04/9/2011 Saturday Time: 9:00 Off-Road Biking Leisure - Strenuous Croom Track Withlacoochee S. F. Brooksville FL |
Croom Off-Road Biking - Beginner Group and Experience Group opportunities - Declared one of the "10 Coolest Places in North America" by the World Wildlife Fund, the Withlacoochee State Forest has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities available for everyone. The Croom tract, off SR 50, east of Brooksville has wide and long sweeping bike trails in open pine flats. In general, the terrain is relatively flat with some areas of gradual and long relief that is not the least bit extreme with rare exceptions.
This event will have two separate ride groups. The Beginner group ride is geared for first-time off road trail riders, anyone wanting to get back into trail riding, and experienced riders just looking for an easy, fun ride. Our trail will be a 12-mile single track that winds through scenic, rolling terrain. We will ride at a leisurely 4 to 6 mile per hour pace with multiple stops to rest and regroup. There are bailout points at 3 miles and 8 miles for anyone that chooses to cut their ride short. Before beginning the ride, we will briefly go over trail riding techniques and group ride etiquette. A suitably equipped fat-tire mountain bike is best for your off-road experience. Leisure Group - contact host for rendezvous location, it is NOT the same location as the experienced. The Experienced Group Ride is for intermediate level trail riders. Probably be too slow for advanced but too fast for beginners. Plan on 18 to 20 miles including some challenging technical areas. After an easy warm up expect to ride at an 8-10 mph pace. We will take breaks approximately every 5 to 7 miles or as needed by the group. There are no bailouts for the first 13 miles. After that there are bailouts @ approximately miles 15, 16, and 20. If the group is riding strong and does well with the first pit, Drunken Monkey (there is an easy bypass), we can continue on to the second pit. The pit areas are similar in difficulty to Roller Coaster in Alfia. Much more challenging than the two drop/climbs on Twister in Santos. Expect sandy stretches of down hill and climbs! Bring liquids, snacks, bigger snack/lunch for halfway through. Suitably equipped mountain bike and bike helmet is required. Consider filling your camelback with 1/3rd to 1/2 ice then Gatoraide or equivelent...place in cooler for the car ride, then place in your pack for the trail ride. Pack mosquito/fly spray. Intermediate Group: Meet at Lampkin Street, Nobleton Fl 33513. An unnamed park in Nobleton. For either ride, helmets are required. We encourage carpooling. Metro Orlando folks could rendezvous at West Orange trail Killarney Station parking for carpool transfers. Event Hosts: RSVP Experienced group - contact Patrick Toland patman2@cfl.rr.com or Leisure Group - contact Clark Getz cagola1@aol.com |
04/10/2011 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 dolphins and numerous birds. We will either paddle the Indian River or 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 information.
PFD and whistle are required and must be worn. Event Host: Mariam Mohsenin at (407) 968-2006, mohseninma@gmail.com |
04/16/2011 Saturday Time: 9:00 Launch Kayak/Canoe Skills Session Lake Mills Park Chuluota FL |
British Canoe Union (BCU) 2 Star Skills Development
This is session is part of a series that will work on developing foundation skills leading to the BCU 2 Star. Paddlers will learn key paddle strokes and rescue techniques. Emphasis is on use of body boat and blade to provide safe and efficient movment of canoe and kayak through the water. This training is suitable for all paddlers. Though this training provides a solid foundation for those wishing to advance to sea, surf or whitewater environments, it does not require a specialized boat. Canoes, Sea Kayaks, Whitewater Kayaks, Sit on Tops and Stand Up Paddle Boards are all welcome.
Each session is approximatly 6 hours long with BCU certified instructors Michael Shugg and Rich Miller. Paddlers who participate in both sessions, 4/16 and 4/30, may choose to assess for the BCU 2 Star Award on May 14. RSVP is required. Limited to 12 participants, this session will be at Lake Mills Park located in west Seminole County, See Map. PFD and whistle are required. Bring all the gear you own and the kayak you paddle most. Give yourself ample time to arrive, unload your boat, and get ready. Out of courtesy to the participants, please be ready to paddle at 9:00 am. Focus all reservations to Michael Shugg at mshugg@comcast.net |
04/29 - 5/1/2011 Friday - Saturday Time: see event Paddle and Biking Stephen Foster S.P. White Springs FL Suwannee Bicycle Assoc. |
Spring Pedal and Paddle - This event is sponsored by the Suwannee Bicycle Association out of White Springs Florida right on the Suwannee River. You can camp at Stephen Foster S. P. so get your reservations NOW! This is an outstanding event for recreational paddlers, mountain bikers and road bikers. Each day they have multiple events scheduled, sometimes you can fit 2 events in a day. Three WT members did this last year and really enjoyed all of it. The park is top notch, the scenery exceptional and the rides unforgettable. There is a fee for the weekend. Full details will be posted in February at Spring Pedal and Paddle
Registration is on-line or via a U.S. mailed paper form. Wilderness Trekker attendees, Clark Getz is the contact point for more information cagola1@aol.com. |
04/30/2011 Saturday Time: 9:00 Launch Kayak/Canoe Skills Session Lake Mills Park Chuluota FL |
British Canoe Union (BCU) 2 Star Skills Development
This is session is part of a series that will work on developing foundation skills leading to the BCU 2 Star. Paddlers will learn key paddle strokes and rescue techniques. Emphasis is on use of body boat and blade to provide safe and efficient movment of canoe and kayak through the water. This training is suitable for all paddlers. Though this training provides a solid foundation for those wishing to advance to sea, surf or whitewater environments, it does not require a specialized boat. Canoes, Sea Kayaks, Whitewater Kayaks, Sit on Tops and Stand Up Paddle Boards are all welcome.
