August/September/October 2002

7/29
Saturday
8:30 AM
Moderate
Orange County

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.   

8/3/02
Saturday
9:30 AM
Leisure
Hillsborough

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.

8/3/02  
Saturday  
8:30 AM  
Leisure  
Orange  

8/4/02  
Sunday  
9.:00 AM  
Moderate  
Highlands

8/10/02  
Saturday  
7:15 AM  
Leisure  
Orange  

8/17/02  
Saturday

HOST APPRECIATION PARTY

Splash party and BBQ. This is a by-invitation-only event in honor of our past year's hard working volunteers. If you led a trip this past year, served on the Board, or acted as a Chair to a committee, mark this date on your calendar and expect to receive your personal invitation for this great annual party!

8/24/02  
Saturday  
9:00 AM  
Moderate  
Orange

LITTLE ECON RIVER CLEANUP

We will paddle and clean the Little Econlockhatchee River from Blanchard Park to Alafaya Trail. We expect to have fun, and don’t worry; there is no shortage of trash. This section of the Little Econ is narrow with many winding turns. There are low tree branches and spider webs (Hint: Don’t be in the boat out front). Bring a lunch and insect repellant. I also recommend that you bring gloves to protect your hands. Trash bags will be provided. The trip will take approximately 4 hours. We will meet in Blanchard Park at the dirt parking lot across from the tennis courts. After we unload our kayaks and canoes, we will shuttle our vehicles to the bridge on Alafaya Trail north of UCF. Blanchard Park is located on the east side of Dean Road, between University Blvd and East Colonial Drive. Members and nonmembers are welcome. Reservations are required. 15 boat limit. Event host: Ken Bowman, kbowman@prodigy.net (preferred) or  407-482-18837. Co-host Alan Brown.

8/25/02
Sunday  
8:00 AM  
Moderate  
Hernando

RICHLOAM HIKE

We’ll start early, when it is cooler, and walk a part of the lower loop trail. This will include the scenic sections on the river, water levels permitting. We should finish before noon. Remember lunch or a snack, plenty of water, sunscreen and repellant. We’ll meet at the fire tower on Porter Gap Road. From the intersection of Florida’s Turnpike and SR 50, west of Winter Garden, travel west on SR 50 about 33 miles to Porter Gap Road. Turn left and go about .7 mi. to the tower. This road is about 2 miles west of the Little Withlacoochee bridge. DeLorme Gazetteer page 78. Open to members and non-members. No reservation needed, but e-mailing your intent to attend will allow me to send an update if needed. Event Host: Chuck Russakov russakov@mpinet.net

8/30/- 9/1/02  
Friday-Sunday  
Time tba  
Leisure  
Okaloosa  

BLACKWATER RIVER PADDLE AND CAMP

This is three days and two nights on the Blackwater River. The 31 mile paddle will provide lots of time for observing this scenic river. The put-in will be at Kennedy Bridge and the takeout will be just past the Blackwater River State Park. Shuttle arrangements and trip details to be announced.  Email host for details and reservations.  Event Host: Peter Blichfeldt pblichfeldt@hotmail.com

9/3-9/13/02  
Tuesday-Friday  
Time tba  
Moderate
Out-of-State  

CURRENT RIVER, MISSOURI PADDLE AND CAMP 

Immediately following the Blackwater trip, the event host will be heading north to paddle one or more of the great rivers in Missouri or Arkansas. These rivers have up to Class I white water but can be portaged if desired.  Participants must have basic paddling skills. For further information and reservations contact Event Host: Peter Blichfeldt  pblichfeldt@hotmail.com

9/6-9/08/02  
Friday-Sunday  
Time tba  
Leisure  
Volusia

BLUE SPRINGS CAMP, HIKE AND PADDLE

Bring your family and join us for a weekend of camping, hiking, paddling and swimming at Blue Springs. At 9:00 Saturday morning, we will hike the trail (8 miles) and finish in plenty of time for those staying only Saturday night to check into their campsite at 3:00 PM.  Saturday afternoon get together at the swimming area for snorkeling, swimming and a picnic. Bring snacks to share.  Bring your canoe or kayak, or rent a canoe at Blue Springs for a Sunday morning paddle.  Please make your camping reservation at www.reserveamerica.com or 800-326-3521. If you will be joining us for 1 or both nights, please let me know your site number AFTER you make your camping reservation at Blue Springs.  I have reserved site 25 for myself. Sites 19 - 38 are located in the same area and will make it easier to get together around the campfire on Saturday night for stories and s’mores (furnished by the host). Open to members and their invited guests.  Families and children are welcome.  Event Host: Bob Seay res34@sprintmail.com

