October/November 2004

Saturday
10/2
9 AM
Leisure to Moderate
Orange

West Orange Trail Bike Ride – Join us for a leisurely ride through mixed rural orange groves and homes to Oakland, then on through the nature preserve and a planted xeriscape garden and a quick view of Lake Apopka then on to Winter Garden, through the center of town with landscaping and a road on either side of the trail, and head north through  some expensive developments and orange groves to another marsh system with a second glimpse of Lake Apopka.  Between 16 – 18 miles round trip.  All black top with some rolling hills and bridges.  Meet at County Line Station Trailhead on north side of Hwy 50.  Take 408 West to exit 267B on the Florida turnpike.  Merge left to Winter Garden.  Approx 1.2 miles west of the interchange.  Registration required.  Event Hosts: Yvonne and Brian Baldwin  ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com or (386) 314-6510.

Sunday
10/3
9 AM
Leisure
Brevard

Turkey Creek Paddle – We will paddle Turkey Creek, just south of Melbourne. It’s an easy trip up stream against a very mild current, about 4 hours round trip with a possible stop at an interpretive center along the way. Last time we saw manatees with any luck we’ll do the same. Limit 12 boats. For reservations contact Event Host: Peter Jarvis: (407 657 9548) or email (preferred) bandp2@adelphia.net

Saturday|
10/9
9 AM
Leisure
Orange

Winter Park Bike and Hike.  We will meet at the Amtrak Rail Station on Park Ave. and Morse Blvd. To begin our ride.  If you come earlier, be sure to go to the Farmer’s Market for fresh pastry and coffee.  We’ll be there.  We’ll take an 8 mile loop ride on back roads around the lakes of Winter Park, stopping briefly at Kraft Azalea Park.  We will peruse (gawk at) the fine homes and landscaping.  Our second stop will be at Mead Gardens where we will lock our bikes and take a mile+ hike on the boardwalk and along a stream.  When we return to our cars, participants may go to Brandywines, a popular deli with outside tables, for lunch.  Reservations appreciated.  Lynn Van Horne  lynnv@oco.net or 407-331-8609.

Saturday
10/16
9:30 AM
Moderate
Seminole

Alexander Springs Run Paddle.  We’ll meet at the bridge just east of the entrance to Alexander Springs Rec. Area on County Rd 445 (off of Hwy 19 north of Eustis) Delorme pg. 73.  From there, we’ll caravan to the put in then paddle up stream for a couple of hours, stop for lunch and turn around and paddle back.  The paddle up stream is a little challenging, but worth the effort.  We may alter & paddle from the bridge and back if road is in poor conditions.  Bring sunscreen, water, and lunch. Please RSVP by 10/13 so I know you are coming.  Event Host: Mabel Magarinos magarim@ocps.net (preferred) or 407-251-7546

Sorry Paddle is cancelled!

Fri - Sun
10/22-10/24
Leisure
Marion

Juniper Springs Camp, Paddle and Hike. Join us for a weekend of camping, paddling and hiking in the Ocala National Forest.  Friday and Saturday night we will be camping at Juniper Springs recreation area located on SR40.  Camping reservations can be made at http://www.reserveamerica.com/.  Camping fee is $18 per night for campers and $16 for tents.  Saturday morning meet at the canoe launch area at Juniper Springs for a 9:00am put in.  The paddle down stream will take 4 to 5 hours so bring a lunch and plenty of water.  At 9:00am Sunday morning meet at the Yearling Trail parking lot on SR19 north of the SR40 and SR19 intersection for a hike to the sinkhole and the Long Family cemetery.  You are welcome to join for the whole weekend or just the paddle or hike.  Reservations not required and families with children are welcome.  Please feel free to contact me for additional information.  Even host:Bob Seay   bob.seay@earthlink.net or 407-331-4350

Sat-Sun
10/30-10/31
Leisure
Polk

Peace River Halloween Trip.   Those ghosts and goblins don’t come out until the 31^st, but the Swamp Ape visits on the 30^th!  For this joint trip with PB Pack and Paddle club, we’ll paddle the Peace River from Fort Meade to Zolfo Springs.  That’s the plan anyway, but … we’ll have to see about damage reports from Charley/Frances.  We’ll camp on the riverbank Saturday night and have our annual Pumpkin Carving Contest, complete with prize.  Friday night is free camping at Peace River Park in Fort Meade.  Linda Leeds  lindamarie7@juno.com or 561-683-2851

Friday-Sunday
11/5-11/7
Leisure
Volusia

Wilderness Trekkers Annual Gathering. Join us for a great weekend of friends, food, fun and surprises!  Camp for the weekend or come for the day! Guarantee – You will never have to sit for more than 30 minutes at a time.  Hiking and/or paddling will be offered all 3 days.  Sharing with fellow trekkers will be the main focus.  Needed:  All trekkers willing to share past trips with stories and/or pictures.  Eight Trekkers willing to give a 15 minute presentation about a favorite trip.  Email Lynn VanHorne at lynnv@oco.net.  Sign up to be a participant in WT Version of SURVIVOR!  This will NOT be a board game!  Contact Lynn.  A mailing with schedule and registration form will soon arrive in your mailbox.  Save the date!

Sat-Sun
11/13-14
7:30 AM
Moderate
Marion

Ocklawaha Paddle and Camp.  Join Fellow Trekkers for a 2-day trip on one of the most beautiful and scenic rivers in Florida.  We’ll meet at the Ocklawaha Outfitters on CR316 in Eureka at 7:30am sharp to begin the shuttle to Wayside Park.  (Outfitter charges $15.00/boat) and plan to be on the water by 10am.  After a short paddle up stream on the Silver River we’ll begin our downstream paddle to our campsite just before Gore’s Landing (approx. 8 miles).  This is primitive camping alongside the river so participants will need to bring all appropriate camping equipment, food and water for lunches Sat & Sun, Sat dinner, and Sun breakfast.  We’ll break camp and be on the water by 10am or so to paddle the final 7-8 miles to our takeout at the Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost RV Park.  The Ocklawaha Outpost has camping and cabins to rent.  Also canoes and kayaks.  Please call 1-866-236-4606 and mention this WT trip.  Members and invited guests only.  Limited to 12 boats.  Reservations required.  Event host:  Lee Simmons 386-846-8396 or leedeland@yahoo.com (preferred).

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Day Hike. MINWR is one of the top birding sites in the South.  Many migratory waterfowl species winter at the Refuge, in addition to the many who call it home.  The Refuge offers nature walks, light hiking, biking and nature photography.  We’ll hike the 5-mile Cruickshank Trail, named in honor of the famous wildlife photographer and naturalist who was instrumental in establishing the Refuge.  After a pause at the observation tower, we’ll continue around the loop and explore the marsh habitat.  Directions: Beeline or Hwy 50 east to I-95, then north 4-miles from Hwy 50 to SR 406 (Garden St.). Take SR 406 east 5 miles into Refuge, then bear left to Black Point Wildlife Drive.  Trailhead parking is ~3 miles along the Drive. Trekkers and invited guests.  Contact Host for additional information.  Event Host:  Yvonne and Brian Baldwin, ybaldwin@cfl.rr.com (preferred) or 386-428-7058.