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Issue 37
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November/December/January
2002-03
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11/02
Saturday
9:00am
Leisure
Seminole
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New Member Coffee and Hike.
Meet at 9:00 AM at Big Tree Park which is on General Hutchison Parkway, 1/2
mile off 17-92, 3 miles north of Hwy 434 in Seminole County or 2 miles south
of Lake Mary Blvd. This is a very small park so just look for our WT
T-shirts. We will share hot drinks, danish, and fruit and introduce new
members to board members. We will give a brief history of our organization
and answer questions. We will visit "The Senator" which is a very
large cypress tree. Then we will hike a short trail in nearby Spring Hammock
Environmental Center. While this is mainly for new members, all are welcome
for this leisurely walk. No reservations are required but a head count is
appreciated. Please email or call Lynn VanHorne LVH@mpinet.net or
407-331-8609
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11/8-11/10
Friday–Sun
4pm
Volusia
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Wilderness Trekkers Annual
Gathering. Please clear space on your
calendar for our 7th Annual Gathering. This annual event will be held
at the River Forest Campground west of Deland. As always it will be a
time for education, activities, and fellowship. Registration materials
are in the mail or go to the Trekker website. This has always been a
great weekend, whether you camp or commute. The program topics this
year will include: Adventure Travel by world traveler Buz Donahoo, Biologist
presentation and Nature Walk, Leave No Trace by our Florida State Advocate,
The Well Fed Backpacker, Preparation for Fitness, Volunteering in the
Wilderness, Packing a Backpack, Travel Country Outdoors, Gear Demo. New this
year is a rock climbing wall with instruction for your use. Other topics:
Nature Photography, First Aid in the Wilderness, & Beginners GPS. Our
professional chef will prepare all meals for a nominal fee. Reservations
required. Contact: Debi Ritt solocanoe@hotmail.com or check the website for
more info.
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11/15-11/17
Friday - Sunday
Leisure
Hendry
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Fisheating Creek Paddle &
Camp. As you know, we haven't been
able to go downriver and camp on Fisheating Creek for many, many years.
Well, it is finally open, so we are going. On Friday night we will camp at
Palmdale. The cost is $10.00 or $20.00 per site depending on where they put
us. Of course, I will try for the $10.00 ones. On Saturday morning we will
be shuttled upriver on the creek. The cost for this shuttle is $20.00 per
boat. That night we will river camp on the side of the river. The cost of
that is $12.00. I know that it is an expensive trip, but the river is one of
the prettiest and most remote in the state. It is wonderful. I have seen
more alligators there than anywhere else that I have ever paddled.
Reservations required. Event Host: Nancy Doucette or (561)968-1789.
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11/17
Sunday
10 am
Leisure
Lake
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Seminole State Forest Hike.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. This hike will be a 5 mile or optional 6.5 mile
walk through the northern part of the forest. The trail is mostly level
with one short hilly section. We will stop for lunch on Blackwater Creek
and take a break or two along the way. Bring lunch, at least a quart of
water, and repellant. We will meet at the north entrance on Brantley
Branch Road. There is a day use fee of $2. You will need correct change.
There is a sign on SR44 about 12 miles southwest of DeLand and about 12
miles east of Eustis. Directions: At the SR46 exit from I-4, go west about
7.5 miles and veer right on CR46A. Go about 5.5 miles and turn right on
SR44. Go about 5 miles and turn right on Brantley Branch Road. No
reservation required. Event host: Chuck Russakov, russakov@mpinet.net |
11/21
Thursday
9 am
Moderate
Orange/Osceola
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Split Oak Forest/Moss Park
Hike. Split Oak Forest was named
after a 200 year-old oak tree that split 50 years ago and continues to
grow today. The 5 mile hike in the forest contains an example of
almost every type of central Florida habitat and a wide variety of
wildlife. Split Oak is located about 10 miles southeast of
Orlando. Travel south on CR 15 (Narcoosee Rd) to Moss Park
Road. Meet at Moss Park camping area. There is a $1 fee
per person. RSVP to Event Host: Mary Kelsh (407) 628-4908 Co-Host:
Mary Anne Freyer.
