Oct.- Dec. 2000 

This conservation area was set aside by SJRWM District to protect wildlife habitat along the north bank of the St. John's River east of Sanford. It provides excellent habitat for waterfowl, Sandhill cranes, bald eagles, deer, and even the occasional cow. We'll do a roughly 4-mile hike through the Brickyard Slough Tract along a prepared trail, stopping halfway along the riverbank to admire the view. We'll hit a restaurant in Sanford for lunch afterwards. Bring sneakers or boots, plenty to drink, and a snack. From Orlando: Take US17-92 north to Sanford, then turn right onto SR 46 east and travel about 4 miles to the junction with CR415. Turn left and travel north about three miles (passing over the St. John's River), and look for the grass parking area on your right. Members and their invited guest only. No reservations required. Event host: Larry Reed paddleFL@aol.com 

Spruce Creek Trail Ride-Come Mountain bike this trail near New Smyrna Beach. It takes you to high overlooks of Spruce Creek and it's tidal waters. We'll ride along a swampy spot with lush vegetation and meander through hilly oaks and pine. Helmets are mandatory. Reservations required, limited trip. Members and their invited guest only. Event host: Mary Ellen Bell (904)761-7418 orbellme@cts.db.erau.edu.

Join us for a weekend of hiking and camping in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness area of the Ocala National Forest. From the Juniper Springs parking lot we'll hike 5.4 miles to camp at Hidden Pond. If the water is high we can expect to get our feet wet crossing Whispering Creek along the way. After breakfast on Sunday we'll continue on another 4.4 miles to the end of our trail at Pat's Island. Limit 10 persons, reservations required by Oct. 5. Meet at the Juniper Springs parking lot at 9:00 AM sharp. Members and their invited guest only. Event host: Bob Seay res34@sprintmail.com or (407)331-4350.

Located on two islands, this 4.5 mile trail is within a 1,700 acre preserve located SW of Leesburg along the north shore of Lake Dehasu. Hikers are able to view wetlands and uplands hardwood forests as well as rare plants and animal species. Canoeing is available at Lake Griffin State Park (352-787-7402). Directions: Exit the Fla. Turnpike at exit 285 (Leesburg), north on US 27 11.7 miles, left on 25A 0.4 miles, left on Owens Rd. 0.5 miles to Flat Island Preserve trailhead. Please call if you are going to meet us at the trailhead. Members and their invited guest only. Event host: Mary Kelsh 407-628-4908.

Florida's oldest, largest and BEST bicycling event will be a
great weekend  of great rides and more. This three-day event attracts approximently 1500 cyclists to enjoy the camraderies of riding with old friends and making new acquaintances. With rides of 5 miles to 125 miles, you'll fully experience what Bicycle Magazine has called one of the "Top 50 places on the planet to ride!!! Meals are included in the registration fee as are many of the side events like a  BBQ cookout, evening party, demos, and bicycle seminars and raffle. Camping as well as motel lodging is available. We'll be camping and showing our Wilderness Trekker colors. This event fills up fast! If you plan to attend, call Dave and Kim Lippy at (407) 351-9966 or wildtreker@aol.com so we can meet up. To register call 352/383-1668 or for an on-line registration form, go to http://www.mt-dora.com/bicycle/index.html. 

Paddle the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River, a pristine waterway meandering 8 miles under a heavy canopy of native growth. Friday: Arrive at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Martin County) before dark. Saturday 8:00 AM SHARP Loxahatchee River paddle. We will run our own shuttle. Saturday evening we will have a pot luck dinner and camp fire. Bring food and firewood. Sunday: paddle a section of the intracoastal waterway. (Kayaks only) No shuttle required. Reservations required. Limited to 12 boats. Upon confirmation call JDSP at (561) 546-2771 for camping reservations. Camp sites are for up to two automobiles and 8 people. Members and their invited guest only. Event Host: Peter Blichfeldt kayak@cfl.rr.com preferred or 407-298-6662.

We will paddle from Wekiva Marina to Katies Landing by the light of the harvest moon. Afterward you are invited to join me at my campsite at Katies for smores and hot chocolate. There is a $3.00 fee at BOTH the put-in and take-out. You must provide your own canoe/kayak. Headlamps are recommended. Katies has camping and cabins available, 407-628-1482. Please contact them for camping information. Limited trip, reservations required. Members and their invited guest only. Trip host: Debi Ritt daritt@mindspring.com (407)922-2259 Co-host: Larry Reed.

