F L O R I D A T R A I L A S S O C I A T I O N Tropical Trekkers Chapter P.O. Box 423 Palm City, FL 34992 Chapter Meeting Welcome Trekker Talk N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 3 V o l u m e 2 0, N u m b e r 1 0 Tropical Trekkers Christmas Party!!! The Tropical Trekkers meet on the second Monday of each month at the Palm City Community Center, located on Cornell Avenue at the Southwest corner of the Palm City Bridge. The meeting begins at 6:45 PM with sign up sheets available for upcoming activities. By 7:00 PM the monthly program begins. We often invite outside speakers that compliment our outdoors theme. November 11th Program: This month s program is a presentation by Marty Baum, from (Continued on page 2) I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e : Activities List 3 Regional Conference Flyers Officers & Directors List 5 9 BOD Meeting 10 The Christmas party is just around the corner. (Didn t we just do that last week?) All Tropical Trekkers and their guests are invited. Here are the particulars: WHO: Tropical Trekkers and their guests. WHEN: Sunday, December 8 th at 4 p.m. WHERE: Halpatiokee Park in the screened pavilion WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: A covered dish to share, a beverage of your choice, a wrapped gift for each person participating in the gift exchange (approx. $10.00), a folding chair if you don t want to sit at a picnic table. WHAT TO WEAR: Your happiest/funniest casual Christmas attire. WHY: To have fun with all our hiking buddies. Turkey and ham (along with paper products) will be provided by the chapter so bring a side dish. We will have the usual whacky gift exchange. And most important, chapter members will receive awards for miles hiked and hours worked on the trail.
P a g e 2 Chapter Meeting (continued) (Continued from page 1) the Indian Riverkeeper, a non-profit independent voice for the Indian River Lagoon. The Indian River Lagoon is 156 miles long and stretches from Ponce Inlet in New Smyrna Beach to Jupiter Inlet and contains more than 800 species of fish, marine wildlife, birds and plants. The mission of the Indian Riverkeeper is to protect and restore the Indian River Lagoon, through advocacy, enforcement and citizen action. December 8th Program: Our Annual Holiday Party is on Sunday afternoon rather than the normal Monday evening time. This year's party starts at 4 p.m. January 13th Program: Rich & Barbara Quinn spent a good part of attempting a through hike of the Appalachian Trail. They ll share their adventure with us. February 10th Program: Fred Davis of the Loxahatchee Chapter hiked Vermont s Long Trail in. Come enjoy his retelling of the adventure! March 10th Program: Jack and Liz Hailman traveled to Mongolia in and have a story to share with us. Jack takes some great photos too! Photo by Jack Hailman We ve missed you at chapter meetings! If you are not attending meetings because you no longer drive at night, please let me know and we ll find a ride for you. Jeanne Couillard, 772-546-0754 Photo by Jack Hailman Morning Nature Walk in the Solid Waste Authority Conservation Area in Palm Beach County - October 26, Thanks, Bridget, for leading a great hike, including seeing the wildlife area which had always been closed off when I visited previously. That was the first hike I've been able to do for months. Attached are some pictures I took. Doubtless Gretchen has better ones. Cheers, Jack. Photo by Jack Hailman