9/14/02  
Saturday  
9:00 AM  
Leisure  
Hillsborough

ALAFIA RIVER PADDLE

This River is fairly swift, especially for Central Florida and some small shoals are exposed in low water. It 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 Aldermans Ford and Lithia Springs Parks. Lunch will be on the banks of the river.  Canoe rental reservations available from Alafia River Canoe Rentals (813) 689-8645.  Excellent camping is available at nearby Lithia Springs County Park (813) 744-5572 and Aldermans Ford County Park (813) 681-7900. Lithia Springs Park also has showers and an inviting swimming area for after the paddle.  Directions: West on I-4 to Plant City. Exit old 13, new 15 , Alexander Road.  South about 13 miles on Route 39 to Thompson Rd. Turn right. Alderman Ford Park Canoe Launch immediately on the right. Reservations required. Members and non-members welcome.  Limit 15 boats. Event Host: Shelley Claudin claudin@directvinternet.com 407-281-7181

9/21/02
Saturday  
5:00 PM  
Leisure  
Marion  

SILVER SPRINGS MOONLIGHT PADDLE

Join us for a moonlight paddle on the Silver River.  We'll meet at Wayside Park off Rte. 40 at 5:00 PM for a leisurely to moderate paddle up the Silver River to Silver Springs.  We will head upstream in the daylight and have a lovely float down under the September full moon. Members and non-members welcome.  Launch fee required.  Reservations required by September 17. Event Hosts: Judy Campbell and Kim Joiner judyreads@aol.com

9/28/02  
Saturday  
8:00 AM  
Leisure  
Seminole

CANOE AND KAYAK DEMO   - CANCELLED

Wilderness Trekkers and Travel Country Outdoors will have their next “Front Porch Seminar” at Lake Virginia in Winter Park. This is a great opportunity to paddle different canoes and kayaks. We will meet at Dinky Dock on Ollie Avenue. Ollie Avenue is on the south side of Fairbanks Avenue across from the Winter Park Library. If you are interested in trying specific types of boats, such as, sea kayaks, river kayaks, solo canoes, or specific models, contact Ken Bowman, Education Director, at kbowman@prodigy.net (preferred) or 407-482-1837. Travel Country Outdoors will bring the boats you requested. For directions, or to inquire about boats in stock, call TCO at 407-831-0777.

10/5/02  
Saturday  
9:00 AM  
Moderate  
Marion  

OCKLAWAHA RIVER/RODMAN DAM PADDLE

Rodman Dam was constructed as part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal in 1968. Major conservation organizations in the state have opposed it from the beginning and have sought to have it removed. Construction was halted on the remainder of the project in 1971 and plans exist for breaching the dam and restoring the flooded section of the Ocklawaha.  We will meet at the Hwy 19 bridge and paddle upstream to the Rodman Dam, lunch and paddle back.  Event Host: Peter Blichfeldt  pblichfeldt@hotmail.com

10/12-10/13  
Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM
Moderate  
Marion

OCKLAWAHA PADDLE AND CAMP

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 on 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 on the Silver River. We will then begin paddling to our campsite just before Gore’s Landing (approximately 8 miles downstream). This will be primitive camping alongside the Ocklawaha. All participants will need to bring all appropriate camping equipment, food and water for two lunches (Sat. & Sun.), Saturday night dinner, and Sunday morning breakfast. We'll break camp after breakfast and canoe to our final destination at the Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost RV Park at Eureka. 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. Members and invited guests only.   Limited to 8 boats. Map and directions will come later as the trip gets closer. Reservations required.  Event host: Lee Simmons 386-43-8745 or leedeland@yahoo.com

10/12-10/13 Saturday-Sunday 9:00 AM  
Strenuous  
Palm Beach

LOXAHATCHEE RIVER PADDLE

Wind through lush cypress and mangrove swamps on this beautiful south Florida river.  We will paddle downstream to Trapper Nelson’s for lunch and paddle upstream to the put in.  This is a strenuous paddle as there are many twists and turns and the current can be strong, particularly on the way back upstream.  On Sunday, we will paddle another local waterway. We will camp at Jonathan Dickenson State Park.  Contact ReserveAmerica to make reservations ASAP at 1-800-326-3521 or http://www.reserveamerica.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/usa/fl/jona/newindex.html