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11/23
Saturday
8:30 am
Leisure
Volusia
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Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge Birding Hike. Want
to learn the "basics in birding?" We’ll meet at 8:30 a.m. in the
parking lot, where we will begin our 2-3 mile, easy walk looking for
waterfowl and birds of prey. Please bring your binoculars, a bird field
guide, water, a light snack and wear a comfortable pair of hiking/walking
shoes. Also bring a patient nature and good spirits because this will not be
a fast paced hike for exercise. Contact the hike leader, Valerie Gohlke, at
crazy4critters@cfl.rr.com to sign up or for info.
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11/23 - 11/24
Saturday-Sunday
Check Time
Moderate
Volusia
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Beginning Backpacking Trip. Brickyard
Slough, Lake Monroe Conservation Area. Easy Hike under 2 miles to the St.
John's River and primitive camp under old oaks right next to the water.
Limited to 8 tents. Reservations required by Nov. 10. Directions and
information will be sent. Event Hosts: Lynn VanHorne lvh@mpinet.net and
Kurth Chin Fatt 407-331-8609.
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11/28 - 12/1
Thurs - Sunday
Moderate
Liberty
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Torreya Hike, Paddle and Camp.
Enjoy potluck Thanksgiving dinner with fellow Trekkers at
Torreya State Park, in the Panhandle. One day we will hike a 7 mile trail up
and down the hills of Torreya through "northern" woodlands
and overlooking the Apalachicola River. Another day we have the option of
paddling the Chipola or more hiking. On the way home we may do a short
paddle on the Wacissa or other option. DeLorme Gazeteer p. 32 (about 5
hrs from Orlando). Limited trip, members & one invited guest only.
Reservations required to host by November 21. Please check with
host about prepaid campsites and other details. Event Host: Erica
Johnson ericadj@earthlink.net or 407-327-4044
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12/4
Wednesday
8:30 am
Leisure
Orange
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Upper Wekiva River Paddle.
If
you can get away for a weekday outing then join me to paddle the upper
section of the Wekiva River. This beautiful canoe trail meanders through
well protected wetlands that shelter otters, turtles, gators and a variety
of birds. We'll spend the day leisurely paddling and exploring this spring
fed waterway. Bring a lunch to eat along the way. Paddling will be 12 miles
& we’ll arrange our shuttle. Open to members & non. Reservations
required. Event Host: Chuck Jones kayakk@webtv.net 407-892-2105
Location Changed to Blue
Springs State Park. Please contact trip host for further
information. Host: Chuck Jones kayakk@webtv.net 407-892-2105
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12/6-8
Fri-Sun
9 am
Leisure
Marion
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Juniper Springs Camp, Hike,
Paddle. Join us for a weekend
of camping, paddling, hiking and swimming at Juniper Springs
located on highway 40 in the Ocala National Forest. At 9 Saturday
morning, we’ll paddle the 7 mile Juniper Creek run. Bring your own
canoe or kayak, or rent a canoe at Juniper Springs. Saturday afternoon get
together at the swimming area for a swim and picnic. Bring
snacks to share. Sunday morning we'll drive to Pat's Island and take a short
hike to the Long family cemetery and sinkhole. This area was the setting of
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' book The Yearling. This is an easy hike for the
younger trekkers in the family. Juniper does not take advanced
reservations for camping so try to arrive early or come Friday
afternoon and join us for s'mores around the campfire. If you plan to
join us for all or part of the weekend, please RSVP by Nov. 27. Open to
members and their invited guests-Families and children are welcome. Please
feel free to contact me for additional information. Event Host: Bob Seay
res34@sprintmail.com or evenings 407-331-4350.
