have we had
problems with low water or portages. Friday night's car camping is in the
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, and Saturday night's river camping is in a
lovely oak hammock. It's basically an easy paddle, but the first day is a
bit long for some, 17 or 18 miles. We'll have an early start Saturday, due
to that long first day, but Sunday will be more leisurely.
Joint trip with Palm Beach Pack
and Paddle Club.
Reservations Required. Event Host: Linda Leeds,
lindamarie7@juno.com
or 561-683-2851. |
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2/18 - 2/20/06
Sat - Mon Leisure Georgia
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Hike Sapelo Island,
Georgia. Spend Presidents' Day weekend hiking and camping on a
limited-access barrier island with a rich history on the coast of Georgia,
about 4 hours from Orlando. Drive up on Sat am for the afternoon ferry
(passengers/gear only)A bus will then take us to our campsite, a
semi-primitive area just over the dunes of Cabretta Beach. This group site
has hot showers, flush toilets, and a nice fire-ring. While on the island
we¹ll hike on dirt roads, explore the beach and the nearby community of Hog
Hammock. Be prepared for possibly cold nights. Monday the ferry departs at
noon. $10 round-trip ferry fee plus $24 camping fee for the weekend, per
person. Limited trip; members may bring one invited guest only. Reserve a
spot now. Event Host Erica Johnson,
paddlepuff@earthlink.net
or 407/327-4044 |
3/4 - 5
Saturday-Sunday
Leisure
Fort Meade
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Peace
River Spring Paddle. Spend two days on the best section of the
Peace, where it's narrow, twisty and has some mini-rapids when water levels
are right. We'll launch at Fort Meade and run down to Zolfo Springs,
camping along the river bank on Saturday night. I haven't been on this
section since the hurricanes; it might be rather more interesting than
usual. Friday night we'll camp at Peace River Park in Fort Meade. Event
Host: Linda Leeds,
lindamarie7@juno.com
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