Apr. 2001 - Jun. 2001 

Saturday will leave camp for the put-in at SR579 for a 15 mile paddle back to camp. We will run our own shuttle. Saturday evening we will have a potluck dinner and campfire. On Sunday we will paddle the the Upper Manatee River from the Rye Bridge Road (5 miles). Make your reservation ASAP as the SNOWBIRDS we be out in force. Little Manatee River Campground (813) 671-5005 Reservations are required and the number is limited to twelve. I will only take reservations by email. I am sorry if this causes any inconvenience but due to my paddling/camping schedule I must institute this procedure. Trip Leader Peter Blichfeldt. Email me at: kayak@cfl.rr.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 or bellme@cts.db.erau.edu.

  Enhancing your paddling skills will increase your enjoyment of the activity. Our Instructor for this event will be Claudet Benton and will include the "tippy test" in the lake, demonstrations and practice of various paddling strokes, as well as safety considerations, together with planning and packing for canoe camping and other skills. Join us for a group camping/canoeing weekend at Lake Mills, with a possible paddle on the Econ (depending on water levels) to test our new and improved skills. Dinner Saturday night will be provided by the event host. Canoe Rentals will be available for this weekend through Hidden River Canoe Rentals (407)568-5346. This event will be limited to 20 participants-to secure your reservation send $12.00 with SASE to Debi Ritt P.O. Box 700122 St. Cloud, FL 34770-0122 The fee will cover camping and the instruction manual. Host Debi Ritt tippycanoe3@hotmail.com(407)922-2259 Co Host Dee Fuentes.

Silver River Paddle 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 proceed south a short distance to the Silver River and journey upstream on the Silver River to the Springs. This portion of the trip can be strenuous because we will be paddling upstream against a 4 mph current. We will then reverse our path and enjoy a leisurely pace (with the current) back to the Wayside Park. The area has abundant wildlife, including turkey, otter, birds, deer, monkeys, bear and even the occasional wildcat and panther travel this area. Reservations required. Members and guests only and limited to 12 boats. Event Host: Rich Miller rmiller13@cfl.rr.com

Seminole Forest Weekend Come explore this 12,000 acre state forest. Hike some of the 21 miles of blazed trails, paddle pristine Blackwater Creek, or sit in the shade and relax. We will have the use of spacious Oak Camp Fri. and Sat. nights. Spend all or any part of the weekend from 3 PM Fri. to 3PM Sun. This is a gated area and entry instructions will be made available later. Directions: From I-4 exit 51, go west on SR 46. Just west of the Wekiva River bridge, turn north at the Seminole State Forest sign. Camping fee is $4 per person per night, payable to the iron ranger at the entrance. Members only. Limited by permit to 20 people. Reservations required by 4/17/01. Event host: Chuck Russakov russakov@mpinet.net (preferred) or 407-774-5737.

Great beginner paddle -Weeki Wachee Springs along Central Florida's West Coast is one of the 27 First Magnitude Springs in the state. The glass-clear waters coming out of the spring flow about 10 miles to the Gulf. The current is strong, and we will have to do little paddling. It should take around 3+ hours to the takeout with stops for photos and swimming, weather permitting. Manatee, lots of birds, and other animal sightings are expected. Put-in at the Weeki Wachee Canoe Outpost (352-597-0360, $31 for 2 person canoe; $22 for single kayak, $5.00 put-in fee for own). The outfitter strongly recommends reserving a boat ahead if you are planning to rent. We'll arrange our own shuttle. Directions: from Orlando - Route 50 through Brooksville where it apparently becomes 50A for a time, then blends back to 50. The outpost is in the back left of the tourist attraction's parking lot, which is just south of the intersection of routes 50 and 19. From Tampa take 75 to the Brooksville exit and follow Orlando directions or take the more scenic routes along 41 or 19. Reservations required by 4/15. Members and their invited guests. Event Hosts: Rebecca Bolduc dbapts@bellsouth.net or 954-564-9931and Judy Campbell judyreads@aol.com or 407-365-9889.

Blackwater Creek is hauntingly beautiful as it snakes its way through an ancient cypress swamp. We will paddle up Blackwater Creek to its headwater at Lake Norris. This is the jewel of the trip, as the lake is surrounded on the West side by beautiful dwarf cypress trees which serve as a rookery for many osprey, snowy egrets and other birds, at this time of year. We will weave our boats through the maze of cypress, as we observe the bird life and many newly hatched fledglings------if our timing is right! This will be an excellent photo op for the camera buffs, and will be a slow, relaxed paced paddle. You must have your own canoe/kayak. Reservations required. Members-only. The meeting point will be given with confirmation of reservations. Event Hosts: Donna & Jerry Ellis at (407) 869-4338 or Ellistrek@aol.com. 