Each session is approximatly 6 hours long with BCU certified instructors Michael Shugg and Rich Miller. Paddlers who participate in both sessions, 4/16 and 4/30, may choose to assess for the BCU 2 Star Award on May 14. RSVP is required. Limited to 12 participants, this session will be at Lake Mills Park located in west Seminole County, See Map. PFD and whistle are required. Bring all the gear you own and the kayak you paddle most. Give yourself ample time to arrive, unload your boat, and get ready. Out of courtesy to the participants, please be ready to paddle at 9:00 am. Focus all reservations to Michael Shugg at mshugg@comcast.net |
05/02 - 5/7/2011 Monday - Saturday Time: see event Backpacking Moderate to Strenuous Appalachian Trail. Georgia Mnts |
Appalachian Trail Backpack - Amicalola Falls to Neels Gap-Join us as we backpack from Amicalola Falls, Georgia to Springer Mtn, and on to Neels Gap, Georgia. This is a trip for experienced backpackers capable of hiking 7-12 miles per day on mountainous terrain. Total mileage is approximately 40 miles. We will be staying in primitive shelters or tents. More details will follow once we get our group together. Group size will be limited to 6 people max .
Please contact Rich Miller or Lois Farrell, lois@dearolf.com if you are interested. |
05/06/2011 Fridday Time: 11:30 AM Paddle Moderate Juniper Run Juniper Rec. Area |
Juniper Springs Run Paddle -
Join Erica for a 7 mile recreational-paced paddle on clear spring-fed Juniper. Starts narrow and twisty, then widens and more sunny. Meet at 11:30 at the canoe launch parking lot in Juniper Rec Area, off Rte 40 in the Ocala NF. We'll eat lunch first then do shuttle. No rentals available as we'll start paddling in the afternoon. Bring lunch, snack, water, hat, sunscreen. Members only. There is a cost to enter the park. In addition - Sue is holding her paddle the next day at Silver River, if you wish to camp Friday night at Silver River State Park, please get your reservations in early. Host: Please RSVP Erica at paddlepuff@earthlink.net or 407-327-4044 |
05/07/2011 Saturday Time: 9:00 AM Paddle Moderate Silver River Silver Springs Fl |
Silver River Paddle -
One of Florida's wildest and clearest spring-fed rivers, the Silver River is miles of undeveloped beauty. We launch at Ray's Wayside Landing at S.R. 40 and the Ocklawaha River See Map. There is a $5.00 parking fee. The only way to do this trip is upstream to the spring head and back; so the first half is considered moderate by some and strenuous by others depending on your skills and watercraft; but all agree it is an easy float on the return trip. We will stop at Silver River State Park for a lunch break. This spot is about half way to the spring head, maybe a little more. Beautiful clear, cool water, lots of wildlife. Round trip is just under 10 miles. In addtion - we'll join another paddling club for a Chicken Wings Contest. Make them Buffalo Wings, Teriyaki, Ranch, or whatever you like, or bring a side dish to share. Yum. Great prize! You can paddle then come join in the contest festivities, and you can even camp with the group on Saturday Night. Get your Silver River State Park reservations early. Host: Sue Chisefsky schisefsky@tampabay.rr.com 352-344-5153 & Erica paddlepuff@earthlink.net |
05/07 -05/08/2011 Saturday & Sunday Time: Call Host Paddle Leisure-Moderate Econlockhatchee Oviedo Fl |
Econlockhatchee River Camping and Paddle -
we will river camp on the Econlockhatchee River. It is a relaxed, easy paddle. We will put-in at the 419 bridge on Saturday and take-out on Sunday at the Snow Hill Bridge. RSVP Host: Nancy Doucette, kayakldy@yahoo.com (561) 968-1789 |
05/14/2011 Saturday Time: 9:00 Launch Kayak/Canoe Skills Session Lake Mills Park Chuluota FL |
British Canoe Union (BCU) 2 Star Assessment -
This session will assess the BCU 2 Star Award. See the Syllabus for additional information: http://www.bcuna.com/PDF-Files/Syllabus/1-2_Star/2_Star_Syllabus.pdf The session is limited to 6 participants. Paddlers who pass the assessment and pay the BCU program fee of 10.00 will recieve the BCU 2 Star certificate. RSVP is required. The session will be at Lake Mills Park located in west Seminole County, See Map. PFD and whistle are required. Bring all the gear you own and the kayak you paddle most. Give yourself ample time to arrive, unload your boat, and get ready. Out of courtesy to the participants, please be ready to paddle at 9:00 am. Focus all reservations to Michael Shugg at mshugg@comcast.net |
05/14/2011 Saturday Evening Time: Meet @ 7:00PM Paddling Leisure Winter Park Chain of Lakes Winter Park FL |
Moonlight Paddle on the 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 8:00, just when the sun is setting. 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.com or 407-758-2633. |
05/15/2011 Sunday Time: Contact Host Paddle Moderate-Strenuous Lake Panasoffkee & Jones Creeks Lake Panasoffkee FL |
Lake Panasoffkee to Big Jones Creek and Little Jones Creek - This is an "exploratory" paddle to discover what lies beyond the easy. Lake Panasoffkee is one of west Central Florida's largest lakes located a few miles southwest of the interchange of I-75 and the Florida Turnpike. On its western shore is the hamlet of Lake Panasoffkee and "Outlet River". Jim Ostrander introduced me to the Outlet River on the Potts Preserve weekend as we put in at the ramp and headed west toward the Withlacoochee River. I was very impressed with Outlet River also known as Spring Creek. In January, the average depth of the creek was about 2 feet and with near clear conditions with a light mix of tannin, you could see the white shell covered bottom along with interesting debris. The River flowed pretty good considering its width.
