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 V o l u m e 2 0, N u m b e r 8 Walking 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. September 9th Program: This month's program is a presentation by Amanda Phillips, (Continued on page 2) I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e : Hiking in North Georgia Hiking with Kids 3 5 Activities List 7 Officers & Directors List 9 BOD Meeting 10 There s a passage from Henry David Thoreau s essay on Walking that I hope will motivate my fellow Trekkers as fall comes upon us and the trails dry out. If you are ready to leave father and mother, and brother and sister, and wife and child and friends, and never see them again; if you have paid your debts, and made your will, and settled all your affairs, and are a free man; then you are ready for a walk. I have met with but one or two persons in the course of my life who understood the art of Walking, that is, of taking walks, who had a genius, so to speak, for sauntering; which word is beautifully derived from idle people who roved about and asked charity, under pretense of going à la sainte terre to the holy land Some, however, would derive the word from sans terre, without land or a home, which, therefore, in the good sense, will mean, having no particular home, but equally at home everywhere. For this is the secret of successful sauntering. He who sits still in a house all the time may be the greatest vagrant of all, but the Saunterer, in the good sense, is no more vagrant than the meandering river. Thanks! By Gretchen Dewey Hello fellow Trekkers. I wanted to follow up on my experiences on the trail from last year s activities. A BIG THANK YOU to all the Activity Leaders who devoted their time and energy to provide us with quality activities and outings. I encourage everyone to participate and ENJOY all the club has to offer. As always, your help is appreciated on work hikes and trail maintenance but there are activities that are also different and FUN! Pictured is the mama Anhinga feeding her babies that I took in West Palm Beach at Green Cay Wetlands. This photo was taken on an outing that TT Chapter Chair Bridget Kean coordinated with Master Naturalist candidates and TT members Kathy and Mary. We visited both Wakodahatchee and Green
P a g e 2 Chapter Meeting (continued) (Continued from page 1) Information Officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. October 14th Program: This month's program is a presentation by Vicki Lambie, What's in Your Pack? November 11th Program: This month s program is a presentation by Marty Baum, from the Indian Riverkeeper, a non-profit independent voice for the Indian River Lagoon. 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. More details to follow. South Florida Hikes (Click on the trail name for more details!) Ocean to Lake East Seabranch Hiking Ocean to Lake West Hawks Bluff South Fork St. Lucie Rafael Sanchez Collier-Seminole Hiking Little Manatee Hiking Myakka Hiking Lake Arbuckle Arbuckle Tract Tiger Creek Preserve Lake Kissimmee Hiking s Thanks! (Continued from Page 1) Cay Wetlands on a February morning where our activity leaders helped us identify many bird and reptile species. We exercised our bodies by walking the boardwalk and our minds by identifying and learning about the numerous species the wetlands had to offer. We did two such bird watching hikes last year. I want to send a special thank you to Bridget, Kathy, and Mary for all your efforts making it a successful day for all of us who participated. This was especially successful for me. I entered this photo in the Celebrating Viva Florida 500 Exhibition at the Arts Council of Martin County. The photo was accepted and will be shown at one of the venues for the fall show, the Elliot Museum or the Courthouse Cultural Center. The dates are Friday, September 20 through Saturday, October 26,. I would love for all of you to come and view the art and, you never know, I may win an award! Not bad for a morning hike, huh?
P a g e 3 Hiking in North Georgia By Kay Clements Summer is a great time to hike in north Georgia. Here are three good hikes Tom and I have taken this year that might interest other Tropical Trekkers. Hike 1 Raven Cliffs (5 miles round trip) Near Helen, Georgia, Raven Cliffs trail is located on the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. This 2.5 mile trail would probably be rated easy as it slowly ascends through the hardwood and rhododendron forest alongside a rushing creek. It only has three steep ups. Since this area has had much rain this year the creek is wide and definitely rushing. There are several very nice campsites along the way, but the best part is the end of the trail that features rock cliffs through which the water passes. Sitting on one of the large rocks, we feel like we are in a beautiful cathedral. If you ever feel the need to pray this is the place to do it. We hiked early in the day as this is a very popular trail and becomes busy later in the day. It is not a loop so you must return by the same trail but the good news is: it s all downhill. Hike 2 Appalachian (AT) north from Dick s Creek Gap Where the trail crosses the highway we met and chatted with two hikers, and one chocolate lab, who had just come down the mountain from the north. Nice fellows who were considering ending their two-week hike. From Dick s Creek Gap Tom and I hiked about three miles in to Cowart s Gap. This is your typical AT hike. For us Florida flatlanders it is a good work out. On the trail we met Shredder who had seen two adult bear and one cub at Cowart s Gap. We didn t see the bears but met Shredder s friend, Focus. As we were not backpacking and were just enjoying a day hike we had to turn around, retrace our steps back down the mountain. At the highway all four fellows and the dog needed a ride into Hiawassee for a night in a motel, a shower, and some real food. How can we resist that? Apologizing for their odors, the four hopped into our truck (some in the back seat, some in the truck bed with the dog) and rode with us into Hiawassee. It was fun listening to their stories and it reinforced our beliefs that hikers are really fine people. Hike 3 High Shoals (2.4 miles round trip) Near Hiawassee, Georgia, on Georgia 75 highway.. Our intention was to take the forest service road that leads to High Shoals, cross over the creek (no bridge, just stones with water rushing over them), pass the High Shoals trail head and continue sev-
P a g e 4 Hiking in North Georgia (Continued from Page 3) eral miles on this gravel road up Tray Mountain to a small parking area where the AT crosses the forest service road. We would then park and hike the AT to the top of Tray Mountain. That didn t work. After several miles of gravel travel a large tree prevented us from going further. Tom had to back the truck a ways down the mountain (scary) until we found a spot to turn around. We sure didn t want to go back to town without having hiked so we decided to try the High Shoals trail. What a delight! It was 1.2 miles downhill to a viewing platform where we saw a very impressive waterfall. Remember, there has been a lot of rain in Georgia this year. The falls tumbles more than 100 feet over jagged rocks. It is certainly worth the walk even if you have to hike 1.2 miles back up the mountain afterward.