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12/7
Saturday
10 am
Leisure
Alachua
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San Felasco Hammock State
Preserve Hike. Join us for a 5.6 mile
hike at San Felasco Hammock State preserve, a 6000+ acre preserve located in
Gainesville. We will hike the Spring Grove Trail through shady oak
hammocks, pinelands and sandhills. We’ll meet at 10 am at the
parking lot. There is a $2 per vehicle fee. Bring a sack lunch
and water as we will stop to eat on the trail. Directions: Exit
77(old) onto state road 222. Go right and head 3 miles east to
43rd street; go left and head north for about a mile to state road
232. Turn left and head west 4 miles to parking area on left side of
road. Hope to see you there. Event Hosts: Liz and Bob Rood rrood@cfl.rr.com
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12/7
Saturday
9 am
Moderate
Lake
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Blackwater Creek to Lake Norris Paddle. We’ll
meet at the St Johns River Water Management District parking area at the
intersection of Lake Norris Road (Off 46A-see DeLorme, page 79 or page 71 in
the SJWMD Recreation Guide) and paddle up Blackwater Creek to Lake Norris.
We will encounter a number of deadfalls along the way. If you don’t want
to get your feet a little wet and muddy and encounter several carryovers,
this isn’t the trip for you. Once we reach Lake Norris we will see
numerous dwarf cypress trees and many birds. There are no outfitters for
rentals at or near this location, however, if you can transport a canoe or
kayak, I can give you names of outfitter. Participation is limited. Event
Host: Neill Beavers neill4HomeLoans@Earthlink.net (Preferred) or
407-834-9708.
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12/14
Saturday
3 pm
Party!!
Volusia
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Seasons Greetings Holiday
Celebration. Join
us for Our annual Holiday Party at the home of Kim and Dennis Gonzalez in
Deltona. It is casual and will be both indoors and outdoors. We live on a
lake so bring your boat—we’re getting an early start for anyone who
would like to paddle. We’ll have dinner at 5:30 and the meat, dessert,
beer and soda will be provided. Please bring a side dish to share. Later,
we'll enjoy a crackling fire, meet new members and renew friendships. We’ll
also have a Chinese auction gift exchange (the gift you open may be taken
from you by a subsequent person! It’s great fun!). Gifts may be old, new,
silly, or something "only a Trekker would love" ($15 or under
limit please). This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Directions:
from Orlando take I-4 east to exit #114 and turn right (east). Go about 6
miles to Newmark and turn right. (Newmark is about a half mile past the
Publix Supermarket). Follow Newmark for about one mile to Humphrey and turn
left. The third street on the right is Sonnet Ct., turn right and we are the
second house on the right (1430). Limited to WT members and their invited
guest. Please RSVP by 12/11 to kemg@cfl.rr.com.
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12/19
Thursday
9 am
Leisure
Volusia
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New Smyrna Beach Walk. The
Canaveral National Seashore offers short self-guiding trails and more than
20 miles of continuous pristine beach. This is the longest stretch of
natural beach remaining on the eastern coast of Florida. We will meet
at the Canaveral Information Center on A1A and walk to Turtle Mound, Eldora
Hammock, Castle Windy and Apollo Beach. We will explore the shell
middens left by Timucuan Indians, enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean and
Mosquito Lagoon, and walk the trail that winds through densely vegetated
hammocks. Take Rte 44 to New Smyrna Beach to A1A to the Visitor Center
7 miles south. Carpool from Orlando. Please call Event Host:
Mary Kelsh (407) 628-4908 if interested. Co-host Mary Anne Freyer.
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12/21
Saturday
9:30 am
Leisure
Marion
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Ocklawaha River Paddle.
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 Gore’s
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, panther, and monkey travel this area. Registration required,
members and non-members welcome. Event Host: Shelley Claudin claudin@directvinternet.com
(preferred) or 407-281-7181.