Join us on a 6 mile hike, and assistance from an experienced guide for a morning of bird and plant identification, through this wonderful refuge. Located in Glenwood near DeLeon Springs, the refuge is made up of over 19,500 acres of swamp, marsh and upland, it's an ideal home or resting place for many of Central Florida's birds. Also home to alligator, otter, bobcat and other wildlife. Don't forget your binoculars!! Lunch for any that wish will be at the DeLeon Springs Mill afterwards. Directions: I-4 to Orange City/DeLand exit #54; West on SR 472, 3.1 miles; (R) North on US 17/92 also called Woodland Blvd., 1.8 miles; (L) SR15A also called Spring Garden Ave, 6.8 miles; (L) on 
US 17, 2.5 miles; (L) Retta, 0.1 miles; (L) Grand Ave 0.6 miles; (R) Mud Lake Rd., 0.6 miles. Reservations not needed, but an email of interest would be appreciated. Members and their invited guest only. Event host: Pat DeSalvo, desalvop@n-jcenter.com, 904-736-3550. 

Approximately 5 miles of technically challenging trails in low lying marshy cypress forest near Winter Springs. We'll stop for a snack on a board walk  on the west side of Lake Jessup. Helmets are mandatory. Members only. The park, formerly known as the Seminole Environmental Center, is located on the east side of 419 just off of 17-92. We'll meet by the ball field on the opposite side of 419. Event host: Bob Seay res34@sprintmail.com or (407)331-4350

Leisurely trip of 3-4 hours on Spring Run. Come at 8:30 if you wish to have breakfast at the Sugar Mill. We will plan to put in around 9:30. Possible nature walk and/or swim after paddle. Directions: DeLeon Springs is ~ 7 miles north of Deland on US 17. Follow brown signs to park. Park admission: $3.25 per vehicle (up to 8 people). Canoe rental ~ $18.55. Guests welcome. No reservations required but let me know if you plan to have breakfast at the Mill. Event host: Larry Blundell larry.b.blundell@lmco.com or 407 381 4969.

We have reserved 10 rooms at the Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park in North Georgia for a night in the mountains that is not to be soon forgotten. The fall mountain colors line the five-mile path to the inn with its spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. The best part is that all you take is your clothing and toiletries. Bedding and meals are provided by the inn. Rooms sleep two and are rustic with bunk beds and heavy blankets. The five-mile hike is moderate. $65pp/adult double occupancy. Discounted rates apply for children. Dinner, breakfast, and tax are included. While this is a one-night activity, we'll be staying in the area to hike and enjoy the fall weather for several days. Excellent camping is available at Amicalola Falls State Park just yards from the trailhead to Len Foote and the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. See What's New section of the website for details on the Inn*. This will be a one-time offer, for Wilderness Trekker members only. If you would like to join us, send your room fee of $130 per room (nonrefundable) to Dave and Kim Lippy, 8611 Bay View Ct., Orlando, FL 32836. We'll send you a confirmation and details of the trip and facility.

 Join us on this beautiful wilderness river located on the western edge of the  Ocala National Forest. We will paddle from the Hwy. 40 bridge to Gores Landing. The put-in will be at the Wayside Park ($3.00 county park fee) located at the SW side of the Hwy 40/Ocklawaha River bridge just east of Ocala. We will enjoy a leisurely pace (with the current) to Gores Landing ($2.00 county park fee), which is approx. 10 mi. The area has abundant wildlife, including turkey, otter, birds, deer, bear and even the occasional wildcat and panther travel this area. Remember to bring your swimsuit as there are many  places to take a dip along the mostly spring fed river. Registration required, limited to 12 boats. Members only. Event host: Shelly Claudin claudin@bellsouth.net (preferred) or 407-281- 7181.

This is a 6.8 mile section of the Florida Trail, located within Withlacoochee State Forest. We will hike from Hog Island to River Junction, with a lunch stop at the scenic Iron Bridge Day Use Area. The meeting spot will be the trailhead in River Junction Recreation Area. We will take a minimum number of vehicles to the starting point and hike back. No reservations required, but please contact host for directions by 11/15/00 if planning to attend. Members and their invited guest only. Event host: Chuck Russakov russakov@mpinet.net (preferred) or 407-774-5737.

