Wilderness Trekkers Home

April 2010 - May 2010

04/02/10 – 04/04/10
Friday – Sunday
Time: contact host
Hike, paddle, camp
Leisure
Princess Place Preserve
Flagler County
Princess Place Preserve - Come for the whole Easter weekend or join us during the day for a laid back trip at peaceful Princess Place Preserve, north of Palm Coast.  Erica has reserved a few nice large campsites to share there for Easter weekend.  These waterfront drive-in sites are by the Matanzas River. No campers or pop-ups, no electric.  Restrooms/hot 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 relaxing.  No night arrivals - gate locks at 6 PM, no driving in the preserve after 6 pm.  For those who are interested, an early morning Easter service is held at the preserve.  Limited trip.  Camping preference given to those who can stay both nights due to limited spots.  Please RSVP by March 19 to reserve your camping spot and for details. If you wish to join us for the day only, ok. (Day visitors limited only by logistics).

Contact Erica at paddlepuff@earthlink.net or 407-327-4044.
04/03/10
Saturday
Time: 9:00
Paddle
Moderate
Rock Springs Paddle
Apopka, FL
Paddle Rock Springs Run - Rock Springs Run originates from a spring just north of Apopka and winds through Wekiwa Springs State Park before joining with the Wekiva River. This is one of the few remaining places in Florida that has a sense of timelessness. The paddle is about 8 miles long and usually takes 4½ to 5 hours. We will meet at King's Landing and be on the river by 9:00 a.m. For those participants wanting to shuttle their own boats, please be at King' Landing and have your boat and gear unloaded by 8:15 to start the shuttle to the Wekiva Marina. Boat rentals and shuttle service is available at King' landing (407-886-0859 or kingslandingfl.com). The last time I paddled, it was $10 to launch, contact King’s Landing for other fees. Pack a lunch and we will find a spot along the river to eat and stretch our legs.

Event Host: Tony Owen 407-402-3330 towen@finfrockdmc.com
04/04/10
Sunday
Time: 9:00
Paddle
Moderate - Strenuous
Haulover Canal

Intercoastal Paddle in Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal is one mile long and links the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. We hope to see, manatees, dolphins and numerous birds. We will either paddle the Indian River or we might paddle Mosquito Lagoon, but we plan on a 10 mile trip. This paddle may not be suitable for everyone due to open water conditions and its distance. Contact host for additional preparedness and information.

PFD and whistle are required by law and PDFs must be worn on all sessions. Please give yourself ample time to arrive and get ready to paddle at 9:00 am.

Event Host: Ken Knapton and Mariam Mohsenin at (407)325-7596, mohseninma@gmail.com
04/07/10
Wednesday
Time: 9:30
Hike
Leisure
Lyonia Preserve
Deltona, FL
Hike Lyonia Preserve in Deltona - Lyonia Preserve where we may see some friendly Florida Scrub Jays (a protected species) and the typical plants found in one of Florida’s few remaining scrub areas, the predominant ecosystem in Central Florida before human intervention. A recent count found 27 scrub jay families residing there. This is rather hilly terrain with a sandy trail and limited shade; approx. 4 mile trip. The preserve is behind the Deltona Public Library. Bring water, hat and snack. Other options include eating something at the “Bakery” which is open most of the day for breakfast and lunch, visit gift shop, Environmental Center (fee).

Please Contact Erica if you plan to come and for direction paddlepuff@earthlink.net or 407-327-4044.
04/10/10
Saturday
Time: 9:00
Hike
Leisure
Seminole Environmental Center
Winter Springs, FL
Seminole Environmental Center Hike - Join Kurth and Lynn for their favorite hike. We will hike along an old lumber road to a ¼ mile boardwalk that overlooks Lake Jesup. Then we will hike along a tributary and cross over 419 to a trail that is popular with bikers. You will see their ingenuity of ramps and seesaws, but we will hike the trails and go to the bikers overpass on 17-92, turn around and return back to the Environmental Center for lunch at a pavilion. This hike is in the backyards of some Winter Springs home, but yet an example of how close nature can coexist. Meet at 9 at the parking lot off of 419, between 434 and 17-92 in Longwood/Winter Springs(across from Soldiers Creek Field). This is for hikers, but bikers will love it, too. About 5 miles and your feet may get a bit muddy if we’ve had rain. Reservation not necessary, but appreciated.

Host: Kurth and Lynn lynnvh@embarqmail.com or 612-280-7670.
04/24/10
Saturday
Time: 7:00PM
Night Paddle
Leisure
Winter Park Chain Of Lakes
Winter Park, FL
Moonlight Paddle – Winter Park Chain of Lakes - We will explore Lake Virginia, Lake Osceola and Lake Maitland by moonlight during this “Urban” Wilderness Trek. We plan to paddle the canals and lakes to Dog Island, where we will have a break and a campfire. The trek will start at 7:00, when the almost full moon will be visible in the eastern sky. These beautiful lakes are connected by narrow canals built during the early part of the century to serve the logging industry and provide abundant opportunities to observe Osprey, Heron and Egret, and even an occasional gator. We will also be observing numerous homes and parks and possibly even have an encounter with the Winter Park Boat Tour. Further details and directions will be provided to registered participants. Open to members and the public.