Please specify the River Campground.  Members only, reservations required.  Event host Rebecca Bolduc hikerbec@yahoo.com or 954-296-2493

10/13/02  
Sunday  
8:00 AM  
Strenuous  
Marion  

SANTO’S GREENWAY OFF-ROAD BIKING

Join us for a half-day of quality mountain biking at one of Florida’s premier off-road riding  destinations. With its 60+ miles of quality trails on 300 acres of Florida’s Greenway. Trails are marked for varying levels of technical difficulty.  Bring plenty of water, as we will ride until about noon. Helmets are mandatory.  Directions: From Orlando take the Turnpike west to I-75 northbound, exit I-75 on CR484 east (exit #67), continue to US 27/301/441 and go north about 5 miles, turn left on 80th St. (CR328, just past the Sheriff’s Station).  Look for sign and turn left on the dirt road and follow to the end trailhead parking area. Reservations required. Members and one invited guest, only.  Event Host: Eric Kendrick 407-445-0603 or eric.kendrick@jacobs.com

10/19/02  
Saturday  
9:00 AM  
Moderate  
Marion  

SILVER RIVER PADDLE

This area has abundant wildlife, including turkey, otter, birds, deer, monkeys, bear and even the occasional wildcat and panther travel here.  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 then upstream on the Silver River to Silver Springs. This portion of the trip can be strenuous because we will be paddling upstream five miles against a 4-mph current. We will then reverse our path and enjoy a leisurely pace (with the current) back to the Wayside Park. Reservations required. Members and invited guests only.  Limited to 12 boats. Event Hosts: Dennis and Kim Gonzalez dennisg@cfl.rr.com .

10/23/02  
Wednesday  
9:00 AM  
Leisure  
Orange  

ROCK SPRINGS RUN PADDLE

For those of you who can get away for a mid-week outing, join me to paddle Rock Springs Run. The clear spring water winds it's way through dense forests and many consider it to be one of the most beautiful waterways in the state. Meeting time will be 9:00 AM at King's Landing (407-886-0859 for directions and rental info). This will be a leisurely paced outing, paddling distance approximately 10 miles. Bring a lunch to eat along the way. We will arrange our own shuttle. Open to members and non-members. Reservations required. Event Host: Chuck Jones 407-892-2105 or kayakk@webtv.net

Silver River State Park is one of the latest acquisitions in the Florida State Park system. The park has over 5,000 acres and nearly 10 miles of river frontage. Recreational opportunities include hiking over 12 miles of trails, camping, boating and wildlife viewing. One cabin has been reserved for 3 lady hikers with room for another trekker. Call Mary Kelsh if interested in sharing the rental. There are 6 cabins that accommodates 4 people very comfortably. Hikes each morning will begin a 9 AM on Wed., Thurs. and Fri. Meet each morning at the parking lot whether you stay overnight or not. A fee will be paid to get into the park. The park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of SR 40 on SR 35. For further information or to make reservations, please contact ReserveAmerica at 1-800-326-3521. Event hosts: Mary Kelsh (407) 628-4908 and Mary Anne Freyer.

10/26-10/27  
Sat – Sunday  
10:00 AM  
Moderate  
Osceola

LAKE KISSIMMEE BACKPACKING TRIP

At least 50 species of endangered, threatened, rare or special concern animals are living within the park's boundaries.  We may see white-tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, turkeys or even bobcats.  We will hike half of the 5.9 mile Buster Island Loop to a clear, shaded spot between Lake Rosalie and Tiger Lake.  This is primitive camping and all water will need to be carried in. S’mores will be provided.   Good for beginner back-packers. Park rules - 12 person maximum. $3 per person to be paid at gate. DeLorme Gazetteer p94.  Directions: Take I-4 West to US 27(Exit 23); south 24 miles; SR 60 14 miles to signs leading to the park. Reservations required to host by Oct. 19.  Event Hosts:  Lynn VanHorne and Kurth Chin Fatt LVH@mpinet.net or 407-331-8609