Join us for a beautiful 5 mile r/t hike at the Little Big Econ State Forest. Bring your lunch and we will hike to the river and eat by the swinging bridge, then continue on back to the parking lot. Bring a snack and plenty of water. Directions: From I-4: Take exit 49 to SR 434 East and go 12 miles to center of Oviedo. From SR 50: Take Alafaya Trail (SR 434W), North 6.5 miles to center of Oviedo. From the center of Oviedo make left turn onto CR426 and go 3.3 miles; turn right onto Barr Street. Trail head parking is immediately on the left. No reservations required. Members and their invited guest only. Event host: Bob Seay res34@sprintmail.com or (407)331-4350 Co-host: Donna Santonino.

We will put in at the Hwy 419 bridge, which is about 8 miles north of Hwy 50 in  Chuluota. The take out is at the Snow Hill Bridge on Hwy 426. We will handle our own shuttle. The paddle is about 10 miles with possibility of some pullovers. In the past we have seen gators, eagles and assorted other wild life. We will meet at 9:00. For members and guest only reservations required. As we get closer to the date I will provide detailed driving directions to those who are interested. Members and their invited guest only. Event host: Debi Ritt daritt@mindspring.com or 407-922-2259, Co-host: Shelly Claudin.

Join fellow Trekkers for a 2-day trip on the Ocklawaha River. The Ocklawaha River as well as the Silver River is one of the most beautiful and scenic rivers in Florida. We'll meet at the Ocklawaha Outfitters on CR 316 in Eureka at 8:00 A.M. sharp on Saturday morning to begin the shuttle to Wayside Park at SR 40 at the Ocklawaha. The outfitter will charge $15.00/boat to shuttle the 18 miles to SR 40. We'll plan to be in the water by 10:00 A.M. and start the morning off with a short paddle up stream for a dip in the clear cool waters of the Silver River. After the swim, we'll begin our paddle to our campsite just before Gores Landing (approximately 8 miles downstream). This will be primitive camping alongside the Ocklawaha. On Sunday morning we'll break camp after breakfast and canoe to our final destination back to the Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost RV Park at Fort McCoy. We'll again plan to be in the water by 10:00 A.M. on Sunday and have lunch along the river during our final 7-8 mile paddle down stream to the Canoe Outpost. Member only registration required. Map and directions will come later as the trip gets closer. Event host: Lee Simmons, (904) 947-8745 or e-mail to lees@n-jcenter.com.

The Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail in DeLeon Springs SRA is a leisurely 5 mile hike through a subtropical hammock and back through a Wild Persimmon tree  grove, a natural hedge maze in a grassland prairie where we see completely different conditions and wildlife. We'll make a short side trek to visit a giant Bald Cypress tree named Old Methusala. Bring lunch and a swim suit and take a refreshing dip in the "Fountain of Youth" afterwards. Directions: Take Highway 17 North out of the Deland Area. State Road 3 turns west near the town of DeLeon Springs. The park is just down the road on Highway 3. There are lots of brown signs showing the way. Approx $4 park entry fee. We will meet at the Northeast end of Parking Lot, DeLeon Springs SRA. Members only, limited to 20 people. Event Host: Rob Boersma (321)725-7829.

Join your fellow Trekkers at River Forest Group Camp in the Ocala National Forest for the Annual Gathering. A weekend of camping, socializing, informational sessions, outdoors activities, and a lasting experience are all on the agenda. Topics are included for new and seasoned Trekkers. The annual member's photo contest is also held at this event, although you do not need to attend to enter the photo contest. This property is wooded, spacious and offers both primitive sites as well as RV spaces (sorry, no hook ups), and centrally located for easy access. Limited to first 100 registrants. Fill out the registration form on page 9 of the newsletter and send it in early! Watch for your envelope and register early! For further information or a additional registration forms or visit the Website or contact Pat DeSalvo, Events Director, desalvop@n-jcenter.com, or at 904-736-3550. Directions: (southern most tip of the Ocala National Forest, west of DeLand) From intersection of SR 50 & I-4 in downtown Orlando--North on I-4 to Orange City/DeLand exit #54; 30.0 miles. Exit onto W. SR 472; 3.0 miles; N. 17-92 (also S. Woodland Blvd..) toward DeLand; 1.5 miles. Left onto SR 15A (also called Spring Garden Av.) 3.4 miles. Left onto SR 44 (also called New York Av.), cross St. Johns River; 4.3 miles. Right onto CR 42, 0.4 miles. Right into River Forest Group Camping area, 0.1 miles. 

Moved to 12/2 - 12/3, 2000.

