Past Issues

 
 June/July 2006        

5/27 - 5/29
Saturday - Monday 
Leisure
Longwood

 

 

Rock Springs Paddle and Camp.  We will put in on Saturday for a very leisurely paddle on Rock Springs with river camping.  On Sunday, we will continue on down the Wekiva River with a lot of swimming and hanging from rope swings. That night will be spent at Buffalo Tram on the Wekiva.  On Monday, we will actually paddle a little to finish the trip.  This trip is not for the hard-core paddler.  Contact host for meeting time and location.  Event Host Nancy Doucette kayakldy@yahoo.com

 

6/3
Saturday
Moderate
Georgia

 

 

Hiking in Georgia - On June 3 we will stay at the lodge at Amicolola Falls in GA.  On Sun, June 4, we will hike in to the Len Foot Lodge on the way to the Appalachian Trail. It is a hike in lodge, where they give you beds, showers and food so that you don't have to carry a pack. We will stay there 3 nights.  Make your own reservations - the reservation number is 800 581-8032. We will spend another night backpacking on the trail, also.  Event Host: Nancy Doucette kayakldy@yahoo.com

6/3
Sat
9 AM
Moderate
Alachua
 

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, and, 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 AM. Reservations required; limit 12 boats. Events Host: Dennis and Kim Gonzalez  dennisg@cfl.rr.com

6/4
Sunday
Leisurely
Homosassa Springs

 

Chassahowitzka Paddle - Come paddle the Chassahowitzka River, one of the west coast's most beautiful rivers.  This spring-fed river borders the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge in Citrus County.  The refuge is home to manatees, bobcats, black bear, and deer. Camping is available at the Chassahowitzka River Campground (site of the put-in and take-out point).  Trip limited to 12 canoes/kayaks. Contact Fred for times, directions and details.  Event Host: Fred Mays  fredmays@yahoo.com  or 407-963-4308

 

6/10
Saturday
7:3 AM
Moderate
 

Conway Chain of Lakes Paddle —join us for a delightful 3hr paddle on this chain of lakes.  May see otters, adolescent and adult birds, turtles, fish, etc. Bring sun lotion, plenty of water, and other typical equipment. Access via Hoffner just E of Orange Ave and immediately before the Baptist church on N side of the street. Members and invited guests. Limit 12 boats. Reservations required. Bill Maish 407 375 4406, billsplash@bellsouth.net

.

Lake Norris paddle cancelled due to low water

 

6/17
Saturday
3:00 PM
Leisurely to Strenuous
New Smyrna Beach

 

Upper Mosquito Lagoon Paddle -  This portion of the Lagoon is adjacent to the northern section of the Canaveral National Seashore.  It is a beautiful stretch of water with small islands, oyster beds and open water.  I have never been there without seeing dolphins and manatees!  The Shipyard Island canoe trail, a Indian mound and the Eldora State House Museum are all within paddling distance of our put-in, plus JB's Fish Camp is a few feet from the park entrance for an after paddle dinner stop or pre paddle lunch.  Depending on wind and tide, this can be an easy paddle or it can be strenuous, so we will adjust the exact path we paddle to match conditions.  Meet at the Canoe Put-in inside Canaveral National Seashore.  Gate fee is $3 per person.  Directions:  I-4 east to Hwy 44.  Hwy 44 east to New Smyrna Beach.  Stay on the main road and it will curve south and turn into A1A and end about 9 miles farther at the park entrance.  Allow 1 ˝ hours from downtown Orlando.  Reservations required.  Members and non-members welcome.  Event Host: Shelley Claudin   shelley.claudin@cubic.com  407-758-2633

 

6/17
Saturday
9:30 AM
Leisurely/Strenuous
Dunnellon

 

Rainbow Springs Paddle and Snorkel - Paddle down the beautiful Rainbow Springs with friends. This river has exceptional visibility and offers incredible underwater views. We do some paddling with the current, find a shallow sandy spot, and jump out of our kayaks into the 72 degree water. We snorkle for a bit following the current and then get back into the kayaks.  (this is the strenuous part if you have a narrow boat).  Fins will help you get back into your boat.  Ramp fee is $3.00 and there is public parking with rest rooms at the put in.  We will do a shuttle back to the cars and maybe do a lunch at Rainbow Springs State Park.  REMEMBER TO BRING MASK, FINS, AND SNORKLE.  THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRING AND THERE IS LOTS OF LIFE TO SEE.   Event Hosts: Jamie and Scott  notboredyet@yahoo.com

 

6/24
Saturday
8:00am
Moderate
Apopka
 

Rock Springs Run - Apopka to Longwood - Come & paddle a beautiful stretch of scenic river from Rock Springs/Kelly Park area in Apopka, downstream to the Wekiva Marina in Longwood.   It's an easy paddle, but may be long for beginners.  Approx 7 or 8 miles, lasting 4 to 6 hours depending on current, and any swimming/rest/snack breaks we may take along the way.   We'll meet at 8:00am at King's Landing, on Baptist Camp Road, Apopka.  I'm told King's Landing is up for sale, and may be closed.  If so, Rock Springs Park personnel told me we can safely park alongside the road around there.  We'll run our own shuttle, by unloading boats/gear at the put-in location, leave 1 person to watch our gear, then drive all the vehicles 8 easy miles to park at Wekiva Marina - our take-out location; then we'll car-pool back to Apopka's "put-in" with the fewest vehicle(s) possible & plan to be on the river at 9:00am.  Some of you may be able to just go straight to the Apopka put-in (before 9:00am) and someone can shuttle you back to your car after we're done with our paddle.  Bring $6.00 cash in the event we have to pay $3.00 fee(s) to one or both King's Landing(s).   Pack a lunch.  RSVP.  Event Host:  Valerie Mundo at cell # 407-417-4835  and/or e-mail at VALERIEMUNDO@YAHOO.COM.

