2010 Wilderness Trekker Annual Gathering |
The 2010 Annual Gathering was November 5th, 6th and 7th at Silver River State Park As usual we had a fun filled weekend with 3 paddle trips, a day full of hikes and a mountain bike event. There were about 33 members that joined the weekend that included a paddle up the Silver River from Ray's Landing, a paddle down the Ocklawaha from Ray's Landing to Gore's Landing, a paddle up the Ocklawaha from Ray's Landing to the 314 bridge, a hike on the Silver River State Park property and finally, a thrilling 20-mile mountain bike ride that started at the Santos trail head to the Land Bridge parking and back. Friday evening was our typical pot luck Hors D'oeuvres which gives many members, both heritage and new, time to talk and get to know one another or catch up on the fun of the prior year. The Silver River S.P. cabin made for an idea rendezvous for the evening get together, especially since temperatures were falling fast and the fireplace made for an inviting space. For Saturday, Lee Simmons took a group down the Ocklawaha, Michael Shugg took about 8 folks up and back on the Silver River and Shelley had about 9 or 10 on a hike covering most of the main trails of the state park from the River's edge to the sandhill and turkey oak communities. Saturday night's Sonny's Bar BQ dinner was followed by a presentation by Nels Parson from the St Johns River Water Management District. Nels is the directory of recreational services for the entire district and covered a lot of meterial as well as brought some great maps, recreation site details and a booklet on the SJRWMD recreation parcels. This was followed by our cutting of the cake for host appreciation and recognition for our host's individual efforts. Gil Hidalgo and Mary Bruce garnered a great number of door prizes for which the crowd had a 1 out of 2 chance of getting something. One of the best picks was Don got a nice tent, which he will need when he starts kayak camping! Because the temperature was dropping quickly, Michael recommended that his presentation be held inside the cabin. Smart move. Michael had a picture slide show of his awesome trip to British Columbia last summer were he solo kayaked around Vancouver Island. Michael not only had performed an great feat, had excellent photos, but presented the trip in a most exciting and enticing manner. Thank you Michael for sharing! I want to recognize Colonial Photo and Hobby on Mills in Orlando and Outdoorplay (online) for their contributions to the door prizes. To Gil Hidalgo, Mary Bruce, Lee Simmons, Shelley Claudin, Carol Noll, Michael Shuggs, Joan Lando, Marcia Kallenburger, Shiela Osborn, Ken Knapton and Bob Lyle for their contributions to make for another great Annual Gathering. Our 2010 Annual Gathering Door Prize supporters were:
|
 |