This 7.5 mile blue-blaze trail winds through diverse terrain and ecosystems to the once booming town of St. Francis. Directions: 1-4 to exit 54 Orange City/Deland (30 miles N. of Orlando), exit onto SR 472 going W. 3.0 miles, US 17-92 (Woodland Ave) .5 miles, left on SR 15A (Spring Garden Ave) 3.4 miles, left on SR44 4.3 miles, right on CR 42 .4 miles, follow signs to trailhead. Please call if you are going to meet us at the trailhead. Members and their invited guests only event host. Mary Keish 407-628-4908.

Backpacking provides a means to get away from the hectic life of our metropolitan areas and visit those places not accessible by the family auto. This class will explain the basics of carrying on your back all you need to spend a night away from civilization. Topics include clothing, shelter, food, gear,emergencies, first aid, planning, and much more. You'll see first hand the items a backpacker typically carries. Once you learn the basics, traveling in the wilderness areas of Florida can become addictive. You won't want to miss this edition of Wilderness Outfitter's Outdoor Adventure Seminars. The store is located in Historic Downtown Kissimmee. For directions, please call the store at (407) 935-1829. Due to limited space, you must be 18 or older to attend. Event host: Dave & Kim Lippy Wildtreker@aol.com.

Join us for a day of quality mountain biking at one of Florida's premier off-road riding destinations. With its 20 miles of quality trails, Santos Trail attracts mountain bikers from all over the state. Trails are easily marked. Helmets required. Directions from Orlando: take 301/441/27 north toward Ocala. About 7 mi. before Ocala, turn left on 80th St. (CR328), turn just past the Marion County Sheriff's Station, turn left on the dirt road, and then .2 miles to the trailhead parking area. Reservations required by 3/16, limit 15. Members and their invited guest only. You must bring your own bike, water and lunch. Helmets required. Event host: Douglas Boyce fl_mtnbiker@hotmail.com or 904-264-2864, Co-host: Mary Ellen Bell.

Join us for a 7 to 8 mile hike which will take about 3 to 4 hours. We'll meet at the trailhead and hike the foot trail through this part of the beautiful Wekiva River Basin. Bring a lunch and plenty of water. Directions: I-4 exit # 51 (SR46), 7.2 miles west on SR46 to entrance of Rock Springs Run Reserve. Follow the 2 lane paved road until you see the hiker's parking area. No reservations required. Members and their invited guest only. Event host: Bob Seay res34@sprintmail.com or (407)331-4350 Co-host: Donna Santonino. 

Located Just east of Ocala, the Silver River and the surrounding area is filled with beauty and splendor. Several major springs form the headwaters making this river one of the largest crystal clear flows in the state. Numerous wildlife can be seen along the banks to include a large colony of  monkeys (left during the Tarzan movies). This is a 10 mile round trip with the first 5 miles being a moderate (2 « - 3 hr.) upstream paddle against a five mile per hour current. The entire trip will take about 5 hours. Although, the entire river is a no wake zone, we will have to get an early start to stay ahead of the sightseeing boat traffic that will build up later in the day. We will meet at 8:00 AM at the Wayside Park at the intersection of SR 40 and the Ocklawaha River. Directions will be provided later. Registration required, limit 12 boats. Hosts: Dennis Gonzalez dennisg@cfl.rr.com (preferred).

Begin at Statenville, GA with a 30 minute shuttle to Lakeland, GA. There are several mild rapids and an easily navigated water fall as we travel down the river 18 miles on Saturday; 12 miles on Sunday; and 15 miles on Monday. Alternative takeout point Sunday at May Day, outfitter will return you to Statenville. We will meet Friday night at Days Inn Jasper, FL 904/792-1987 -OR- Saturday 8:00 a.m. Statenville, GA City Library (one block south of stop-light). IF coming Friday, meet at the Days Inn for dinner. Canoes/ solo kayaks $16.00 per night from Canoe Outfitters 912/247-0408. Reservations required by 11/15 cost $10.00. Event Host: Claudet Benton 12455 Grumman Way, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987 jcb1564@aol.com or 561/466-3536, Co Host: Kimberly Cummings.

Join us for one of Florida's most beautiful waterways. This is a leisure 8-mile trip through dense cypress, pine, and hardwood forests of Central Florida. The clear water of the run flows swiftly through some stretches, but slows in others where the stream widens into quiet pools. We'll meet at King's Landing in Apopka, and do our own shuttle. Rentals are available, call livery for directions and rental info (407-886-0859). Camping is available at nearby Kelly's Park (407-889-4179) Launch and take-out fee $6.00 per boat. Reservations required. Members and their invited guests only. Limit 12 boats. Event host: Jim Adtkins 407-892-5373 or kboat@webv.com.

