April 2009 - May 2009 |
|
03/29/09 - 04/04/09 Sunday - Saturday Paddling & River Camping Leisure-Strenuous Blackwater River Coldwater Creek Florida Panhandle |
Traditional Spring Break Trip - We will have our traditional spring break trip river camping on two of the beautiful rivers in the Florida Panhandle. We will spend 4 days on Blackwater River, which has the beautiful white sand beaches for camping. Then we will move to Coldwater Creek in the same area, but entirely different. It has more twists and turns and large gravel bars for camping. Contact Host Nancy Doucette kayakldy@yahoo.com (561) 968-1789 |
04/04/09 |
Black Hammock Wilderness Hike Seminole Co. - This hike is 4.5 mile loop that is relatively new. It starts with crushed stone, turns into a boardwalk and then narrows to a shaded trail. There is a 0.9 connector from the Econ Barr St trailhead, but we’ll start at the trailhead at the end of Howard Avenue. More details at Black Hammock Wilderness. From the Greenway exit at 434 and head toward Oviedo. At about 2 miles there will be a large curve that goes right…don’t…turn left just as you see the curve and go toward the Black Hammock restaurant instead. Turn right on Howard and go all the way to the end. It changes from paved to hard dirt and, surprisingly nice homes. The trailhead is at the very end and has a nice parking lot. There are no signs along the way, so just have faith. See Map. Reservations appreciated but not necessary. Lynn and Kurth lynnvh@embarqmail.com or 407-331-8609 |
04/10/09 - 04/12/09 Friday - Sunday Hike, Camp, Paddle Leisure Princess Place Flagler County |
Easter Weekend Camp at Princess Place - Come for a day or the whole Easter weekend to join Erica for a laid back trip at peaceful Princess Place, north of Palm Coast. Erica has reserved 4 nice large campsites there for Easter weekend ( and these are the only sites in this area). These waterfront drive-in sites are by the Matanzas River. Limited trip - 2 tents per site, no campers or pop-ups, no electric. (Day visitors limited only by logistics). Restrooms/showers available. Princess Place is a beautiful old estate, now a preserve, with lots to explore. Options of hiking, paddling, biking (most on paved or dirt roads), historic house tour, and the beach is not far. No night arrivals - gate locks at 6 PM, no driving in the preserve after 6 pm. Please RSVP before April 1. For driving directions and general information, please check their web-site at Princess Place. To reserve your camping spot and for details, or if you wish to join us for the day only, please contact Erica at paddlepuff@earthlink.net or 407-327-4044.
Camping preference given to those who can stay both nights due to limited spots. |
04/19/09 Sunday 9:00 AM Paddling Strenuous Silver River |
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. See Map. 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. Reservations required. Members and invited guests only. Please RSVP to Event Host: Kim Joiner at kjoiner2@tampabay.rr.com |
04/17 - 04/19/2009 Friday - Sunday Packpacking Camping Moderate Lake Wales |
Backpack and Camp Beside Lake Arbuckle - On Friday, we will car camp in the Lake Wales Ridge area. On Saturday, we will do approximately a 3 1/2 mile backpack trip to our campsite on Lake Arbuckle. It is a beautiful area and we have a really good group of people who go on the backpacking trips. Reservations required. Contact Nancy for times and meeting place. Event Host Nancy Doucette kayakldy@yahoo.com #561-968-1789 |
04/25/09 - 04/26/09 Saturday - Sunday Paddling Moderate - Strenuous Mosquito Lagoon and Shipyard Canal Canaveral National Seashore |
Mosquito Lagoon Paddle and Camp at Canaveral National Seashore - Pack your kayak for one night camping on an island. This is a great trip for those kayak/camping for the first time. On Saturday, we'll have a fun day of paddling in the Mosquito Lagoon, then camp in Canaveral National Seashore on an island where you can only get to by boat. We'll paddle more of Mosquito Lagoon near Shipyard Canal and take out Sunday afternoon. Feel free to contact the hosts for any information you need on packing for the trip. RSVP by April 15 so we can have a count for the campers to get the permit, campsites are $10/night for up to 6 persons, $20/night for 7 or more persons. this is not a per person fee. Must wear PFD Contact your hosts Ken Knapton (321) 368-9894 or Mariam Mohsenin at mohseninma@gmail.com. |
05/02 - 05/03/2009 Saturday - Sunday Time - contact host Paddle, Hike Leisure Kelly Park (Rock Springs) |
Paddle, Hike, and Camp - Kelly Park (Rock Springs) Orange Co. - Participants may do all or parts of the weekend, but if you want to camp at Kelly Park you should call on March 19 to make your reservation. That is the first day that you can make camping reservations for May 2 and the sites fill up quickly. Kelly Park's number is 407-889-4179 They discriminate. Orange Co. $18, Non-resident $23, but seniors pay less so mention that fact. We are going to try to get site 11. Two tents can fit on a site, so call the host if you can’t get a reservation. This is a beautiful park, especially when the gates are closed to the rest of the public. There are 7 miles of trails to hike, which we will do in the evening and Sunday morning. For the paddle we will meet at King’s Landing on Saturday at 9 AM and arrange the shuttle before paddling. We plan to have a potluck for Saturday night, so bring something to share. We plan to swim in the ¾ mile run at Kelly Park at dusk and dawn. Bring a tube if you don’t like 72 degree water. Snorkel and mask make a whole different view. Kelly Park has a nature program from 12-2 and a movie that night, so families will enjoy. Please email that you have obtained a reservation and if you can share. Reservations required. Lynn and Kurth lynnvh@embarqmail.com or 407-331-8609 |
05/09/2009 Saturday 8:00AM Biking Leisure Seminole County |
Cross Seminole Trail - We will be enjoying a leisurely rails-to-trails bicycle ride in Seminole County.