We will launch at the S.R. 470 crossing at a very good county park and ramp called Marsh Landing in a populated area. The paddle east along Outlet River to Lake Panasoffkee is 1-mile, then a 2.2-mile paddle to the lake's northern tier where both the Big Jones Creek and the Little Jones Creek flow into the lake. Seventy percent of the Lake's shoreline is undeveloped and encompasses vast areas of State owned protected tracks. This area is in the thick of that wilderness. We will venture into Big Jones Creek first because it is only about 1 mile to a pool area where the navigation seems to end. Could this be a spring and the source of clear water on Outlet River? Then we will paddle up Little Jones Creek as far as we can or as far as we have time. Little Jones Creek looks like it meanders for more than 6 miles before terminating at a pool just a few hundred yards from the truck stop at the intersection of I-75 and S.R. 44. Obviously, we will not attempt that and I have doubts it is navigable for much of its distance. Plan for a long day, the round trip to the Big Jones Creek pool and back is almost 9 miles, if we do portions of the Little Jones, we have that much further to paddle, but we will not race and not poke either. I recommend an over abundance of hydration, a bountiful lunch and a portable chair. PFD and whistle required by law. Recommend spray skirt for closed cockpit kayaks since conditions on such a large lake can change and May has unpredictable weather. Exploratory trips are where the host has never ventured the trek themselves; join the exploration, expect the unexpected and no whining. Directions for most - Turnpike north to I-75, I-75 1 mile to S.R. 44. Left or west on S.R. 44 for 5.4 miles to SR 470. Left or south (only direction) onto S.R. 470 to Marsh Landing Park at 4.8 miles. I highly recommend you Goggle Earth or Goggle Map "Lake Panasoffkee" and see for yourself. Host: Clark Getz, cagola1@aol.com 407 855 5351 RSVP required. |
05/22/2011 Sunday Time: 9:00 Launch Kayak Skills Session Lake Mills Park Chuluota FL |
Coastal Kayak Basic Strokes & Rescues, a Level 3 ACA Coastal Kayaking Course - This is session 1 of 2, a 4 hour class. Emphasis is on self-rescue and assisted-rescue techniques and the stability strokes. After the class we’ll have a rolling session; learn to roll, improve your roll, or learn new Greenland rolls. Session 2 will be in the Mosquito Lagoon where the following topics will be covered in depth: Rules of the navigable road, tides and currents, wind and waves, emergency equipment, use of VHF radios and weather radios, understanding charts and use of a compass. Graduates of the two sessions should be capable of paddling up to half mile off shore with mild conditions such as light and variable winds, up to one foot of wind chop, and current speeds up to 1 knot.
Each session is 4-hours long with ACA certified instructors, Ken Knapton, Michael Shugg and Mariam Mohsenin. RSVP is required. For members only. PFD and whistle are required. The session will be at Lake Mills Park located in west Seminole County, See Map.Bring all the gear you own and the kayak you paddle most. Give yourself ample time to arrive, unload your boat, and get ready. Out of courtesy to the participants, please be ready to paddle at 9:00 am. Focus all reservations to Mariam Mohsenin at mohseninma@gmail.com (407) 968-2006 |
05/28 - 5/30/2011 Saturday - Monday Time: Contact Host Paddle Campout Leisure Rock Spring Run Apopka FL |
Rock Springs Run Camping - I will be having a river camping trip on Rock Springs run on Memorial Day weekend. We will camp two nights in one campsite this year because of the really bad bugs at our usual Buffalo Tram site. We will paddle down the run on Saturday night, and on Sunday we will spend the day hiking to the Buffalo Tram site and swimming. It is a relaxed, easy trip.
Event Host: Contact Nancy Doucette kayakldy@yahoo.com or (561)968-1789 |