Backpack through some of Florida's finest scenery. Torreya State Park contains many ravines and deciduous forest more common in the Appalachian Mountains. We'll backpack to Rock Bluff, a beautiful primative campsite on a high bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River. The moderate loop trainl is seven miles long. Limited Trip, reservation required, members and their invited guests only. Deadline for response 11/3/00. Further details & directions upon registration. To reserve your spot on this trip send $5pp & a SASE to 4090 Hodges Blvd. Jacksonville, Fl 32224. Trip Host: Rick Stanton (904) 992-0957 or r.r.stanton@worldnet.att.net.mailto:r.r.stanton@world

We'll walk some of the more remote parts of the main trail, eat lunch at either Camp Cozy or Big Buck Camp, and end up at the Sand lake parking area. This is a 7+ mile hike, mostly through shaded and heavily forested areas. No reservations required. Contact host by 12/1. Directions: From 1-4, Exit 49, go west on SR 434 about a mile to Weikva Springs Rd. Turn right and go 4 miles to park entrance. $3.25 per vehicle. We will meet at the Sand Lake parking area inside the park. Members and their invited guests only. Event Host: Chuck and Gail Russakov, or russakov@mpinet.net (preferred) or 407-774-5737.

Come enjoy a 6-mile hike through the wilderness. The Wekiva trail passes open woods of pine and palmetto hardwood hammocks, and vine tangles jungle. The trail make several picturesque crossings of spring-fed streams. Directions: From I-4, exit 49, turn W on SR 434 and 1.0 miles to Weikiva Springs Rd. follow signs to Weikva Springs State Park. 4.0 miles. $3.25 per vehicle. Meet at the parking lot. Please call if you are planning to meet us at the park. Members and their invited guests only. Event Host: Mary Kelsh 407-628-4908.

This will be a 6+ mile tour of the old logging canals that connect the Hontoon Dead River and the St. Johns river. It will be a leisure paddle with no tight turns or obstacles, however, there will be some open water and wind could be a factor. We will stop for lunch afterward, in the park, where you may wish to paddle up Blue Springs Run, or stroll up the boardwalks to the boil, or swim in the cool crystal clear water. Directions: Take I-4 to Exit 53CB, Orange City. Go west on Saxon Blvd. To Rts. 17,92. Turn right and go 2.8 miles to E. French Ave. Go left 2.1 miles to Blue Springs State Park. Entrance Fee $2 for a one occupant vehicle, $4 for 2-8 occupants. We will meet at 8 AM when the park opens. No reservations. Event Host: Larry Blundell larry.b.blundell@lmco.com or 407 381 4969. 

Join us for a fun paddle along a series of winding trails through a scenic mangrove estuary. Home to numerous waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors this time of year - the 3-hour trip will skirt half the perimeter of the refuge and return. No carry-overs, but basic paddling skills are a must. From Orlando: Take Hwy 528 (Beeline) east 6 miles past the I-95 interchange to SR 3, then right (south) 3 miles to Hwy 520. Turn left (east) and go « mile to Burger King, where we'll meet. (NOTE: you pass a Burger King on SR 3 -- this is NOT the meeting place!) Come early for breakfast; we depart for the put-in at 9:00 AM sharp. Lunch at an area restaurant afterwards. Sorry -- no rental boats available. Members and their invited guest only. No reservations required. Event host: Larry Reed paddleFL@aol.com. 

Famous for its alligators and other diverse wildlife and semitropical feel. The river flows slowly through a dim and mysterious channel. One of only two rivers in Florida designated as Wild and Scenic. Put-in is at the state park no shuttle required. Arrive before dark on Friday, as we shall put-in at 8:00 a.m. SHARP and paddle from the big Myakka Lake to the small lake and back. Last February we were treated to a wide range of birds and a larger range of gators. If you have never paddled this it is a must. Will find a half day paddle for Sunday a.m. We will potluck dinner on Saturday night around the campfire. Bring your favorite dish and some firewood. Located 12 miles east of Sarasota. For directions and camping info call (941) 361-6511. Reservations required. Host: Peter Blichfeldt (preferred) kayak@cfl.rr.com or (407) 298-6662.