Events for August and September of 2008
08/02/08
Saturday
8:45am to start shuttle
Paddling
Leisure to Moderate
Oviedo to Geneva,FL


Econlockhatchee River NE of Orlando  - Join us to paddle the Econ (about 10 mi) from SR 419 (east side of Oviedo) to Snow Hill Rd. Shuttle will leave SR 419 at 8:45 am. (See Map)  The tea colored river passes by hardwood hammocks and old ranch lands, with sandy banks and a sandy bottom, which is visible when water is low.
No development on the river but hiking and biking trails bring visitors. If the water is too high, or if storms are forecast all day, the paddle is off.   Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. We'll stop for lunch and at least one swim and  any rope swings!   
Contact Judy Campbell at 407-788-8919  or judyreads@earthlink.net
08/10/08
Sunday
Time TBD
Paddling
Strenuous
Altoona, FL
Lake County


Alexander Springs  Paddle- This is a strenuous paddle. We'll paddle 12 miles or less. We'll put in downstream from the Park and paddle downstream and  come back up against the current  to the put-int. PFD and whistle are required on the paddle. RSVP Required.  Please contact Mariam Mohsenin for details at mohseninma@gmail.com or (407) 325-7596

This is a joint camping & kayaking trip with Mosquito Lagoon Paddlers and Wilderness Trekkers

08/16/08
Saturday
8:30am
Hiking
Moderate
Apopka 


New (and old) Member Orientation - Wekiva Hike and Swim - Park fees apply. Meet us at Wekiwa Springs State Park by the restrooms in front of the swimming area. Please visit www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings for park information and maps. Enjoy a continental breakfast while learning more about Wilderness Trekkers. Then hike the 5.3 mile Volksmarch Trail in mostly shaded woods before cooling off in the 72 degree spring . Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. You may wish to stay for lunch (or the entire day). You can bring your own lunch or visit the park’s concession. Canoe rentals are also available. This is a relaxing setting to spend all day. Reservations required by Wed, Aug 13. If you would like to carpool or don’t have a State Park Pass, please let me know. Cathy (WT Special Events Coordinator) Oviedoedwards@earthlink.net or 407-716-9811 before 9pm.

 

08/23/08
Saturday
8:30am
Paddling
Strenuous
Lake Louisa State Park


Part 1 of the Ocklawaha River Basin Paddle – The Upper Palatlakaha River.  This first excursion begins near the southern most end of the Ocklawaha River Basin in a swamp creek called Big Creek located within Lake Louisa State Park (See Map).  This nearly 11-mile water trek will take you across some of Lake County's largest lakes -  Lake Louisa, Lake Susan, Lake Minnehaha, Lake Palatlakaha, Lake Hiawatha, and finally Lake Minneola where we will depart at the Clermont's boat dock (See Map).  All of these lakes are connected by a natural creek called the Palatlakaha River, which flows south-to-north from the Green Swamp all the way to Lake Harris.  Future adventures will take us through additional segments of this river that flows through the center of Lake County.   State Park Fee entry required, $3.00 to $4.00.  Early arrival necessary so we don't get caught in the mid-day heat.  Further details of this trip can be read about at www.explorecp.com/palatlakaha.html.  Hosted by Clark Getz at cagola1@aol.com.   Arrangements are to NOT shuttle cars, but rather pay a fee to be taken back to our cars parked within the safety of the State Park. 
8/29/08 thru 9/01/08
Friday to Monday
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Times TBD
Paddling
Leisure
Between Gainesville &
Lake City 


Labor Day Weekend - River Camping - On Labor Day weekend, we plan to river camp on the Santa Fe.  We will camp Friday night in Oleno State Park (See Map).  Then on Saturday, we will put-in and paddle, swim and float to a take out just below Itchnetucknee.  We plan to stop at any available spring and explore the places where the river goes under and returns. 

Nancy Doucette (561)968-1789 (after the middle of August) (913)680-0911 now or kayakldy@yahoo.com.