TROPICAL TREKKERS ACTIVITIES LISTING November P a g e 3 When Where Event Description Difficulty, Participation* Friday Nov. 1, Port St. Lucie After Halloween Hike at Oak Hammock Park - Join us for a late day 3 mile hike in Oak Hammock Park and then get scary sick by eating left over candy in the pavilion at hike's end. Leisure, Members Only Activity Leaders, Contact Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Lori Burris (772) 879-9378 loriburris.swamptromper@gmail.com Fri. - Sat. Nov. 8-9, Fri. - Sun. Nov. 8-10, Monday, Nov. 11, Rafael Sanchez Memorial Trail Camp Indian Springs 2387 Bloxham Cutoff Rd., Crawfordville, FL 32327 Trail Work - It is time to get this trail in shape. We will be mowing, trimming and re-blazing. Florida Panhandle Regional FTA Event! Discover the natural beauty of the wondrous treasures found only in this unspoiled other Florida. Join others who have a passion for the outdoors and hiking. The event includes day hikes, canoe trips, speakers and presentations highlighting the area s unique outdoor resources. Check out our website for event details and registration: http://apalachee.floridatrail.org/conferences Fort Pierce Veteran s Day morning hike - Hike approximately 3-4 miles on South Florida Water Management District land (Miller property) maintained by the Friends of the Savannas and the George LeStrange Preserve in St. Lucie County. Both sites offer views of Ten Mile Creek. Call or write for meeting details. Moderate to Strenuous, Leisure, Tom Clements (772) 463-1448 thomasc09@comcast.net Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 Griffindd@aol.com Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Jim Couillard koolyard@bellsouth.net Mon. Nov. 11, Wed. Nov. 13, Fri. Nov. 15 (3:00 PM) - Sun. Nov. 17 (11:00 AM), Palm City Monthly Chapter Meeting - Social and activities signup begins at 6:45 p.m. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. Community Center This month's program is a presentation by Marty Baum, of the Indian Riverkeeper, a non-profit independent voice for the Indian River Lagoon. Stuart Fisheating Creek Outpost 755 N. US Hwy 27 Palmdale, FL Stuart Causeway Mid-Week Walk - With cooler temperatures and hiking season approaching, come and walk with us every other Wednesday evening. Walk at your own pace and distance up to 5 miles... Contact leader for new start time. FTA South Regional Conference. Weekend fun and learning for everyone. Activity Leader Training, hikes, canoe trip, nature talks, star gazing. Come for the weekend or all-day Saturday. Moderate, Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Paula Miller (772) 419-8130 pnmille1@yahoo.com Margaret England mlelighthouse@embarqmail.com Or Nina Dupuy at (305) 608-6866 Sun. Nov. 17, Seabranch Preserve SP Evening Moonlight Stroll - Join us for a moonlight stroll on the paved greenway at Seabranch Preserve State Park. Approximately 2 miles. Call or write for details. Leisure, Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Tues. Nov. 19, Seabranch Preserve SP Trail Care in Seabranch - Help care for our trails! Join us to work on grooming and blazing the North and South Loops in the late afternoon. Call or write for details. Moderate to Strenuous, Audrey Minnis (772) 781-6826 aminnis@bellsouth.net
TROPICAL TREKKERS ACTIVITIES LISTING November (Continued from Page 3) P a g e 4 When Where Event Description Difficulty, Participation* Wed. - Sun. Nov. 20-24, Sat. - Sun. Next Nov. 23- Dec. 1, Sat. Nov. 23, Fri. Nov. 29, Sat. Nov. 30, Sun. Dec. 8, Florida National Scenic Trail Lake Okeechobee Port Mayaca Stuart Stuart Stuart Trail Work - This is our annual, multi-day work hike on our section of the Florida National Scenic Trail. We will be camping at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (KPPSP). You can come for the entire time or come for a day - your choice. We will work all of the pieces of the trail including the new east side section from US98 through KPPSP. For those that stay over on Saturday night there will be a nice dinner provided. Come help us! It is a lot of fun and if for a good cause. 