Wilderness Trekkers Home

October - November 2008

09/20/08
Saturday
8:00am
Biking
Moderate to Strenuous
Killarney Station to Sugarloaf Mountain
Monverde
Killarney Station to Sugarloaf Mountain. - Starting at the western terminus of the West Orange trail at Killarney Station, we will utilize the newly opened Lake County Trail towards Blackstill Lake Rd and on into Ferndale. We will be approaching Sugarloaf Mountain from the "easy" side for which after the ascent, you are are 308 feet above sea level, one of Florida's highest. There is a great resting spot at the top where you can see across Lake Apopka and the buildings of Orlando in the far distance. At this point we can decide to include our route on to Grassy Lake Road or return as we came. This trip is a moderate class for regular cyclist; it is a strenuous class for casual cyclist (note for casual rider - the Sugarloaf ride is hard, but the worst case scenario - you just walk your bike the last 1,000 feet up hill like I did for years because - the view is atypical Florida). Road or hybrid bikes are appropriate, fat tire bike would not be. Details of the route can be found at http://www.explorecp.com/sugarloaf1.pdf. Hosted by Clark Getz at cagola1@aol.com
9/27/08
Saturday
9:30am
Paddling
Strenuous
Ocala
Silver River Paddle - This 10 mile, round-trip paddle has abundant wildlife including turkey, otter, birds, deer, monkeys, bear and even the occasional wildcat and panther. The put-in will be at Ray's Wayside Park ($5.00 fee) located at the SW side of the Hwy 40/Ocklawaha River Bridge just east of Ocala. After a short canal to the main river we will proceed upstream to Silver Springs. The first 5 miles of the trip is strenuous and we will be paddling upstream against a 4+ mph current. We will then reverse our path and enjoy a leisurely pace back to the Wayside Park (See Map). Reservations required. Members and invited guests only. Please RSVP to Event Host: Kim Joiner at kjoiner2@tampabay.rr.com
10/04/08
Saturday
8:30AM
Hiking
Moderate
Sanford/Mt. Plymouth
Seminole Forest Hike - Meet us at the southern entrance off of Hwy 46 between Sanford and Mt Plymouth at 8:30 in the morning. The entrance is between the Wekiva River bridge and the bear bridge. We will car pool to the north entrance for this 8 mile hike and stop midway for a snack. This is a wonderful way to stretch your legs and get some nice exercise. The scenery seems to change each time, but it is varied. Reservations are not required, but are appreciated. Lynn and Kurth 407-331-8609 LynnVH@embarqmail.com
10/11/08
Saturday
8:30AM
Hiking
Leisure
Longwood
New (and old) Member Orientation - Big Tree Park - Paid Members Only. RSVP to Oviedoedwards@earthlink.net or 407-716-9811 by Wednesday, October 8th.
Meet at the pavilion in Big Tree Park for for coffee, juice, danish & WT orientation. Visit the Senator, a 3,500 year old Bald Cypress. Drive to the Seminole County Environmental Studies Center on SR 419 and hike the 3-mile loop interpretive trail. Please visit Seminole Country Parks for information on Big Tree Park and for information on the Environmental Studies Center.
10/11/08
Saturday
8:30am
Paddling
Strenuous
Lake Louisa State Park
Part 1 of the Ocklawaha River Basin Paddle - The Upper Palatlakaha River - This first excursion begins near the southern most end of the Ocklawaha River Basin in a swamp creek called Big Creek located within Lake Louisa State Park (See Map). This nearly 11-mile water trek will take you across some of Lake County's largest lakes - Lake Louisa, Lake Susan, Lake Minnehaha, Lake Palatlakaha, Lake Hiawatha, and finally Lake Minneola where we will depart at the Clermont's boat dock (See Map). All of these lakes are connected by a natural creek called the Palatlakaha River, which flows south-to-north from the Green Swamp all the way to Lake Harris. Future adventures will take us through additional segments of this river that flows through the center of Lake County. State Park Fee entry required, $3.00 to $4.00. Early arrival necessary so we don't get caught in the mid-day heat. Further details of this trip can be read about at www.explorecp.com/palatlakaha.html. Hosted by Clark Getz at cagola1@aol.com. Arrangements are to NOT shuttle cars, but rather pay a fee to be taken back to our cars parked within the safety of the State Park.