P a g e 5 Tips for Hiking with Kids Courtesy of Washington s Association WWW.WTA.ORG You don t need to pack your hiking gear away when you have kids! Hiking is a fantastic way to combine quality family time with exercise and exploration of the natural world. If you were an avid hiker before children, hiking to you may have meant how fast you can hike, how far you can go, or bagging peaks. Warning: Hiking with children of any age is different in many ways. This page provides some tips and tricks to increase your chances of a successful hike - and make the kids beg to go on another one. Planning First, you need to get your head in the 'hiking with kids' zone. It takes a little more planning to have a successful trip when little ones are along. Some suggestions: Modify your goals: You may not reach the end of the trail. You may not even hike a mile! Be prepared to adjust your hike to the enjoyment and comfort level of children. Pack patience and flexibility: If you see a frog dart across the trail, be prepared to stop and wait to watch for that frog to dart across the trail again. Use teachable moments to explore the natural world. Know what features are ahead: For starter day hikes, choose short trails that Hiking appeals to a child's sense of discovery. do not have much elevation gain, but do have features like lakes, ponds, or waterfalls along the way. Children are fascinated with water. Dress for success: Check weather conditions before you head out the door. Children get cold much easier than adults, especially if they get wet. Be ready with an extra change of warm clothes. What makes a good hike with children? A good hike is one that appeals to a child s sense of exploration and adventure. Every trail has some kind of adventure in it. Look for discoveries along the way. Bring a magnifying glass and kid-friendly field guide. Teach kids to be good observers by looking for signs of wildlife (feathers on the ground, claw scratches on tree trunks, ani-
P a g e 6 Tips (Continued from Page 5) mal tracks, bird holes in dead trees, fur along the trail, slugs. Water striders on lakes, sand dollars along the beach, frogs in pond). Choose a trail with features that interest kids as destinations or turnaround spots. Remember a child s sense of time. Have patience when they stop to ask questions. They may be seeing their first trillium or woodpecker. Put yourself in their boots. Their legs are short and it takes three of their steps for every one of yours. Let the kids set the pace. more than one child make sure that everyone gets to be a leader and set the pace. Keep kids occupied - visit our Keep Kids Entertained on page for ideas! First Aid Check to make sure your first aid kit is kid friendly. Some insect repellents and sunscreens in first aid kits are too harsh for children s skin. Supplement your kit with these items for kids: Children s sunscreen Children s Tylenol and/or ibuprofen (ask your physician for sample packs) Liquid antihistamine A lot of adhesive bandages (many different sizes and colors) Call for rest stops before they ask for them and praise them for how well they are doing. Other Tips and Tricks Create a checklist of essentials to use over and over again: First aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, stuffed animal, extra clothes, special walking stick, etc. Energy stops - As in when we get to the big tree ahead we ll need to have an energy stop. Snacks provide great motivation to keep kids moving on trail. Hike with a friend - as kids get older they would rather spend time with friends than with their family. Allow your child to invite a friend along. They can share a fun experience and entertain each other. Rotate leaders - When hiking with A young hiker draws a picture of the slug she just saw on a WTA family hike to Twin Falls. Calamine lotion for bug bites Tweezers to remove splinters, ticks and needles Plenty of Anti-bacterial wipes Moleskin for blisters Epipen if your child has allergies
TROPICAL TREKKERS ACTIVITIES LISTING September P a g e 7 When Where Event Description Difficulty, Participation* Activity Leaders, Contact Wed. Sept. 4, Mon. Sept. 9, Mon. Sept. 16, Wed. Sept. 18, Fri. Sept. 20, Sat. - Sun. Sept. 28-29, Sat. Oct. 5, Sat. - Sun. Oct. 12-13, Mon. Oct. 14, Tues. Oct. 15, Fri. - Sat. Nov. 8-9, Stuart Palm City Community Center Seabranch Preserve SP Stuart Stuart Causeway Mid-Week Walk - Let's stay in shape even though it's hot, walking your own pace up to 5 miles. Contact leader for meeting time and place. Monthly Chapter Meeting - Social and activities sign -up begins at 6:45 p.m. