|
4/6
8:30 AM
Strenuous
Lake County
|
Alexander Springs Paddle
This
trip will start where my other Alexander Spring trips have ended - at the
take-out at the end of the forest road. We will then paddle down stream
for a couple of hours, stop for lunch and turn around and paddle back. I
scouted this trip last month and it is far more scenic then the upper part
of the spring run. The creek is full of turns that makes for an
interesting paddle. The return trip is a little more challenging, but
worth the effort. We will meet at the bridge just past Alexander Springs
Rec. Area on County Rd 445 (off of Hwy 19 north of Eustis) Delorme pg. 73.
From there, we will caravan down the forest road to the put in. Event
host: Peter Blichfeldt pblichfeldt@hotmail.com |
|
4/13
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Marion County
|
Ocklawaha Paddle
Gore’s
Landing to Ocklawaha Outpost. An easy paddle of approximately 8 miles.
Spring fed, mostly crystal clear and a moderate current. Many varieties of wildlife.
Rentals available through the Ocklawaha Outpost 352-236-4606 (Call
to arrange). Meet at 9:00AM
at the Ocklawaha Visitor’s Center-located at the intersection of SR 40
and 315 - west of US 19. BEGINNERS
WELCOME. No limit, but please
call for reservations. Bring
Sunscreen, water, and light lunch. Neill’s
cell is 407-927-7974 (May not work).
Event Host: Neill Beavers NeillBeavers@earthlink.net (preferred) or
407-834-9708. |
|
4/20
Saturday
tba
Leisure
Lake County
|
Blackwater Creek/Lake Norris Paddle
Blackwater
Creek is hauntingly beautiful as it snakes its way through an ancient
cypress swamp. We will paddle
up Blackwater Creek to its headwaters at Lake Norris. This is the jewel of the trip as the lake is surrounded on
the west side by beautiful dwarf cypress trees that serve as a rookery for
many osprey, snowy egrets and other birds.
We will weave our boats through the maze of Cypress trees that
extend out into the lake. This
will be a slow relaxed paddle although it can get windy on the lake at
times. You must have your own
canoe or kayak. Reservations
required. Limit of ten boats.
The time and meeting point will be given with the confirmation of
reservations. Event host: Larry Blundell at 407 359 0637 or
larry.b.blundell@lmco.com |
|
4/20-4/21
Saturday-Sunday
11:00 AM
Leisure
Suwannee/Columbia County
|
Itchetucknee Paddle, Hike, and Car Camp
We
will meet at 11:00 at the Itchetucknee Family Campground and Outfitter,
386-497-2150. Outfitter can
provide either rental canoe, $16pp, or a shuttle, $15 per boat. Rentals
need to call and make a reservation. We will canoe the Itchetucknee River,
used for tubing during the summer, and go on to the Santa Fe extension.
The trip is 12 miles and will take 4-5 hours. We will then drive to Oleno
State Park and set up our tents for a potluck dinner at 6:30. On Sunday
morning at 9:00 we will hike the 4-5 mile Parner's Branch Loop at Oleno.
Reservation for camping will need to be made for Oleno State Park by
calling 1-800-326-3521. Cost is $13.04. Tell them that you are with the
Wilderness Trekkers. Directions to the outfitter: Exit #81 from I-75 and
turn left on Hwy 47. Go 12 miles to the second caution (yellow) light and
turn right on CR 238. Go 4 miles to the Itchetucknee Family Campground on
the right. Participants are welcome to do some or all of the weekend.
Please call to let us know that you have made reservations at the park.
Event hosts: Lynn VanHorne and Kurth Chin Fatt LVH@mpinet.net or
407-331-8609. Co-Hosts Liz and Bob Rood. |
|
4/27
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Seminole County
|
Winter Park Chain of Lakes
We
will explore Lake Virginia, Lake Osceola and Lake Maitland
from our put-in at Dinky Dock during this “Urban” Wilderness
Trek. These beautiful lakes
are connected by narrow canals built during the early part of the century
to serve the logging industry and they provide abundant opportunities to
observe Osprey, Heron and Egret, and even an occasional gator.
We will also observe numerous homes and parks and possibly have an
encounter with the Winter Park Boat Tour.
Further details and directions will be provided to registered
participants. Open to members
and non-members. Limit
15 boats. Event Host: Shelley Claudin.
Contact claudin@bellsouth.net or 407-281-7181. |
|
5/4
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Orange County
|
Rock Springs Run Paddle
Take
out at Wekiva Marina. A twisting often narrow run in mostly crystal
clear water and often sandy bottom. Wildlife
is often visible. Rentals are
available at King’s Landing. – 407-886-0859. Meet
at 9:00AM at Kings Landing 5714, Baptist Camp Road - just past the
entrance to Kelly Park. BEGINNERS WELCOME. No
limit, but please call for reservations.