10/17/08 thru 10/19/08
Friday - Sunday
Paddle
Very Strenuous
Biking and Hiking Opportunities
Cayo Costa State Park
Cayo Costa State Park - We will leave Friday morning from Pineland Marina in Pine Island and take the Tropic Star Ferry http://www.tropicstarcruises.com/ to cross over to Cayo Costa State Park where we will be staying until Sunday. We'll have the afternoon to hike. Saturday you can walk along the beach, hike the trails, bike and/or swim. If you want to join us, reserve your site ASAP at Reserve America or 1-800-326-352. Event Coordinator: Mabel at mabelmaga@aol.com or 321-695-3328.
10/25/08 & 10/26/08
Saturday & Sunday
8:00AM
Paddling
Moderate
Chuluota
Econlockhatchee Kayak/Camping Trip - Pack everything in your kayak for a Saturday night camp on the bank of the river. No worry if it is your first time camping, we'll show you what to bring and how to pack it all in your kayak. We'll launch from Chuluota and  take out on St. Johns River. We'll shuttle to leave some vehicles at the take out. Check the Sea Kayaker Gear List , click here. Optional hiking before gathering around campfire. RSVP required by NLT Wed. before the trip. Contact  Ken Knapton at kayakinkenk@aol.com. PFD and whistle are required on the paddle.This is a  joint paddle with Mosquito Lagoon Paddlers.
10/30/08 thru 11/2/08
Thursday - Sunday
Paddling
Various Skills
Hillsborough River
Florida Paddlers Rendezvous 2008 - This is a multi-club gathering, involving organizations from through-out Florida. http://www.clubkayak.com/rendezvous2008/ at Hillsborough River State Park near Tampa (See Map). Prior year's experience make this event a good recommendation by WT members and trip host.
11/01/08 & 11/02/08
Saturday & Sunday
9:00AM
Paddling
Moderate
High Spring
Santa Fe River/Camp/Paddle - Come join fellow Trekkers on a 2 day paddle down the Santa Fe River near High Springs, Fl., Gazetteer page 65. We will meet at the Santa Fe River Outpost (386) 454-2050 at 9AM sharp. This will be a 20-mile paddle in 2 days, starting at the Outfitter's launch at US 441 just South of the Santa Fe Bridge. We will paddle upstream for 2 to 3 miles seeing part of the river most people miss. After reversing our course back past the Outfitters, we will stop for the night at Lilly Springs to camp. Nature Ed has an agreement with Santa Fe Outfitters for groups to camp overnight. The cost for the Outfitter will be $25.00/boat (insurance has gone up), and $9.00 per person at Lilly Springs. Nature Ed will provide firewood for the campfire. The group will continue down the river on Sunday morning and take out at the Hwy 47 Bridge. This has been an exciting river paddle and camp in the past. As always stated, this is primitive camping (though Lilly Springs has an outhouse). You will need to provide camping gear, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and a breakfast. It is exciting to find out that the wonderful "Great Outdoors Rest. & Lounge" is back open at the Opera House in High Spring. I will make reservation for Sunday afternoon when we get back. The food was always great. The Outfitter can provide transportation of some camping equipment to Lilly Springs. Reservations are required. Limited to 16 members and their guest. Event Host: Lee & Anita Simmons leedeland@yahoo.com (preferred) or 386-943-8745.
11/08/08
Saturday
9:00AM
Kayaking Skills
All Skill Levels
Chuluota
Skill Session- For All Skill Levels - Learn to launch your boat ( sea kayak or sit on top), what safety gear to carry with you, and learn basic paddle strokes or improve your skills, learn how to be an effective paddler. And of course, we will play and have fun too. The session is about three - four hours long with Ken Knapton, Michael Shugg and Mariam Mohsenin who teach the class to numerous groups and came to WT in July to teach Kayak recovery and rescue class. RSVP is required. For members only. Focus all reservations to Mariam Mohsenin at (407)325-7596, mohseninma@gmail.com. The session will be at Lake Mills Park located in west Seminole County, click here for directions. Session is limited to 12 people. If for some reason, Lake Mills is not open/feasible, the alternate venue will be announced to responders and will be held in Orlando area.
11/14/08 thru 11/16/08
Friday 5pm - Sunday
Paddling, Hiking, Biking
Leisure - Strenuous
Silver River State Park
Ocala

