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7/26
2 PM
Saturday
Volusia
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Wilderness Trekker Board
Retreat - We are planning a one
day meeting to discuss where the organization is, where we want to go, and
how to get there. If you’ve attended a Board meeting, you know that we
barely get through the pressing business, and seldom have time to brainstorm
or work on new ideas. Well, this is our chance, and yours. There will be
some committee discussions on old business, such as web site links to other
organizations and publicity. We should find time for swimming or paddling,
in addition to getting some work done. This is open to all Wilderness
Trekkers members, so please come and participate. The retreat will be held
at the home of Kim and Dennis Gonzalez in Deltona from 2 PM – 8 PM. Their
home is on a lake so if you would like to paddle bring your boat and they
also have a pool so bring your swimsuit. Directions: From I-4
take exit 114 in Deltona and head east. Go about six miles and turn right on
Newmark. Go one mile and turn left on Humphrey Blvd. Make the third right
(1430 Sonnet Ct). Reservations required. Host: Shelley Claudin, claudins@eccic.com
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7/27
Sunday
8 AM
Moderate
Volusia
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Snake Creek and Canals Paddle - This
will be a 6-8 mile tour of Snake Creek and at least one of the old logging
canals that connect the Hontoon Dead River and the St. Johns River. It will
be a leisurely paddle with no tight turns or obstacles, however, there will
be some open water and wind could be a factor. Bring lunch. We will eat
afterward, in the park, at Blue Springs. where you may wish to paddle up
Blue Springs Run, stroll up the boardwalk to the boil, or swim in the cool
crystal clear water. Directions: Take I-4 to Exit 111, 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, pass the entrance to Blue Springs State Park
and continue down the dirt road to Starke¹s Landing. No reservations
required, but an e-mail stating your intentions will allow you to be
notified of any changes. Host: Chuck Russakov trekker1@cfl.rr.com
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8/2
Sat
9 AM
Leisure
Marion
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Alexander Springs Paddle - We'll paddle from the Alexander Springs
Recreation Area about 7 miles to the Outfitter's dock. There is an abundance
of wildlife including birds, turtles, gators, otter, fresh water stingrays,
and an occasional bear. The cost should be approx. $15/boat and 2 people.
They also rent canoes. This paddle is not too strenuous, but it is technical
in some areas. Please be sure to bring suntan lotion, bug spray, plenty of
liquids, and lunch. This should take about 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Alexander
Springs is located in the Gazetteer page 73. US 17 North from De Land to SR
40 West, and South on CR 445A to CR 445. Limited to Trekkers and a friend.
Limited 12 boats. Lee Simmons leedeland@yahoo.com . (386) 943-8745.
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8/9
Sat
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Invitation Only Activity Host Appreciation Party - Our annual
appreciation party for all of our Activity Hosts. Thank you all for such a
great year!
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8/16
Sat
9 AM
Leisure
Hernando
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Weeki Wache Paddle - Along Central Florida's West Coast is one of the
27 First Magnitude Springs in the state. The glass-clear waters that flow
about 10 miles to the Gulf; the river has abundant wildlife and plenty of
swimming spots. The current is strong making for an easy downstream paddle
from Weeki Wachee Springs to Rogers Park approx. 3+ hours. Meet at Weeki
Wachee Springs in the canoe rental area at 9:00 am sharp (US 19 & SR 50,
Spring Hill, FL). Rentals available at Weeki Wachee 352-597-0360 (RESERVE
EARLY). We will run our own shuttle. Fee at present is $5.00 for put-in and
$2.00 for takeout. Reservations required, limit 15 boats. Event Hosts: Kim
and Dennis Gonzalez kemg@cfl.rr.com.
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8/17
Sun
12pm - 3pm
Orange
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Ice Cream Social. We'll meet at 4200 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. Ice
cream, desserts and fellowship will be on the agenda. Bring your boat, the
small lake is perfect for paddling on a summer afternoon. The event will be
outdoors, (with a/c available, if needed). Please bring a dessert or topping
to share and WT will bring the ice cream & drinks. Members and invited
guests welcome. Please RSVP by Mon., 8/11th to Mary Bruce mary.bruce@siemens.com
or call 407-736-5745. Directions: FROM I-4: Take the new Conroy exit by the
Millennium Mall and get in right hand lane and go West on Conroy to
Hiawassee Road (approx. 5 miles). Turn North (right) on Hiawassee about 1/2
half mile, go over Turnpike Overpass and get in left lane to make a U-turn.