6/25
Sunday
8:00am ~ 11:00am
Seminole County
Strenuous
Lake Mary

 

Soldier's Creek Mountain Bike Ride - Join us for a ride through some beautiful woods on mostly hard dirt trails. This area has some challenging trails and is not recommended for beginners. You can test your abilities by traversing over logs, up and down ravines and through water. We will ride for about 2-3 hours. Be sure to bring plenty of water, we can refill if needed back at the cars.  Reservations required, open to members and guests, helmets are mandatory.  Directions: This area is located in the Seminole County Environmental Studies Center property, bordering Lake Jessup. From I-4, exit Lake Mary Boulevard (exit #50) and go east for ~4.5 miles, turn right onto US 17-92 and go ~2.0 miles, turn left on CR419 and go ~0.5 miles and park at the baseball field on the right hand side.  Event Host: Eric Kendrick, (407) 970-3373 or jerickendrick@hotmail.com

 

 

7/2
Sunday
12:30pm
Leisurely
Winter Spring
 

Beginner's Hiking - Spring Hammock - Winter Springs /SR419/Soldiers Creek - There's a wonderful place in the woods, with a babbling creek that probably not many people know about - it's shaded, with little rolling "hills" and large fallen trees making cool bridges for kids (of all ages) to cross-over to the other side of the creek.  It's a little piece of paradise if you like easy-to-navigate walking paths.  It's maybe a mile long.   Kids are welcome & encouraged to attend!   Parents can get good exercise, and get the kids out of the house!    Hike time:  roughly 1 hour.  Longer if you want to go around twice.  Come appreciate nature's beauty with me & my kids.  Some people use this place for off-road bicycling; they're fun to watch too.   Reservations required.  Event Host: Valerie Mundo cell# 407-417-4835,  and/or e-mail  VALERIEMUNDO@YAHOO.COM

7/8    
Saturday
8:30 A.M
Leisure
Winter Spring

 

Environmental Center Hike - Meet us for a 2-3 mile hike that can be shortened and can be appropriate for young children or the handicapped.  It also can be adventurous because one part of the trail has not been changed since the hurricanes.  The hike will adapt for whoever shows up.  Environmental Center on Hwy 419 between 434 and 17-92 across from Soldiers Field.  There is also a Splash Park that has no charge within a 2 mile drive which is a fun way to end the hike.  Event Host: Lynn VanHorne   lynnv@oco.net or call 407-331-8609.

 

7/15
Saturday
9:30am
Leisure/Moderate
Oviedo

 

Middle Econlockhatchee River ("Econ")  -   If you like the wilderness, you trekkers, come join me on this scenic, popular canoe trail for a nice 6 to 7 mile leisurely, fun paddle.  Expect to see bald eagle, egret, owl, heron, and maybe even an otter or alligator.   Fear not.  Gator mating/nesting season's been over for a couple months now...they prefer to avoid us people anyway.  Bring your waterproof camera!   Pack a lunch, plenty of water, and sunscreen.  We'll meet up on SR419 in Oviedo, at Willingham Rd., where there's free parking and a well-marked Canoe Trail "put-in".  We'll un-load our boats & gear, then run our own shuttle down to Snow Hill Road bridge, our take-out location, to park our cars there. We'll take 1 or 2 cars back to the put-in and hopefully be on the water paddling by 10:15am.  I expect we'll be done by around 3:00pm, or sooner.  Come meet some new friends - Members & Guests Welcome and encouraged to come!!  See ya there!   The more the merrier! :)  RSVP to Event Host Valerie Mundo at cell #407-417-4835  and/or  e-mail any questions to me at VALERIEMUNDO@YAHOO.COM.   

 

7/22
Sat
8 AM
Leisurely/Moderate
Juniper Springs

 

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

 

7/29
Saturday
10:00am
Moderate/Strenuous
Altamonte Springs
 

Beginner Bike Ride Seminole Wekiva Trail - Altamonte Springs to Lake Mary portion -  This trip is not for hard-core, fit & trim cycling pro's.   This is a trip for the strong-willed, perhaps weak-hearted who want to get out and ride their bikes, but don't want to do it alone.  No more excuses.  This is a fabulous opportunity to meet new friends, get some fresh air, experience a nature trail, and enjoy cardio-vascular exercise.  No pressure to cycle super fast.  We'll run our own shuttle from Lake Mary Steak-N-Shake to our cars in Altamonte Springs for those who don't wish to ride bikes back - total mileage 7 1/2 miles, not 15 miles.  If you do not want to shuttle, meet up at the San Sebastian Trailhead (free parking).  We'll take the paved bike trail approx. 7.5 miles to Lake Mary Blvd (bring your wallet, so those of you who want to celebrate at the nearby Steak-N-Shake can).  We'll chill out before cycling back to our cars.  Total trip - roughly 15 miles over a couple-to-three hours.  Bring your bike, a water bottle, and a chain/lock, and helmets are mandatory per Florida Law for anybody under age 16.  RSVP to Event Host Valerie Mundo  cell# 407-417-4835 and/or e-mail  VALERIEMUNDO@YAHOO.COM