Annual Gathering 2008 - Please complete your registration form and send it in - Reservations are required. . A tentative Event Schedule has been posted. A tentative Event Schedule has been posted; however, a final Event Schedule will be available upon check in. Details are under the Annual Gathering page.

Oct 31 is the cut off date for meal orders. If you haven't received a confirmation from me by that date, it means you'll have to bring your own food.

Silver River SP has a lot to offer with several hiking/ off-road biking trails within the park, 3 rivers to paddle and off-road biking at Santos close by. There is a Cracker Village and amazing Historical Museum. Plan to socialize under an open air pavilion and around a campfire. Relax or actively explore your surroundings by participating in activities that our volunteers have already signed up to host. (Hike hosts are still needed).

State Park fees apply to day visitors.

If you want a campsite with water/electric make your reservations today at Reserve America. This park fills up fast. WT has reserved the Youth Camp site $2/person/night (no water, no electricity, no reservations needed). The Youth Camp is about a mile from the picnic pavilion.

If you want to share a site or carpool, please let me know before Oct 31. (CathyEdwards Oviedoedwards@earthlink.net)

Thanksgiving Weekend
11/27/08 thru 11/30/08
Thursday-Sunday
Kayaking, Biking & Hiking
All Skill Levels Long Key

Long Key State Park - Florida Keys - Camping/kayaking/hiking/biking in the Keys over Thanksgiving. Check out Long Key State Park for detilas and map. Call Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521. ASAP to reserve a spot and if full keep checking back for cancellations. Host: Cathy Phillips (561) 714-7530 or kyklvr@earthlink.net (preferred)

Let me know if you plan to attend and I will email more info.  It will be alot of fun!

Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 27th, 2008 this year.

11/29/08
Saturday
9:00AM
Paddling
Leisure
DeLand
DeLeon Springs Leisure Family Paddle - Meet at 9:00 AM at the Spring Head area. We will paddle a short distance (45 minutes) and see several types of turtles, fish, reptiles, birds, manatee, and other wildlife on the way out and back. Bring a snack for a break; sun lotion, and plenty of fluids. Plan to share a pancake brunch at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant or bring your lunch & swim goggles if you'd like to stay and picnic next to spring/swimming area. Cost: $5.00 State Park entrance fee (2 to 8 people in 1 car). Canoe & kayak rentals available 386.985.5644. Take Interstate 4 to Exit 94, take State Road 434 West to Wekiwa Springs Road. Take US Hwy 17 North from Deland for approximately six miles, following the State Park signs. Turn left onto Ponce DeLeon Blvd and you will travel approximately one mile to the entrance to DeLeon Springs State Park. Members and invited guests only. Limit: 12. Host: Bill Maish Email to register at billsplash@bellsouth.net or call 407-375-4406.
11/30/08
Sunday
2:00PM
Biking
Leisure
Winter Springs
Cross Seminole Trail Leisure Family Bike Ride - Meet at 2pm at the trail head (in Winter Springs just W of 417 on 434 and E of the Hess Station). Bring a helmet, snack for break, sun lotion, and plenty of fluids. Free. We will ride W then back E to Oviedo. 6 miles. Members and invited guests only. Limit: 15. Host: Bill Maish Email to register at billsplash@bellsouth.net or call 407-375-4406