Bring sunscreen, water, and light lunch. Neill’s cell is 407-927-7974 (May not work).
Event host: Neill Beavers --
NeillBeavers@earthlink.net (preferred)
or 407-834-9708. |
|
5/4
Saturday
8:30 AM
Moderate
Citrus County
|
Halls River/Homosassa Springs Wildlife Sanctuary
Paddle
Halls River for 3 ½ miles to the Homosassa River, then on to the
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Sanctuary. The Spring is only reachable by
water. We will paddle around the spring and back up in the area where
power and cruise boats are not allowed. Expect to see Manatees; an eight
footer continually tried lifting my kayak out of the water. The Halls
River is a little known river but makes for an interesting day.
We will eat lunch, possibly at one of the marinas. I am checking
with the outfitter where we put-in for the shuttle back. We will meet at
the outfitter,
Riversport Kayaks.
The shuttle back will be $15 each or $10 each if we have more then six
boats. They rent a wide variety of kayaks and canoes (www.flakayak.com).
The location is on Hwy 19 north of County 490. Delorme pg. 77 Reservation
required. Event host: Peter Blichfeldt pblichfeldt@hotmail.com |
5/5
Sunday
8:30AM
Strenuous
Hernando County
|
Croom Off-Road Bike Ride
A
leisurely morning in the Croom Forest will be our adventure. This north
section of dry upland scrub contains a single-track all-terrain biking
trail. It is mostly hardpan with very little sand. We will do one of the
longer north loops (approx. 10 miles). Bring plenty of water, we will ride
till about noon. 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 |
|
5/11
Saturday
9:00 AM
Moderate
Sumter County
|
Withlacoochee Paddle
There
is water in the Withlacoochee after a long dry spell. Let’s paddle from
the River Junction Campground, through Silver Lake, and to Hog Island for
lunch. We’ll continue on to the county park in Nobleton for a total of
about 11 miles of paddling. Camping, with showers, is available at several
sites in the forest. I will camp at River Junction on Friday night. Call
352-754-6896 for campground information. Directions: From where
Florida’s Turnpike crosses SR 50 just west of Winter Garden, continue
about 36 miles to US 301. Turn right and go north about 5 miles to the
blinking light. Turn left and go 2 miles on CR 656 to SW 50th Blvd. Turn
left and continue to River Junction Campground. DeLorme Gazetteer p. 78.
No reservation required, but an e-mail will allow me to send updates if
needed. This trip is for members and their guests. Non-members with prior
consent of the host only. Rentals at Nobleton Canoe Rental, 800-783-5284.
Event host: Chuck Russakov, russakov@mpinet.net |
|
5/18
9:00 AM
Leisure
Orange County
|
2002
Spring Gathering, Annual Business Meeting
Meet with fellow Trekkers at Moss Park for a day of
activities, food and organizational business.
Activities Include: “Used Gear Sale”, Hike, Meetings and Lunch.
Paddling and trail biking opportunities are available.
WT will provide the hamburgers/hot dogs...members are asked to
bring side dish, dessert or snack item to add to the meal (remember to
include a serving utensil for your dish!!). WT will also provide canned
drinks, ice, and place settings. The
annual business meeting and vote on officers will be held after lunch.
Moss Park charges $1.00/person entrance fee.
There is no charge for this WT members event, but in order to have
an accurate head count for food preparation please NOTIFY Pat DeSalvo by
May 10th desalvop@n-jcenter.com or 386-736-3550.
For more details see the web site |
|
5/19
Noon
Leisure
Seminole County
|
TCO
Front Porch Seminar
Hydrating
Food and Camp Cooking; Wilderness
Trekkers and Travel Country Outdoors continue their front porch seminar
series. The seminar starts at noon and will show how to dehydrate food,
along with camp stove cooking. Reservations not needed but notice of
intent to attend is appreciated. Contact Pat DeSalvo, Events Director,
desalvop@n-jcenter.com, or 386-736-3550. Call TCO for directions to the
Altamonte Springs store (407-831-0777). |
|
5/25
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Volusia County
|
Dead River and Canals Paddle
This
will be a 6+ mile tour of the old logging canals and the Snake River
(water level permitting) 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 on the St Johns. You may stop
for lunch afterward in the park, paddle up Blue Springs Run, stroll up the
boardwalks to the boil, or swim in the cool crystal clear water. Limited
to 12 boats. Put in time will
be 9:00 AM Directions: Take I-4 to Exit 53CB, Orange City. Go west on Saxon Blvd to Routes 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.