Join us for one of Florida's most beautiful waterways. This is a leisurely 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 arrange our own shuttle (hence the early meeting time). Rentals are available, call livery for directions and rental info (407-886-0859). Camping is available at nearby Kelly Park (407-889-4179) Launch and take-out fee $6.00 per boat. Limit 12 boats. E-mail reservations required by 4/23. Members and their invited guest only. Event Host: Larry Reed, PaddleFL@aol.com

Meet with fellow Trekkers at Moss Park for a day of camaraderie, activities, food and organizational business. A morning paddle and hike will begin at 9 a.m. (rental boats not available). Trip leaders, current and prospective, will meet at 11 a.m. to discuss effective leadership issues. New members and some old, will also meet at 11 a.m. for Q & A about Wilderness Trekkers. A cookout will follow at noon. WT will provide the hamburgers/hot dogs...members are asked to bring side dish or snack item to add to the meal (remember to include a serving utensil for your dish!!). The annual business meeting and election of officers will be held after lunch. The afternoon is free for your own enjoyment. WT gatherings are always a good time to share photos and trip stories. Please bring albums or photos in plastic cover for others to enjoy. The 6th Annual Wading Bird Festival is also taking place at Moss Park on this day beginning at 8:00 a.m. There is no charge for this members event, but please NOTIFY Pat DeSalvo BY APRIL 25TH if you plan to attend. Moss Park charges $1.00/person entrance fee. Contact park at 407-273-2327 for camping information. Moss Park is located on Lark Hart, off 417 and Moss Park Rd. in Orlando. Driving directions and map will be posted on the website. Event Host Pat DeSalvo, Special Events Director, desalvop@n-jcenter.com, 904-736-3550.

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 or bellme@cts.db.erau.edu.

This 8.8 trail winds through several different Florida ecosystems including a dense sandpine scrub flatwoods, swamp, marsh and hammock of large oak, sweetgum and palms. At one point the trail crosses through a cypress swamp, so be prepared to get your feet wet. Lunch will be on the banks of the St. John's River. After the hike we can swim in the cool spring water, kayak, or canoe. Entrance fee of $4 per vehicle. No reservation needed for the hike. Furnished cabins and camping sites are available. Be sure to mention that you are with WT group when you make your reservation. Phone 904-775-3663. Check out their web site at www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/central/blue.html. Bring your own meat and a dish to share for Saturday supper. Reservations required. Meet at the trailhead in the lower parking lot. Guests welcome. Event Hosts: Lynn VanHorne lvh@mpinet.net and Kurth Chin Fatt 407-331-8609.

Join Lynn and Kurth early on Mother's Day to swim or snorkel the Springs. Breakfast will be back at the campsite afterwards. Omelets provided if you register for the breakfast. Hosts will head home then to be with Mom! Reservations recommended. Guests welcome. Event Hosts: Lynn VanHorne lvh@mpinet.net and Kurth Chin Fatt 407-331-8609.

The Shipyard Island Canoe trail, located west of the Canaveral National Seashore, will provide a close up view of the wildlife and islands of Mosquito Lagoon. Check out their web site at www.nbbd.com/godo.cns/Brochures/Canoeing/index.html. The entrance to the trail is directly across the Lagoon for the North District Boat Ramp. We will put in and return to the boat ramp. Directions: Take I-4 to Hwy 44. Hwy. 44, East to New Smyrna Beach. Stay on the main road, which turns into A1A. Follow it south to the Rangers Station ($3 per car entry). Boat ramp is on the right. Reservations required. Guests welcome. Event Host: Shelley Claudin claudin@bellsouth.net or (407) 28/1-7181.

Join us for this nice, shaded hike. We'll hike out to the swinging bridge, and have lunch on the river banks of the Econ River before heading back. This is 5.0 mile trail. Directions to trailhead: In Oviedo, turn left off CR 419 (also called Broadway) onto CR 426; go 3.3 miles, turn right onto Barr St. Trailhead parking immediately on your left. No reservations required. Event Host: Larry Reed PaddleFL@aol.com.

The Little Big Econ State Forest is located near Lake Mills in Chuluota off Snow Hill Road. The Little Econ River traverses through the property. The forest has a great single track trail through woods on flat terrain. Much of the riding is in shaded areas and terrain is varied. There are some hilly trails along the creek bed. Bring plenty of water, we will ride till about 12:00 and have lunch back at our cars. Helmets are mandatory. Reservations required. Open to members and guests. Call for reservations, directions and meeting location. Event Host: Eric Kendrick 407-445-0603 or eric.kendrick@jacobs.com.