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1/3 - 1/5
Friday - Sunday
Leisure
Lake
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Seminole State Forest Camp,
Hike and Paddle. Come explore this
12,000+ acre section of the forest. Hike some of the 21 miles of blazed
trails, paddle the pristine Blackwater Creek or the nearby Wekiva river ,
and relax and enjoy the camp area. We will have the exclusive use of the
spacious, and primitive, Oak Camp area from 3PM Friday to 3PM Sunday. Stay
one or both nights. Space limited by permit to a total of 20 campers.
Members and an invited guest only. Reserve by sending a SASE to 306
Cambridge Dr., Longwood, FL 32779. It must be received by Dec. 27. This is a
gated area and the camping fee is $4 per night, payable to the iron ranger
at the entrance. Instructions will be mailed immediately upon receipt of
SASE. Mail early due to the holidays. Event Host: Chuck Russakov—russakov@mpinet.net.
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1/11
Saturday
8 am
Moderate
Seminole
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Little-Big Econ Hike. Join
us for this nice shaded hike. We’ll hike to the swinging bridge and stop
for a snack on the sandy banks of the Econ River. This is a popular but
still beautiful 5 mile hike. Directions to trailhead: In Oviedo on
434, turn on east on CR 419 (also called Broadway) and almost immediately
take the left fork which is CR 426 towards Geneva. Go 3.3 miles to Barr St
and park at the fenced in parking area. No reservations required. Event
Hosts: Lynn VanHorne LVH@mpinet.net
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1/17 - 1/19
Friday - Sunday
9 am
Leisure
Hillsborough
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Hillsborough River
Paddle/Camp/Bike. Our base camp will
be at the Hillsborough River State Park. On Saturday we plan to paddle an
8-mile section of the beautiful Hillsborough River from Sergeant Park to
Trout Creek Park. Boats are available to rent at Canoe Escape 813-986-2067.
On Saturday night there will be a group dinner around the campfire where
everyone should bring their favorite dish to share. On Sunday we will bike a
15-mile loop in the nearby Wilderness Park. This is an off road track so it
will requires a mountain bike (fat tire) but is not very technical (no log
hopping or jumps) and we plan a leisure pace to enjoy the wilderness scenery
and wildlife along the way. Reservations required, limited to WT members and
invited guest only. Please make your camping reservation early as this is a
busy time of year. To do so call Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or online
www.reserveamerica.com. We plan to stay at River’s Edge Campground section
of Hillsborough State Park. Event Host: Dennis Gonzalez dennisg@cfl.rr.com.
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1/17 - 1/20
Friday - Monday
Strenuous
Collier
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Florida National Scenic
Trail, Big Cypress Preserve Hike and Backpack.
Annual hike by Daryl Wells and Wayne Sergeant from Alligator Alley
(I-75) and Tamiami Trail (US41) between Miami and Naples.
The direction N-S or S-N will be determined prior to trip. Walk
through wet prairies, pine islands, cypress heads, and a few hardwood
hammocks. Must be experienced backpackers. Must be willing to
slough thru water. This trip will be our 20th year of doing this
trip. WT and FTA members are welcome; reservations are
required in order to set up car-pooling. A small contribution may
be asked for gas for volunteer drivers to and from the trailheads
(If we can get any volunteer drivers). Event Host: Daryl Wells daryl@florida-webdesign.com
(904) 288-0445.
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1/23
Thursday
9 am
Moderate
Volusia
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Blue Springs State Park Hike.
We will hike 5 miles in the well known winter home for Florida's endangered
manatee at Blue Springs State Park. These large mammals gather each
winter in the spring's 72 degree F water. Come early or stay
late to view the manatees. Take I-4 to exit 114. Follow
the brown signs to Blue Springs State Park. There is a $4.00 entrance
fee. Call if you are going to meet us at the trailhead in the parking
lot. Event Hosts: Mary Kelsh (407) 628-4908 and Co-Host Mary Anne
Freyer.
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1/25
Saturday
9 am
Leisure
Hernando
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Weeki Wachee River Paddle.