Reminder, if this interest you, make your part reservations ASAP because the holiday weekend will fill Oleno State Park  fast.  As of July 13, 53% of the sites were still available. 

 

Tuesday Evening
September 2nd
7:00
Location: Panera at Lake Mary Blvd just west of I-4
Board Meeting - any WT member may participate.  
9/05/08 thru 9/07/08
Friday thru Sunday 
Time TBD
Paddling
Moderate to Strenuous
Ormond Beach  


Tomoka State Park - On Saturday, we will  paddle  6 miles or less.  This is expected to be a leisurely paddle for frequent paddlers and  a moderate paddle for occasional paddlers. We'll be in a protected area, out of the wind.
On Sunday, we'll break the camp and  go on a paddle 12 miles or more. This is a strenuous  paddle.
PFD and whistle are required on the paddle.
RSVP Required.  Please contact Mariam Mohsenin for details at mohseninma@gmail.com or (407) 325-7596
The host  has campsite  number 3 at Tomoka State Park for Friday and Saturday nights.  You may reserve thru http://www.reserveamerica.com    Note: Tomoka State Park is a busy park and reservations go fast.   See Map for park location.  

This is a joint camping & kayaking trip with Mosquito Lagoon Paddlers and Wilderness Trekkers

Depending on work schedule, the host may not camp Friday night.
9/12/08 thru  9/14/08
Friday thru Sunday
Time TBD
Paddling
Very Strenuous
St.Augustine


Anastasia State Park Camping & Paddle  - Camping at Anastasia State Park in Saint Augustine (See Map). The paddles are rated very strenuous because they are long, fast paced and we'll be kayaking open water. You need to be prepared for wind changes, storms, paddle against the tide etc. If you don't want to paddle, it's a great place to hike, bike, city touring or walk on the beach. We can plan a moonlight paddle, too. You need to make your own camping reservations at  http://www.reserveamerica.com/.
Event Coordinator: Mabel at mabelmaga@aol.com

09/20/08
Saturday
8:00am
Biking
Moderate to Strenuous
Killarney Station to
Sugarloaf Mountain 
Monverde


Killarney Station to Sugarloaf Mountain. -   Starting at the western terminus of the West Orange trail at Killarney Station, we will utilize the newly opened Lake County Trail towards Blackstill Lake Rd and on into Ferndale.  We will be approaching Sugarloaf Mountain from the "easy" side for which after the ascent, you are are 308 feet above sea level, one of Florida's highest.  There is a great resting spot at the top where you can see across Lake Apopka and the buildings of Orlando in the far distance.  At this point we can decide to include our route on to Grassy Lake Road or return as we came.   This trip is a moderate class for regular cyclist; it is a strenuous class for casual cyclist (note for casual rider – the Sugarloaf ride is hard, but the worst case scenario - you just walk your bike the last 1,000 feet up hill like I did for years because - the view is atypical Florida).   Road or hybrid bikes are appropriate, fat tire bike would not be.   Details of the route can be found at http://www.explorecp.com/sugarloaf1.pdfHosted by Clark Getz at cagola1@aol.com 
9/27/08
Saturday
9:30am
Paddling
Strenuous
Ocala


Silver River Paddle - This 10 mile, round-trip paddle has abundant wildlife including turkey, otter, birds, deer, monkeys, bear and even the occasional wildcat and panther. The put-in will be at Ray's Wayside Park ($5.00 fee) located at the SW side of the Hwy 40/Ocklawaha River Bridge just east of Ocala. After a short canal to the main river we will proceed upstream to Silver Springs. The first 5 miles of the trip is strenuous and we will be paddling upstream against a 4+ mph current. We will then reverse our path and enjoy a leisurely pace back to the Wayside Park (See Map). Reservations required. Members and invited guests only.
Please RSVP to Event Host: Kim Joiner at kjoiner2@tampabay.rr.com