Event Host Shelley Claudin . Contact shelley.claudin@cubic.comor 407-758-2633.
04/25/10
Sunday
Time: 9:00PM
Kayak Skills Session
Mosquito Lagoon
Edgewater, FL
Kayak Skill Session- For All Skill Levels - Learn about kayak navigation, chart reading and find your way to new places. To get the most from this session, we suggest you bring the following: Top Spot Chart of Mosquito Lagoon Area ( Map no. N219) [available at West Marine or online] and a compass, similar to this example Compass. Class is limited to 8 people.

This will be an all day session about 1/3 classroom and the rest on the water with Ken Knapton, Michael Shugg and Mariam Mohsenin. For members only. RSVP is required. We will paddle Mosquito Lagoon to find island campsites in the Canaveral National Seashore. PFD and whistle are required on all sessions. Give yourself ample time to arrive, unload your boat, and get ready. Out of courtesy to the participants, please be ready at 9:00 am.

Event Host: Focus all reservations to Mariam Mohsenin at (407)325-7596, mohseninma@gmail.com
04/30/10 – 05/02/10
Friday – Sunday
Time: see link
Bike, Paddle, Hike
Varied Difficulty
Stephen Foster State Park
White Springs, FL
Suwannee Bicycle Association - Spring Pedal & Paddle Festival - The Spring Bicycle Festival, organized by the Suwannee Bicycle Association, offers many wonderful outdoor experiences around White Springs and Suwannee River Valley. In addition to great on-road and off-road trails, the area offers canoe, kayak and eco-adventures. Come and enjoy a different adventure every morning, afternoon and evening.

Off-road riding, all level of rides from beginners to experts with over 50 miles of off road trails. Road riding for all levels, cruise the quite scenic roads around White Springs. Friday ride. Saturday enjoy the Triple Loop Century. Rest Stops at SBA Club House. Florida Trail Eco-Photo Hike- Bring you camera and curiosity and join a guide along to explore and capture the natural beauty of the Suwannee Valley on a leisure walk. Bike, Drive or Hike to Big Shoals- Ride the paved Woodpecker Trail. Paddling (Dependant on river levels and weather): Paddle trip reservations can be made at American Canoe Adventures (ACA), White Springs at 386-397-1309 or www.aca1.com. Check with ACA for new location. Recommend making paddle reservations prior to event. Pedal and Paddle: Pedal 15 miles to Suwannee Canoe Outpost (386-364-4991) at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park for a six mile paddle down the Suwannee River and then pedal 17 miles back to Stephen Foster State Park.

Details at http://www.suwanneebike.org/sbf.htm

WT Event Coordinator - Clark Getz cagola1@aol.com
5/1/10
Saturday
Time: 9:00 AM
Paddle
Winter Park Lakes
Dinky Dock next to Rollins
Winter Park chain of lakes paddle - We will launch from dinky dock at 9:00 a.m. and paddle from lake Virginia to lake Minnehaha with a stop at dog island on the way out and back. We will paddle about 8 or 9 miles. We can make it longer or shorter depending on route and how everyone feels if needed. View the usual scenery of large homes, thick tropical landscapes and other water vessels and be in someones vacation photos from a passing tour boat. Bring food and fluids..and don’t forget your sunscreen… pfd’s and a whistle is required. All are welcomed. I hope to meet some more current and future Trekker kayakers.

Hosted by Rich Miller 407-709-7129 and Co-hosted by Curt Gashlin landsharc@aol.com( (407-443-7875) Please RSVP.....Thanks
5/9/10
Sunday
Mother's Day
Time: 9:00
Paddle
Location - Call Host
Lake Norris Paddle - Lake Norris, paddle winding thru cypress trees, hoping to see ospreys nests. This is one of the most beautiful trips in the area lakes. We'll cover about 6 miles.

PDF must be worn on all sessions. Contact host for location to meet, we'll then drive to the launch point.

Host: Your hosts: Ken Knapton and Mariam Mohsenin at (407)325-7596, mohseninma@gmail.com
5/15/10
Saturday
Time: 8:45
Spring Gathering
Location - Riverside Park
Oviedo FL
Annual Spring Gathering - The 2010-2011 Wilderness Trekker Spring Gathering will be at at Riverside Park near Oviedo in Seminole County (map). 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 within close proximity of the park, but all requiring a short drive. 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.

In addtion to the morning presentations, and before we head out for our adventures; please feel free to bring your extra outdoor equipment for sale or swap - anything related to hiking, camping, kayaking, cycling.. If you've upgraded to that other kayak you've been dreaming about and that second one is in the way, "bring it awn down" for an opportunity for Trekker folks to buy and sell outdoor equipment.

Lynn and Kurth will lead a like in the Econ Forest starting from the Chuluota road into the Econ river. The hike is 3-4 miles and almost entirely shaded

Micheal Shuggs is leading a paddle trip on the Econ River Trip 419 to Snow Hill Road. We'll drive to the take out, set our shuttle, then head to our launch on 419. This approximately 9 mile paddle will test your maneuvering skills as it twists and turns through the Little Big Econ State Forest. There may be some deadfalls and cary-overs depending on water level.
PFDs are required and must be worn.
Please RSVP Michael if you are planning on going mshugg@comcast.net .