We will paddle from Weeki Wachee Springs to Rogers Park. Meet at Weeki
Wachee Springs in the canoe rental area at 9:00AM. (US 19 & SR 50,
Spring Hill, FL). Kayaks available at Weeki Wachee Canoe Rental 352-597-0360
(RESERVE EARLY). Crystal clear water and abundant wildlife – we saw
mullet, sheepshead, cranes, osprey, heron, gators, and raccoons
(unfortunately due to the fact that the tour operators feed them-not the
alligators). We will run a shuttle. Fee at present is $5.00 for put-in and
$2.00 for takeout. For those who haven’t been, I suggest staying overnight
(Motels around $40 to $50) and visiting the Mermaid show at Weeki Wachee
Springs on Sunday. The cost is modest—bring your bathing suit since the
water park is included in the admission. BEGINNERS ARE WELCOME No limit or
restriction, but please email neillbeavers@earthlink.net or call
407-834-9708 for reservations and more information. Event Host: Neill
Beavers.
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2/1
Saturday
9 am
Leisure
Seminole
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Lower Econ Paddle. From Snow Hill Road to
the St Johns River. The first part of the trip is an easy paddle with high
sandy banks and large oak trees. For this last part of the Econ, we’ll see
prairies, palm trees and cattle. We will then turn into the St Johns for
about a 1 mile downstream paddle to the take out. This paddle is a distance
of about 10 miles. Reservations required. Members and non-members welcome.
Event Host: Shelley Claudin claudinsj@directvinternet.com or 407-281-7181.
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2/5
Wednesday
10 am
Leisure
Volusia
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DeLeon Springs Paddle.
On this outing we'll begin our journey at the Springs and paddle the Spring
Garden Run into Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, This is a great area
for exploration and birding, especially during this time of year. Paddling
distance will be @ 12 miles, leisurely paced. Bring a lunch to eat along the
way. Out and back trip, no shuttle required. Rentals available at the park.
Meet at the canoe launch area at DeLeon Springs State Park. If you want,
come a hour earlier and join me for a pancake breakfast at the park's famous
Sugar Mill restaurant. Open to members and non-members. Reservations
required. Event Host: Chuck Jones 407-892-2105 or kayakk@webtv.net.
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2/7 - 2/9
Friday - Sunday
9 am
Leisure
Marion
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Rainbow River State Park
Paddle and Camp. We will set up base
camp at the Rainbow Springs State Park located just outside Dunnelon. On
Saturday morning we plan to paddle an @ 6-mile section of the Rainbow River.
Rainbow Springs is the second largest spring in the state and with it’s
72-degree crystal clear water and white sandy bottom it one of the most
beautiful places to paddle. On Saturday night we plan a group dinner around
the campfire so bring your favorite dish to share. On Sunday there will be
no planned activity but you can hike, bike, paddle in the nearby
Withlacoochee River or just kick back before heading home. Please make your
camping reservations early as this is a busy time of year by calling the
Rainbow Springs State Park at 352-489-5201. Reservations required, members
and invited guests only. Event Host: Dennis Gonzalez dennisg@cfl.rr.com or
386-574-5127.
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2/21 - 2/23
Friday - Sunday
Leisure
Lee
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Caloosahatchee Park Camp,
Paddle and Bike. The Pack and Paddle
Club from West Palm beach along with the Outdoor Adventure Klub from Ft.
Lauderdale are sponsoring a joint outing at the Caloosahatchee Park in Ft.
Myers and they have invited WT Members to join them. The park has group
camping, hiking trails, off road biking and paddling on the nearby
Caloosahatchee River, Hickey Creek, Telegraph Creek and the Orange River.
That same weekend the town of Labelle (12 miles away) is also having their
annual Swamp Cabbage Festival. If you interested in joining in this fun
filled weekend and for a schedule of the events please contact Event Host:
Ben Smith 561-775-3481 or bbsdob525@aol.com .
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