Reservations required. Event host: Larry Blundell larry.b.blundell@lmco.com
or 407-359-0637 |
|
6/1-6/5
Saturday – Wednesday
tba
Leisure
Out-of-State
|
Camp and Hike Vogel State Park in North Georgia
Join
us for a camping and hiking trip to Vogel State Park in north Georgia. All
participants must make their own reservation by calling 1-800-864- PARK
and request a walk- in or a car camping site. The walk-in sites are 25 to
200 feet up a steep hill from the parking area but close to bathrooms and
hot showers. Reservations for the walk-in sites are $10 and the first
night is nonrefundable. There are 18 walk-in sites and many more car
camping sites, but all fill up fast so plan to call early for your
reservation. All sites are level and have a fire ring and picnic table.
Vogel has a camp store, porch swings around a lake, a swimming area and
evening entertainment. This is civilized camping! We will gather at the
walk-in sites for planned activities - but participants will be mailed
maps and a list of events which includes day hikes on the AT, hikes to
waterfalls, streams, etc. so they can plan activities on their own.
Reservations required. To register send a SASE to Lynn VanHorne,
710 Georgia Ave., Longwood, FL 32750 and state if carpooling is desired
and if you are willing to share a site, if needed. I will try to match up
people. Members only. Deadline is May 18, or earlier, if there are no more
spots open. Event hosts: Lynn
VanHorne and Kurth Chin Fatt LVH@mpinet.net or 407-331-8609. |
|
6/7–tbd
Friday
Contact host
Leisure/Moderate
Out-of-State
|
Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri Paddle
We
will be leaving approximately June 5th to do some lovely rivers in PA.
So far, the planned ones are the Yough, the Clarion and the
Allegheny. Near the Yough,
there is also a 13 mile rails to trails bicycle trail along the river and
wonderful hiking in the area. After
one or two days, we will move to the Clarion for about 6 nights of river
camping. We will then do two
nights on the Allegheny. Then we will move to Wisconsin where we will do
two week long river paddles on wild and scenic rivers.
Hiking or bicycling on the rails to trails are also available.
Next, will be the most beautiful rivers that I have encountered in the
Ozark Mountains of Missouri. We
will do about 5 days each on the Jack's Fork, Current and 11 Points.
People can do one river, some rivers, or all of the rivers. We will arrange meeting places.
Dates and times will be more firm closer to launch time.
Event host: Nancy Doucette (561) 968-1789 |
|
6/8
Saturday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Volusia County
|
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
Join
us on a 5 mile hike with 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!! 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. Lunch for any that want
to come along, will be at The Mill in neighboring DeLeon Springs State
Park after the hike. Open to
all and reservations not needed, but an email of interest would be
appreciated. Event host Pat DeSalvo, desalvop@n-jcenter.com, 904-736-3550. |
|
6/15
Saturday
9:00 AM
Hillsborough County
|
Alafia Paddle
This River is fairly
swift river is a narrow, twisting trail that begins at Alderman Ford
County Park. Large oak, cypress and cedar trees line the banks and form a
canopy overhead. We'll get an early start Saturday morning to shuttle
canoes and cars to our take out point Lithia Springs Park. There is a
small donation fee required at both Alderman's Ford and Lithia Springs
Parks. Lunch will be on the banks of the river. Paddling an estimated 4
hours on the 12 miles we will cover, we should be at the take out point by
mid-afternoon. Canoe rental reservations available from Alafia River Canoe
Rentals (813) 689-8645. If
you are going to utilize the livery, you will need to be there by 7:30AM
to be certain that you are at the put-in when the rest of the group is
ready to start at 8:30. Camping is available at nearby Lithia Springs
County Park (813) 744-5572 and Alderman's Ford County Park (813) 681-7900.
Directions: West on I-4 to Plant City, exit 13. South approx. 11 mi. on
route 39 to Thompson Rd. Turn right. The Alderman Ford Park canoe launch
is on the right. Reservations required members only, limit 15 boats. Event
host: Debi Ritt tippycanoe3@hotmail.com
(preferred) cell: 407-922-2209 |
|
6/22
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Marion County
|
Juniper Springs Paddle
An
easy paddle of approximately 7 miles with clear spring
water, many water birds and an occasional alligator.
Often narrow and twisty - a fun paddle.
Rentals available at 352-625-2808.
Meet at 9:00AM at the canoe launch area at Juniper Springs
Recreation Area on SR 40 just west of US 19.