Clark Getz is leading a bicycle ride from the Oviedo downtown trailhead to lake Jessup park in Winter Springs (round trip).

Rich Miller will be leading a 10 mile loop for Off-Road mountain biking in the Big Little Econ Forest. It's about 1.5 hours. It is a little technical and a bit more strenuous than santos, but worth the challenge.

Make reservations to Clark Getz cagola1@aol.com or #407-855-5351 .

Host: Clark Getz cagola1@aol.com 407 222 2846
5/16/2010
Sunday
Meet at 8:00AM Paddling
Moderate to Strenuous
Haw Creek Paddle
Bunnell FL
Haw Creek Run Exploratory trip - We ‘ll meet at 8:00 O’Clock. Contact host for meet location, we’ll then drive to the launch location. Estimated a 10 mile paddle. ACA rules apply, no drugs or alcohol, must wear PFD ( type III ) and whistle are required on the paddle.

Tucked away in western Flagler County lies Haw Creek Preserve, a 1,005-acre tract of land bordering Haw Creek for about two miles on its southern boundary. This area was set aside to preserve the cypress oak and hardwood swamp that borders Haw Creek. Many Haw trees line the creek and produce the small apple-like fruit from which the creek gets its name. The fruit is popular for making jelly.

RSVP required. Contact your hosts, Mariam Mohsenin at mohseninma@gmail.com or Ken Knapton.
5/16/10 - 5/23/2010
Sunday - Sunday
Paddling w/camping
Strenuous
Buffalo Natl River
Arkansas
Buffalo National River - in Arkansas. Few experiences can compare to a float trip down the Buffalo. Clear waters, high bluffs, wooded hillsides, and a myriad of wildlife and wildflowers. The plan is to paddle from Ozark Landing to Buffalo Point Ranger Station, 72 river miles. This is primarily a canoe/kayak river camping trip. We’ll camp on gravel bars, with landings available for water/food re-stocking or take outs. There might be some day trips, returning to a semi-developed Nat’l Park Service campsite.

Since paddling the Buffalo is influenced by water levels, the exact plan will be determined by conditions/water level at the time. Fast water and easy rapids expected. (Long sea kayaks not appropriate for this trip.) Moderate paddling skills needed. Plan to be at Ozark Landing Sat May 15. See river information at www.nps.gov/buff . This is a joint trip with another club.


If interested in this trip, contact Erica Johnson. Deadline, April 28. 407-327-4044.
5/22/10
Saturday
Time: 8:30
Morning Hike
Lk Cnty Biologist Lead
Easy
Hidden Waters
Eustis FL
Hidden Waters Preserve and Biologist Lead Hike - East of Eustis in Lake County is Hidden Waters Preserve a 90 acre preserve with a deep depression and a small pond in its center. There is a trail that circumnavigates about this hole which is considered a leak into the aquafer and hence is highly protected land. There is a spring on the land and a clear stream about 2 feet wide. Ninety acres is a pretty heafty size property and I suspect the hike will be near 2 miles around. Ben Gugliotti, a biologist from the Lake County Water Authority, will be on had to provide an interpretive hike, identifying indiginous and evasive plants and a bit about the property inself. Bring some hydration and a lite snack.

Host: Clark Getz cagola1@aol.com 407 222 2846
05/23/10
Sunday
Time: 9:00AM
Kayak Skills Session
Lake Mills Park
Chuluota, FL
Kayak Skill Session- For All Skill Levels - Flatwater Kayak Safety and Rescue introduces essential flat water safety practices and rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment, in the first few minutes of an emergency. After the class we’ll work on rolling for those interested. Guaranteed that you will learn a new skill or improve on existing skills. The session is with Ken Knapton, Michael Shugg and Mariam Mohsenin. RSVP is required. Class is limited to 15 people.

For members only. 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. PFD and whistle are required on all sessions. Give yourself ample time to arrive, unload your boat, and get ready. Out of courtesy to the participants and instructors, please be ready to paddle at 9:00 am.

Event Host: Focus all reservations to Mariam Mohsenin at (407)325-7596, mohseninma@gmail.com
5/29/10 – 5/31/10
Saturday – Monday
Memorial Day Weekend
Time: contact host
Paddling w/camping
Easy-to-Moderate
Rock Springs and Wekiva Springs
Apopka FL
Rock Springs and Wekiva Springs Memorial Day Weekend - On Saturday morning we will run a shuttle and put-in at King's Landing for a paddling, swimming and relaxing trip down Rock Springs run. We will river camp on Saturday night at a camp site4 on Rock Springs run. On Sunday, we will continue down the river and down Wekiva River to river camp in Buffalo Tram campsite. Monday we will continue down the Wekiva to take out near Katie's Landing. It is a very relaxed trip.

Host: Nancy Doucette (561)968-1789 kayakldy@yahoo.com