Go south on Hiawassee, in right hand lane back over over-pass. Slow down! At
the bottom of the overpass, turn right at the only mailbox and driveway.
Drive to the end of the driveway and park in the circle or driveway. If you
get lost please call: 407-295-8215.
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9/6-9/7
Sat - Sun
Leisure
Brevard
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Turkey Creek Paddle, and more - Saturday we'll paddle Turkey
Creek, just south of Melbourne - easy paddle, about 4 miles round trip. Dark
water, manatee possible. Meet at 10 am at Captain Goode Park to embark.
(contact host for directions). We'll picnic at Turkey Creek Sanctuary and
then return. Sat eve - camp or stay at hotel, and (optional) attend the
Cocoa Beach contra dance. Sunday we can do an exploratory trip on the Banana
River (kayaks preferred as it is very open) or Ulamay Wildlife Refuge in
Merritt Island. Members & guests. Further info and reservations -
contact host Erica Johnson at ericadj@earthlink.net
or 407/327-4044.
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9/20
Sat
9:00 am
Leisure
Seminole
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New Member Coffee and Hike - Meet 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 followed by a visit to
"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 LynnV@oco.net or 407-331-8609.
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9/27
Sat
8:00 am
Leisure
Orange
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West Orange Trail Bike Ride and Brunch - Join us for a leisurely ride
through mixed rural orange groves and homes to Oakland, then on through the
nature preserve and a planted xeriscape garden and a quick view of Lake
Apopka then on to Winter Garden, through the center of town with landscaping
and a road on either side of the trail, and head north through some
expensive developments and orange groves to another marsh system with a
second glimpse of Lake Apopka. About 16 miles R/T, stop for brunch on our
way back through in Winter Garden. All black top with some rolling hills and
bridges. Meet at County Line Station Trailhead on north side of Hwy 50
approx 1.2 miles west of FL Turnpike and Hwy 50 Interchange. Registration
required. Members and invited guests welcome. Event Hosts: Brian and Yvonne
Baldwin at realtoryvonne@bellsouth.net.
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10/4
Sat
9 am
Mod/Stren
Alachua
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Santa Fe River Paddle - Come join fellow Trekkers on a paddle down
the Santa Fe River near High Springs, Fl. Gazetter page 65. Plan to paddle a
15-mile section from the Hwy 441 bridge just North of town to the Hwy 47
bridge. We will be going downstream, but the 15 miles may make it strenuous
for some. This beautiful river boasts many springs along the way, including
Lily (a must stop), July, Blue, Ginnie, and many more. You will see many
wild Florida animals and wonderful hardwood trees along the banks. We will
use the Santa Fe River Outpost (386) 454-2050 to shuttle our boats back to
the put-in at the Outfitters. The fee will be about $13/ boat. Canoes/Kayaks
are available. Reservations required. Limited to 16 members and their guest.
Event Host: Lee Simmons - leedeland@yahoo.com
or 386-943-8745.
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10/11
Sat
Seminole
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Seminole Forest Blackwater Creek Cleanup - We have locked down a date
for our Blackwater Creek Water hyacinth Roundup. This one day event, during
State Forest Awareness Month, with focus on the removal of this floating
exotic plant pest. Bring your boat for a day of clean up on this beautiful
waterway. We are asking for volunteers. Contact us at
352-360-6677.
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11/7-9
Volusia
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Wilderness Trekkers Annual Gathering - Mark your calendar now!
Event details coming soon!
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11/27-29
Thurs-Sat
Leisure
Columbia
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Turkey dinner, Camp, Paddle and Hike, O'Leno State Park -
Thanksgiving trip at O'Leno State Park, north of High Springs. Thursday
we'll get together for pot luck Thanksgiving dinner and hiking at the park.
Friday and Saturday we'll paddle the clear, beautiful Ichetucknee and the
Santa Fe rivers, which have several side springs to check out. We can
meander home later on Sat. There will be access fees for the Ichetucknee.
(See DeLorme Map pgs 64-65.) Make camping reservations SOON -- Reserve
America ( www.reserveamerica.com)
or (800) 326-3521; try to get Magnolia
Loop, sites 1-31). Members and invited guests. Contact host Erica Johnson at
ericadj@earthlink.net or 407/327-4044 for further info.
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