BEGINNERS WELCOME. No
limit, but please call for reservations.
Bring sunscreen, water, and light lunch.
Neill’s cell is 407-927-7974 (May not work). Event Host: Neill Beavers NeillBeavers@earthlink.net
(preferred) or 407-834-9708. |
|
7/13
Saturday
9:00 AM
Leisure
Marion Couty
|
Ocklawaha 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 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, members only and limited to 12 boats.
Directions to be provided Event host:
Debi Ritt tippycanoe3@hotmail.com (preferred) cell: 407-922-2209. |
7/20
Saturday
8:30 AM
Leisure
Volusia County
|
Goat Island and Canal Paddle
This
will be about a 7 mile downhill paddle from High Banks Rd. to Stark’s
Landing. Setting up a short
shuttle should allow us to get on the water between 9 and 9:30 AM. We
will avoid most of the St. Johns River by traveling the scenic backside
of Goat Island, usually a good wildlife viewing area, and then through
the old logging canals and the Hontoon Dead River. A stop for lunch at
Blue Springs State Park will also allow time to explore the park, paddle
up the run, and swim in the clear spring water. Directions:
From I-4, exit 53, go west on Enterprise Rd. about 2 mi. to US
Rts 17 and 92, in DeBary. Turn north and go about 2 mi. to High Banks
Rd. Turn west and go 3 mi. to the boat ramp. DeLorme Gazetteer p. 80. No
reservations required, but a response will allow me to send an update if
needed. This trip is for members and their guests. Non-members with
prior consent of the host only. Event host: Chuck Russakov, russakov@mpinet.net.
|
|
7/20
Saturday
11:00 AM
Leisure
Seminole County
|
Travel Country Outdoors Front Porch Seminar
Join
us for one of TCO’s outstanding Front Porch Seminars.
These seminars are always informative and provide a great forum for
our members to increase their knowledge and have a great time!
The topic will be posted on the WT web site as the date approaches.
TCO is located at 101 East Hwy 436, Altamonte Springs, FL.
Call for directions to the store 407-831-0777.
|
7/27
Saturday
11:00 AM
Leisure
Seminole County
|
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey
Join
us for a visit to this newly remodeled exhibit to see owls, eagles, hawks,
kestrels and falcons up close on a guided visit. Children are welcome (7
and older) and should enjoy themselves. YOU MUST MAKE RESERVATIONS with
trip host. Group size is limited, although the Center has said they will
add tours as required, but THEY MUST KNOW AHEAD OF TIME. We will accept
reservations up until Wednesday, July 24th. Cost is $5.00 for Adults and
$4.00 for Children. Don't miss this exciting opportunity! Located at 1101
Audubon Way; Maitland (Phone for direction: 407-644-0190)-17/92, east on
Lake, right on East Ave and Left on Audubon Way. We will be doing this
trip with Outdoors and Active. Lunch will follow, contact host for
details. Event hosts: Neill Beavers NeillBeavers@earthlink.com (preferred)
or 407-834-9708
|
|
7/29
Saturday
8:30 AM
Moderate
Orange County
|
Upper Econ Paddle
Meet
at Hidden River RV Park on SR 50, 407-568-5346, to paddle the first
section of the Econlockhatchee River.
Close to downtown Orlando, the ecology of the river is fragile and
is threatened by the development that its beauty attracts.
Depending on water levels, we plan to paddle the section of the
river from SR 50 to HWY 419. The
Econ is twisty, full of wildlife and we are likely to encounter several
carryovers. We will run our
own shuttle from Hidden River to the 419 bridge.
Put-in fee at Hidden River and canoe/kayak rentals are available.
Members and non-members welcome.
Reservations required. 15
boat limit. Event host:
Shelley Claudin claudin@bellsouth.net
407-281-7181.
|
|
8/3
Saturday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Hillsborough County
|
Hillsborough River Paddle
A
fascinating river because it is near densely populated sections of Tampa,
yet you feel you are in the wilderness.
Challenging because of the number of deadfalls, yet easily paddled
because passages are cut – just wide enough for canoes.
Wildlife is abundant, bring your camera.
Meet us at Publix on Sand Hill Road, Orlando (407-226-3315 for
directions) at 7:30 AM or at Canoe Escape, 9335 E Fowler Ave,
Thonotasassa, FL, 813-986-2067, at 9:30 AM.
Canoe and Kayak rentals are available - call for rentals and
directions. BEGINNERS ARE
WELCOME. No limit or
restriction, but please make reservations. Event Host: Neill Beavers
neillbeavers@earthlink.net (preferred) or 407-834-9708.
|