22nd Annual Big O Hike - Spend 9 days hiking the 100+ miles around Lake Okeechobee Thanksgiving Week. For details, go to http://www.floridahikes.com/big-o-hike Big O Wimp Walk in Rafael Sanchez - Led by our own Lori Burris, this is the kickoff of the annual Big O Hike. This is a linear hike of about 1 1/2 hours. The trail is very shady and jungle-like with giant cypress and ficus trees. For details, go to: Moderate to Strenuous, http://www.floridahikes.com/big-o-hike Stuart Causeway Mid-Week Walk (This week only, on Friday) - With cooler temperatures and hiking season approach- Moderate, ing, come and walk with us every other Wednesday evening. Walk at your own pace and distance up to 5 miles... Contact leader for new start time. River Hike in Halpatiokee - After shopping all day on Black Leisure, Friday you might need a break. Hike the South Fork trail at Halpatiokee Park then stop for brunch. Approx. 2.5 miles round trip. This is an easy hike. We prefer to be contacted by email. Annual Holiday Party - This year's party starts at 4 p.m. More details to follow. Members Only Activity Leaders, Contact Tom Clements (772) 463-1448 thomasc09@comcast.net Paula Miller (772) 419-8130 pnmille1@yahoo.com Kay Clements (772) 285-1570 Cell kayclements@comcast.net Tom Clements (772) 486-2816 Cell thomasc09@comcast.net Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Sat. Dec. 28, Palm City Walk the new Bridge - Let s try out the new Veterans Memorial bridge (new bridge at 36th street in Palm City). Not sure of the name, yet. Not sure of the length, yet. Not sure of where we can meet, yet. And not even sure it will be completed then. Hopefully we will know by then. Hike it with us. Leisure, Kay Clements (772) 285-1570 Cell kayclements@comcast.net Tom Clements (772) 486-2816 Cell thomasc09@comcast.net
TROPICAL TREKKERS ACTIVITIES LISTING November (Continued from Page 4) P a g e 5 When Where Event Description Difficulty, Participation* Sat. Jan. 28, 2014 Port Mayaca Hike Rafael Sanchez Memorial Trail - This will be a 6 mile hike over the area that formerly was the shore line of Lake Okeechobee before they constructed the dike. Moderate to Strenuous, Activity Leaders, Contact Kay Clements (772) 285-1570 Cell kayclements@comcast.net Tom Clements (772) 486-2816 Cell thomasc09@comcast.net * Guide To Difficulty/Participation Column Meaning Leisure Generally 5 miles or less, good footing, casual to medium pace Moderate Generally 5 to 10 miles, uneven footing, possibly water, and/or fast pace Strenuous Generally more than 10 miles and/or backpacking, uneven footing, possibly water, and/or fast pace Event is open to members and anyone else approved by the event activity leader Members & Guests Event is open to members and their guests approved by the event activity leader Members Only Event is open only to Trekkers and other FTA members in good standing Note: Biking, paddling, swimming or backpacking events may depend more on an individual's physical fitness for the activity than any rating. Always discuss any physical limitations, concerns or questions you may have with your activity leader before confirming for the event.
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P a g e 9 REGISTRATION FORM Florida Trail Association South Regional Conference, November 15-16-17, At Fisheating Creek Outpost & Campground, 7555 N. US 27, Palmdale, FL 33944 Ph 863-675-5999 Directions: US 27 just south of Palmdale, 17 miles north of Moore Haven. Fifteen miles NE of LaBelle via SR 29. Name Chapter Address Email Phone REGISTRATION: at $10.00 per person, children (under 12) free No. $ Names for name tags Names of children for tags GROUP CAMPING: Group Site (no electric) at $8.00 per tent / per night No. $ Friday No. $ Saturday For RV sites (full hook-up) or other individual campsites: please reserve and pay for these directly with the campground. www.fisheatingcreekoutpost.com phone 863-675-5999. The campground will give a 15% FTA Conference discount when checking in (except NO DISCOUNT for waterfront sites). For rental units: Sable Palms Resort nearby (1.5 miles) has a limited number of fully furnished units available at $65 / night. Mention FTA conference. www.sablepalmrv.co/ phone: 863-675-1778 MEALS: Deadline to order meals Oct 25, No. $ Saturday Breakfast at $8.00 Scrambled eggs, bacon, southern grits, sausage gravy & biscuits, fresh fruit bowl, homemade muffins, orange juice, coffee,decaf & tea. No. $ Saturday Dinner at $14.00 Grilled/BBQ chicken, tossed salad, corn casserole, green beans, fruit cobbler & beverages. No. $ Sunday Breakfast at $8.00 same menu as Saturday ============ Total $ (Registration, Group Campsite, Meals) Send form with check payable to FTA Big Cypress Chapter by Nov. 1. Mail to Pat Naaman, 9401 SW 80th Ave, Miami, FL 33156-7408. Additional information at 305-608-6866. Note: There may be some additional charges for livery service (around $10 each depending on # going) for David Denham s hike or canoe/kayak rentals from the Outpost. Check-in / on site registration opens Friday, Nov.15 at 3:00 PM Pot luck supper in the screen room Friday 6:00-7:30 PM
P a g e 10 Officers and Directors Chapter Chair Bridget Kean 850-212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Vice Chair Jim Couillard 772-546-0754 koolyard@bellsouth.net Secretary Lori Burris 772-879-9378 loriburris.swamptromper@gmail.com Treasurer Lucy Fribourg 772-398-4554 lwf_cpa@yahoo.com Chapter Council Rep. Kay Clements 772-463-1448 kayclements@comcast.net Trail Coordinator Chuck Barrowclough 772-475-5346 cbarrowclough@treasuredlands.org FNST Section Leader Tom Clements 772-463-1448 thomasc09@comcast.net Programs Chair POSITION OPEN Activity Chair Kay Clements 772-463-1448 kayclements@comcast.net Membership Chair Jeanne Couillard 772-546-0754 jsc7@bellsouth.net Newsletter Chair Kim Himmelmann 240-446-8415 kimhim1@gmail.com ity Chair Gretchen Dewey 772-287-0896 Gdewey1@hotmail.com Fundraising Chair POSITION OPEN FNST Trailmasters Kissimmee South Kay Clements 772-463-1448 kayclements@comcast.net Yates Marsh John McArdle 772-418-1068 barbaraschmucker@bellsouth.net Chandler North POSITION OPEN Chandler South Vicki Lambie 772-318-8043 Lambieva@aol.com Basinger & EEEE Tom Clements 772-746-7293 thomasc09@comcast.net Hickory Hammock Jim Glancy 248-598-1204 dsjg1204@sbcglobal.net Bluff Hammock Other Trailmasters Okeechobee Ridge & Rafael Sanchez North POSITION OPEN Kay & Tom Clements 772-746-7293 thomasc09@comcast.net Rafael Sanchez South Richard Prince 772-287-6303 ralanprince@yahoo.com Hawks Bluff Chuck Hamlin 772-334-4780 Johammy4@aol.com Seabranch Audrey Minnis 772-781-6826 aminnis@bellsouth.net South Fork & JDSP Rick Binder 772-288-3015 binderpd@hotmail.com Links! Trekker Talk Archives Activity List Archives Photo Gallery Live Bald Eagle Nest Cam! Guide to Florida s Greenways & Trails
P a g e 11 FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION Hike Florida on Florida s National Scenic Trail Florida Trail Association 5415 SW 13th St Gainesville, FL 32608 PHONE 352-378-8823 1-877-HIKE-FLA (answered during office hours) Website: www.floridatrail.org The Florida Trail Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization responsible for building, maintaining, promoting, and protecting hiking trails for the public across the state of Florida, with a special focus on the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, one of only eleven National Scenic Trails in the United States. With 18 local chapters throughout Florida, the Florida Trail Association offers educational opportunities for people to learn to appreciate and conserve the natural beauty of Florida, and provides recreational opportunities for hiking and camping. Tropical Trekkers Chapter P.O. Box 423 Palm City, FL 34992 We re on the Web! Meetup (Join Now!) Trekkers.FloridaTrail.org T rail Tip: Before hitting the trail check out the User Resources at www.floridatrail.org! JOIN TODAY... ENJOY HIKING FLORIDA S GREAT OUTDOORS! Florida Trail Association Join online, call the Florida Trail office (1-877-HIKE-FLA), or download, print and mail in an application from this link Membership Brochure B.O.D. MEETINGS The Board of Directors meets at 6:30 PM on the LAST TUES- DAY of each month. All members are invited to attend (please inform the host). November 26th Meeting: Contact Lucy Fribourg at 772-398-4554 or via email at lwf_cpa@yahoo.com for further information or directions.