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. This month's program is a presentation by Amanda Phillips, Information Officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Care in Seabranch - Help care for our trails! Join us to continue to groom and blaze the East Loop trail in the late afternoon. Call or write for details. Stuart Causeway Mid-Week Walk - Let's stay in shape even though it's hot, walking your own pace up to 5 miles. Contact leader for meeting time and place. Jensen Beach Full Moon (nearly) Beach Walk - Meet for supper at 7 p.m. and we will begin our walk around 8 for a couple of hours. NO FLASHLIGHTS, NO EXCEPTIONS. Call or write for meeting location. Sanford Florida National Scenic (FNST) Symposium and Florida Outdoor Recreation Summit (FLORC) - Come celebrate the 30th anniversary of the FNST in a FNST symposium and join outdoor partners in "Building Stronger Outdoor Recreational Partners" in this engaging annual summit of premiere Florida outdoor organizations. Watch your E-mail for details from the FTA. Jupiter Farms Planning with FTA - We are looking for one TT member to attend the section leaders/trail masters meeting at 8 a.m. in Riverbend Park. Contact Bridget to arrange. Hobe Sound Paint Party with Loxahatchee FTA - maintenance in JDSP and the Loxahatchee FTA Chapter is looking for painters in blazing the new JDSP trails. Overnight camping Friday and Saturday nights or come for the day(s). Palm City Community Center Seabranch Preserve SP Rafael Sanchez Memorial Monthly Chapter Meeting - Social and activities sign -up begins at 6:45 p.m. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. This month's program is a presentation by Vicki Lambie, What's in Your Pack? 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. Work - It is time to get this trail in shape. We will be mowing, trimming and re-blazing. Moderate, Moderate to Strenuous, Moderate, Moderate, Members and Guests Member Only Moderate, Moderate to Strenuous, Moderate to Strenuous, Paula Miller (772) 419-8130 pnmille1@yahoo.com Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Audrey Minnis (772) 781-6826 aminnis@bellsouth.net Paula Miller (772) 419-8130 pnmille1@yahoo.com Lori Burris (772) 879-9378 LoriBurris.Swamptromper@gmail.com Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Bea Rogers (561) 644-0777 Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Audrey Minnis (772) 781-6826 aminnis@bellsouth.net Tom Clements (772) 463-1448 thomasc09@comcast.net
TROPICAL TREKKERS ACTIVITIES LISTING September (Continued from Page 4) When Where Event Description Difficulty, Participation* Mon. Nov. 11, Fri. - Sun. Nov. 15-17, Tues. Nov. 19, Palm City Monthly Chapter Meeting - Social and activities sign-up Community begins at 6:45 p.m. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. This Center month's program is a presentation by Marty Baum, from the Indian Riverkeeper, a non-profit independent voice for the Indian River Lagoon. Fisheating Creek Seabranch Preserve SP FTA South Regional Conference - Save the date! Details to follow. 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, P a g e 8 Activity Leaders, Contact Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Audrey Minnis (772) 781-6826 aminnis@bellsouth.net Wed. - Sun. Nov. 20-24, Sun. Dec. 8, Florida National Scenic Stuart Work - This is our annual, multi-day work hike on our section of the Florida National Scenic. 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. Annual Holiday Party - This year's party starts at 4 p.m. More details to follow. Moderate to Strenuous, Members Only Tom Clements (772) 463-1448 thomasc09@comcast.net Bridget Kean (850) 212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net * Guide To Difficulty/Participation Column Meaning Difficulty: Leisure Generally 5 miles or less, good footing, casual to medium pace Moderate Strenuous Participation: Generally 5 to 10 miles, uneven footing, possibly water, and/or fast pace 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 & Event is open to members and their guests approved by the event activity leader Guests 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.
P a g e 9 Officers and Directors Chapter Chair Bridget Kean 850-212-2262 bridgetkean@comcast.net Vice Chair Tom Clements 772-463-1448 thomasc09@comcast.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 Coordinator Chuck Barrowclough 772-475-5346 cbarrowclough@treasuredlands.org FNST Section Leader Programs Chair POSITION OPEN POSITION OPEN Activity Chair Kay Clements 772-463-1448 kayclements@comcast.net Membership Chair Jim & Jeanne Couillard 772-546-0754 koolyard@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 masters 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 masters 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 & s
P a g e 10 FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION Hike Florida on Florida s National Scenic Florida Association 5415 SW 13th St Gainesville, FL 32608 PHONE 352-378-8823 1-877-HIKE-FLA (answered during office hours) Website: www.florida.org The Florida 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, one of only eleven National Scenic s in the United States. With 18 local chapters throughout Florida, the Florida 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.Florida.org T rail Tip: Be a lightweight! The less you carry the more enjoyable the hike. JOIN TODAY... ENJOY HIKING FLORIDA S GREAT OUTDOORS! Florida Association Join online, call the Florida 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 Director meets at 6:30 PM on the first Monday of each month. All members are invited to attend (please inform the host). September 3rd (TUESDAY!!!) Meeting: Contact Audrey Minnis at 772-781-6826 or via email at aminnis@bellsouth.net for further information or directions.