This is the southernmost area of the Withlacoochee State Forest. We'll walk 8+ miles of the bottom half of the loop trail, stopping for lunch on the scenic section near the Withlacoochee River, an area not accessible when water levels are high. Directions: From the intersection of Florida's Turnpike and SR 50, travel west 33 miles to Porter Gap Rd. Turn left and go .7 miles to the fire tower parking area. Porter Gap Rd is about 2 mile west of the Little Withlacoochee River bridge. No reservations required, but e-mailing your intention to attend will allow me to send an update if needed. Members and their invited guest only. Event Host: Chuck Russakov russakov@mpinet.net.

Palm Bay's Turkey Creek offers some of the most scenic paddling in Brevard County! This will be an nice trip; about 3 hours round-trip paddling time to the Sanctuary and back. We'll visit the interpretive center and perhaps see some manatees in the Sanctuary. Canoe/kayak rentals available from Nik's Boat Rental, 407-723-0851($20/half-day). Directions to put-in: Take Hwy 528 (Beeline) east 30 miles from Orlando to I-95, then south 29 miles to SR516 (Palm Bay Rd). Turn left and go east 5 miles to US 1, then south 3/4 mile to Port Malabar Blvd (renters, Nik's is on the right just before bridge). Turn right and go west 1/4 mile over RR tracks to Bianca Drive (first right). Turn right on Bianca and follow north 3/4 mile to Goode Park. Limit 12 boats. E-mail reservations required by 5/21. Members and their invited guest only. Event Host: Larry Reed PaddleFL@aol.com.

The founders of Wilderness Trekkers invite you to join them for a moonlight paddle on the sparkling, blue waters of Big Sand Lake. This 10,000 acre lake with it's white sand bottom, is located in the heart of Dr. Phillips in SW Orlando. We will take in the spectacular fireworks that shimmer over the water several times during the evening. We'll pass the homesite of the legendary Doc Phillips, who invented the frozen juice concentrate around the turn of the century. Nestled along the pristine shores we'll see magnificent estate homes. Come early and join us for a back yard cookout at 5:00 PM. After the cookout, we'll launch the canoes/kayaks (you must have your own) and do a leisurely paddle for about 2 hours. After the paddle, we'll indulge in a campfire desert. This is a members only trip, and reservations are required. Adults only. Limited trip. Host: Dave & Kim Lippy Wildtreker@aol.com (preferred) or (407) 351-9966. Co-Host: Liz Rice.

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 or bellme@cts.db.erau.edu.

Weeki Wachee Springs along Central Florida's West Coast is one of the 27 First Magnitude Springs in the state. The glass-clear waters coming out of the spring flow about 10 miles to the Gulf. The current is strong, and we will have to do little paddling.
It should take around 3+ hours to the takeout with stops for photos and swimming, weather permitting. Manatee, lots of birds, and other animal sightings are expected. Put-in at the Weeki Wachee Canoe Outpost (352-597-0360, $31 for 2 person canoe; $22 for single kayak, $5.00 put-in fee for own). The outfitter strongly recommends reserving a boat ahead if you are planning to rent. We'll arrange our own shuttle. Directions: from Orlando - Route 50 through Brooksville where it apparently becomes 50A for a time, then blends back to 50. The outpost is in the back left of the tourist attraction's parking lot, which is just south of the intersection of routes 50 and 19. From Tampa take 75 to the Brooksville exit and follow Orlando directions or take the more scenic routes along 41 or 19. Reservations required by 4/15. Members and their invited guests. Event Hosts: Rebecca Bolduc dbapts@bellsouth.net or 954-564-9931and Judy Campbell judyreads@aol.com or 407-365-9889.

The Santa Fe River is a North Florida tributary of the Suwannee River. It's slow current and gentle curves makes for a leisurely float trip. Experience hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and many clear springs - so make sure to bring your swimsuit. See turtles, alligators and wading birds. This is a 13 mile, one-way paddle (from Rt. 441 bridge to SR 47 bridge). Meet at 9 AM at the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost (904) 454-2050) on Rt. 441. Canoe rentals available. Outpost will provide shuttle at a cost of $10 per person. Reservations required by June 13th. Members only. Limit 12 boats. Directions/Info provided upon reservations. Event Host: Douglas Boyce flmtnbiker@earthlink.com (preferred) or (904) 264-2864 or Len Pritchett pritchdl@hotmail.com.

Whether you are a seasoned whitewater paddler or wannabe, this evening's clinic will be for you. We'll view a whitewater self-defense video, have some whitewater boats and equipment on hand, and also hear from experienced whitewater paddlers, Jay & Susan Landt. Whitewater paddling is a fast growing, popular sport, but it is also an expensive sport to get into, requiring special training, equipment, boats, and team work. If you've been seriously considering getting into this aspect of paddling, do join us for an evening of food, fellowship, contribution of ideas and entertainment of questions about the sport. Limited to 20, adults only, reservations required. Host: Dave & Kim Lippy Wildtreker@aol.com (preferred) or 407/351-9966. Co-host: Liz Rice.