This year's gathering was held at River Forest Group Campground near DeLand.  Events included hikes, paddles, learning and shared trips.

Photos courtesy of Bobby Judah

Annual Paddling Club Gathering.

A weekend of paddling and mingling with paddlers from other outdoor clubs hosted by Wilderness Trekkers this year. Paddle trips included the Chassahowitzka, Homosassa, Crystal River and Weeki Wachee.

Winter Park Chain of Lakes Paddle
A Gem located right in the city!
Photos by Valerie Mundo

It's almost impossible to believe that this river lies smack in the middle of one of Florida's major metropolitan areas yet offers complete tranquility and unspoiled beauty.

Civilization has its perks as the run from Sargent Park to Trout Creek offers yet another park midway to stop and enjoy lunch, facilities and nice boardwalks for stretching your legs.

This is a paddle that should not be missed.

(right) paddlers gearing up at the put-in (photo by Ed Cogle - Thanks Ed!)

Roseate Spoonbills and peaceful canopies are part of the Hillsborough's scenery (photos - Kim Gonzalez)

Middle Econ River Paddle
Photos courtesy of Janette Davison
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8 trekkers and 2 guests met at Honest Johns Fish Camp on the Indian River for an easy paddle to view wildlife and explore the islands. It was a bit overcast but beautiful temperature in the 70's. We saw lots of bird life, especially ospreys, a manatee and bottlenose dolphin. After our paddle we had a great seafood lunch at Captain Hiram's, newly remodeled since 2004 hurricanes. Thanks to all for coming out.


 

Little Econ River

We started the day with 24 people in 22 boats on this typical summer day - hot with forecast of afternoon thunderstorms.  The Econolockhatchee River was great, high with a good current but not tricky. We had completed the first 3 miles in about 45 minutes when we came to a large sandy area where all our boats could easily fit, so we took a little break. All the hurricane debris must have been underwater. We negotiated a few minor obstacles, but had no pullovers, duck unders or carry arounds. We had a leisurely lunch at the foot bridge and several people "swam", staying in place in the middle of the river as they attempted to swim upstream. It was an altogether enjoyable day of paddling.
 

Blue Spring Trail Backpack

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve Backpack

This paddle was just fantastic.  Everyone of the 15 of us had a great time.  This was my first Trekker paddle and it sure left a real positive impression with me.  We shuttled our cars up to Rogers Park and then came back to the put in.  About half way downstream we came upon a newly refurbished beach where we had lunch and some of us had a nice swim in that crystal clear 72 degree water.  We then proceeded downstream to Roger's Park and the end of a wonderful paddle.  Seen on the paddle were otter, many different birds, some wild orchids and several species of fern.  Everyone enjoyed themselves and I am sure we will be planning another trip in the near future. Do yourself a favor and don't miss the next one to Weeki Wachee!  Jerry O'Keefe

Santa Fe River Paddle.  Overcoming the gloomy, overcast morning sky, 16 Trekkers and 4 guests set out on the 15 mile paddle down the beautiful Santa Fe River. Soon after we began the paddle, the sun came out and it turned into a perfect morning for a leisurely paddle downstream through some very scenic riverbanks. Our first stop was at Poe Springs for some lunch and a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water.

After a relaxing break, we set out towards our next destination – Lilly Springs. This is privately owned by a guy named “Nature Ed” who loves to have visitors stop by for a chat and share his property. He gave several a tour of his Tree House while we took respite from the rain shower that started about the time we arrived. Soon, the rain let up and we were back on our way. We managed to see a few gators, lots of turtle families, some beautiful tree lined banks and someone said they saw a snake.

 This river paddle is by far one of Florida’s natural beauties. Some of the paddlers took another short break to visit Rum Springs where they rested up before the final trek to the take out. Between Rum Springs and Ginnie Springs, where we encountered many tubers, the weather changed on us. We had a few short, refreshing rain showers. Once we passed Ginnie Springs, we ran into a little more bad weather. The last mile or so found us battling a torrential downpour and some high gusts of wind that managed to slow us a down a bit. Despite this obstacle, all 16 kayaks and 2 canoes made it safely back to the dock. Regardless of the adverse weather conditions at the end, an enjoyable, fun time was had by all that participated! Yvonne Baldwin

Thanks to Roger Edwards for the great photos!

A gang of Trekkers (17 boats and over 20 members and guests) set off to paddle the always interesting Rock Springs Run. Lots of wildlife was sited including a couple of gators, limpkins, and lots of turtles and young Ibis. We all met up for lunch and then headed to the takeout in smaller groups. Several guests expressed an interest in joining WT. Event host Erica Johnson, co-host Tom Lunsford and all paddlers survived a few deer flies and spiders. The weather was perfect, the clogs minimal. A worthwhile paddle for all skill levels.

Juniper Springs Camping, Paddle and Hike

After a cold Friday night campout the weather turned out great for the Saturday morning paddle down Juniper Springs.  We had the usually crowded Juniper run almost to ourselves and six trekkers enjoyed a very colorful paddle with the bright red, yellow and orange tree leaves and the yellow and purple flowers along the waters edge.  After the paddle we had lunch at the campground and hiked some of the short nature trails in the park.  Saturday evening after dinner we built a campfire and were preparing to sit back, relax and enjoy some smores, however, the smores were cancelled after a raccoon ran off with our marshmallows.  Sunday morning we hiked the newly developed Yearling trail off of SR19 to the Long family cemetery and the sink hole.

Blue Springs Camp, Hike and Paddle  
 

We spent the afternoon swimming and snorkeling in the clear spring water and in the evening gathered around a campfire for more s'more's and stories.  Sunday we paddled to the spring head in time to watch Lynn and Kurth surface after there morning dive to the bottom of Blue Springs.  We then paddled to the other side of the St. Johns river, passing a large alligator along the way, to explore the old logging canal.  After the paddle we broke camp and met at the swimming area for another picnic and more swimming and snorkeling.  Great weekend with great people, and welcome to new W/T members - the Walters family. 

We had a great turn out and matching weather for our weekend of camping, hiking and paddling.  Most of the 15 attendees arrived Friday evening and gathered around a campfire for introductions and s'more's.  Later we took a flashlight hike to the springs to look for alligators, we found one and also a couple of deer watching us from across the springs run.  Saturday morning we met the new arrivals at the trail head for a morning hike.  As a result of the recent heavy rains the trail turned into a lake after about 2 1/2 miles so we decided that was a good place to turn around and head for the springs for a picnic and swimming.  On the way back we were caught in an unexpected shower which not only soaked all of us but brought a large buck out on the trail ahead of us. 

West Orange Trail Bike Ride

A leisurely ride through mixed rural orange groves and homes to Oakland, through the nature preserve and a planted xeriscape garden and a quick view of Lake Apopka then on to Winter Garden.