The Cross Seminole Trail is a paved recreational trail that has been designated as one of Seminole County's showcase trails because of its length, beauty, and accommodation of many users. This trail takes in some of the areas most beautiful rural scenery. We will meet at Big Tree Park (BTP), located on General Hutchinson Parkway between U.S. 17-92 and State Road 427 north of Longwood. See Map Hike the boardwalk to the Senator, then ride toward Spring Hammock Preserve. From there we may continue on the extension toward Winter Springs if completed. We could ride 15-20 miles, but you may turn back anytime you wish. Bring water, snacks and lunch to eat when we return to our cars. Call or e-mail (before the prior Thursday) Eric Kendrick to confirm attendance 407-970-3373 or jerickendrick@hotmail.com. |
05/09 - 05/11/2009 Friday - Sunday Time: Contact Leader Paddling/Camping Leisure-to-Moderate Reedy Creek and Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Seabring FL |
Exploration on Reedy Creek - On Friday night, we will stay at a primative campsite in the Lake Wales Ridge
State Forest. It has picnic tables, fire rings and a porta-potti.
On Saturday night, it will be strictly primative on the shore of the river. I am planning to camp in a beautiful oak hammock on the side of the river. We will put in at the bridge on School Bus Road. See Map The plan is to paddle and either camp along the creek on some of the sand dunes or to camp near the where the creek empties into Lake Arbuckle. For a truly adventurous Florida experience, contact Nancy Doucette kayakldy@yahoo.com for further details. |
5/16/2009 Saturday 9:00AM Hiking, Paddling, Biking Sylvan Park Heathrow |
WT Annual Spring Gathering - The 2009-2010 Wilderness Trekker Spring Gathering will be at Sylvan Lake Park in Seminole County. Breakfast will be provided. All members are encouraged to come out for the morning to mingle and get to know new members, ask questions, inspire new trips, share ideas and provide feedback to the future board members. There will be a New Member Orientation incorporated during this event, something that all members should observe and contribute, as we would like our broader membership to participate in these quarterly events. The WT Board will be elected by the general membership during this time. This will be followed by a planned hike, bike and paddle on the premises (or vicinity). There will also be a host meeting as part the activities. Don't forget to bring cash or checkbook if you'd like to purchase any cool Wilderness Trekker merchandise, available for purchase! Look for the signs to direct you to the pavilion with the WT banner. Make reservations to Clark Getz cagola1@aol.com or #407-855-5351 . See Map |
05/17/2009 Sunday Launch 9:00AM Kayaking Skills All Skill Levels Lake Mills Chuluota |
Kayak Skill Session- For All Skill Levels - With warm weather, we will do kayak recovery and rescues. And of course, we will play and have fun too. Learn about safety gear to carry with you. The session is about three to four - hour long with Ken Knapton, Michael Shugg and Mariam Mohsenin. RSVP is required. For members only. Class is limited to 12 people. The session will be at Lake Mills Park located in west Seminole County. See Map. 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. PFD and whistle are required on all sessions.
We'll start at 9:00, so come early enough to ready yourself. Focus all reservations to Mariam Mohsenin at (407)325-7596, mohseninma@gmail.com. |
05/22- 05/25/2009 Friday - Monday Paddling - Camping Leisure to Strenuous Rock Springs Apopka |
Annual Rock Springs Run and Wekiwa River Paddle and Camping- Memorial Day Weekend 3 days, 2 nights -
River camping on Rock Springs Run and the Wekiwa River. We will car camp (optional) on Friday night at Wekiwa Springs State park. On Saturday morning, we will put in at King's Landing in Apopka and swim and slowly paddle to our campsite on the bank of the river. On Sunday, we will travel to our second campsite on the Wekiwa River. Monday, we will continue to the River Haven take out. It is a leisurely, relaxed trip with a lot of swimming. Contact host for meeting time and location.
Event Host: Nancy Doucette #561-968-1789 kayakldy@yahoo.com |
05/31/2009 Sunday 9:00 - 1:00 Surf/Beach Day/Social Event Playalinda Beach Canaveral National Seashore |
Social Gathering at the Beach -
We'll be at the Eddy Creek Parking lot Beach at 9am to check the surf conditions. We'll start here if it is good otherwise we'll move on to check another location. If you are arriving after 9am, then confirm our location with Ken's vehicle in the parking lot. It is a Midnight Blue Van, Chevy with kayak rack on top.
Bring your surf kayak, surf board, sea kayak, or sit on top or bring just yourself and plenty of sunscreen lotion,drinking water, and snack. Must wear PFD if you kayak.
Spend a day at the beach with fellow friends and paddlers, surfing, swimming or just relaxing. We'll go afterwards to Dixie Crossroads to have a late lunch. Event Hosts: Contact your hosts Ken Knapton (321)368-9894 or Mariam Mohsenin mohseninma@gmail.com |