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OUTINGS 2009 To enjoy, educate & protect the natural environment "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves". "Keep close to Nature's heart ..and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." John Muir |
There's a new feature for OUTINGS The Florida Chapter of Sierra Club now has a Chapter Outings database. It can be viewed at http://florida.sierraclub.org/outings_browse.asp. When you go to that link it takes you to the Chapter outings database and displays all the Florida Chapter outings. At the top of the page is a "Search by Group" box that lets you look at any one Group's outings, and also a "By Type" box that lets you look at outings of one type, e.g. kayaking. If you want to go straight to Suncoast Sierra Club Outings, Click here. Presently, we intend to continue to list outings from other groups [scroll down] but you will now have an additional tool with which to search. Why don't you try it now? |
Outing News by e-mail: Get weekly updates on upcoming outings. Subscribing is as easy as 1,2,3: 1.Click 2.Enter your name & e-mail 3.Click "Join”. More info |
Suncoast Group Outings: [A voluntary $2.00 member/$5.00 non-member contribution appreciated.] Most outings are geared for novices: all are open to the public on a space available basis. |
OUTINGS LEADERS NEEDED! It's fun, rewarding and essential. Click here to find out MORE [including dates for training events!] |
Outings Liability Waiver: In order to participate in Sierra Club outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. If you want, read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing. Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST37115 |
For Training Events, please scroll to bottom of page!
NOVEMBER
Nov 19 Midweek Spoil Island Cleanup. Show your thanks to nature by cleaning up two spoil islands we have adopted in an effort to make them a better place for birds and other wildlife. Participants must bring own kayak or canoe. Possibility of lunch together afterwards at the Sanbar Grill in Dunedin. Sue Brandon, brandon11@earthlink.net , 813-622-1800. (Suncoast)
Nov 21 Hillsboro Lighthouse. A trip to our own historic lighthouse (which is also a Coast Guard station). Built in the 1920’s, the lighthouse was on the path of the Barefoot Mailman who traveled by foot from Palm Beach to Miami. He disappeared while delivering the mail, swimming across the Hillsboro Inlet because his boat was not there. We will learn history and have fun. Those who wish can climb the lighthouse. We’ll have a gourmet lunch on the grounds. Meet at 8:30 am at Sands Harbor Resort and Marina, Atlantic Avenue, a block north and on the east side of Riverside Drive. for the boat ride over. Cost: $15 each. Afterwards anyone interested can have a beer or cold drink at the Resort outdoor bar. Call Barbara in advance to sign up. Leader: Barbara Curtis 954-946-7359 legalbarb@aol.com (Broward Group)
Nov 27-29 Two night Canoe trip on the Suwannee River. Learn why this is one of the most popular paddles, as we discover springs, wildlife, and natural Florida. Primitive camping along a sandy white river beach. Rentals are available. There will be the cost of a shuttle depending upon group size. Limit 10 participants. This is an easy to moderate trip. Leader Rudy Scheffer at 727.726.8375 or rudy@adventuresworldwide.com (Suncoast)
Nov 28 Hike the Big Cypres National Preserve Wildernes Trail. We’ll hike 8 miles on a wilderness trail off a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, north of Alligator Alley (about 50 min from Downtown Ft. Lauderdale). You will learn the difference a few inches of elevation makes to the local flora, as you trek through cypress forest, hammocks and prairie. Rated leisurely w/ identification of birds, wildflowers and butterflies. Bring your own lunch, which we’ll eat on the trail. Cost: $3 members, $5 non-members Leader: Kathleen Rhoad 954-627-2665 katrhoad@prodigy.net . (Broward Group)
Nov 28-29 Backpack to Bee Island in Myakka River State Park. 11 mile loop trail. Discover and explore a Florida grassland prairie park and learn how it is being restored. We camp under large old oaks and hike through varied habitat. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com . (Suncoast)
Nov 29 Biking in Riverbend Park in Jupiter. Leisurely bicycling on hard-packed bike trails in the new Riverbend park though Cypress stands and around watery sloughs. Email or call Ron Haines for more info and reservations ronaldhaines@bellsouth.net 561 315-0528 (Loxahatchee)
DECEMBER
Dec 4-6 Bahia Honda State Park Camping. Enjoy the beautiful beach, the fresh air, visit Key West and relax before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Limit 6. Adults only. Rated leisure. Cost approx. $65 to $85Leader: Judy Kuchta 305-308-8913 judykuchta@yahoo.com . (Broward Group)
Dec. 5 Kayak Isles of Capri (Marco Island area) Explore the backwaters off Isles of Capri in a kayak with a certified Florida Master Naturalist. Bring your own or rent one from the local outfitter. We'll paddle into Johnson Bay and head north until we agree to turn around and head back to Sea Oat Island or another nearby stop for lunch. Chances are we'll see ospreys, manatees, dolphins and other wildlife as we take a leisurely paddle. We'll then return to the Capri Fish House to relax and go our separate ways. The trip is open to kayakers of all skill levels. However, you must be able to make a wet entry and exit. Per Sierra Club policy, every must wear lifejacket. Limited to 10 participants. Call outing leader Victor at 239-438-5286 for details and trip packet. (Calusa)
Dec 5 Glades 101 Everglades National Park Day Walk. Introductory visit and “walk-hike” sampler in the ‘Glades for beginners and refresher for veterans and guests. We’ll preview our experience with film, displays and visiting art show at the Coe Visitor Center then stroll the Anhinga Boardwalk Trail and nearby Gumbo Limbo Trail followed by a visit to the Pinelands area for a gourmet lunch (included) and walk an unimproved trail there. Time and weather permitting, we’ll visit Pa-hay-okee Overlook boardwalk. Each trail less than one mile long. We’ll look for gators, birds, turtles, fish, maybe a snake or two and bugs in season. Leisure. Limit 8. Cost $15. Please email: Leader Kaatje Bernabei, kaatjebernabei@bellsouth.net , 305-223-6551 and Asst. Alan Nowell, mrhitnmiss@aol.com , 305-253-4250. (Miami)
Dec 6 Morning bike ride. We will ride on the Pinellas Trail from Curlew up to Tarpon Springs for a Greek meal by the sponge docks. Learn about the Pinellas Trail, a linear park stretching almost the length of Pinellas. An easy ride of about 18 miles. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com . (Suncoast)
Dec 12 Join us as we explore several shady trails at Hillsborough River State Park. A large part of the 6-mile hike will be along the bank of the Hillsborough River. May also visit a remarkable reconstruction of the original 1836 Fort Foster. Leader: Mike Raff at raff32@msn.com or 813-642-8624 (Tampa Bay)
Dec 12 Brooker Creek Dayhike (and picnic social). Brooker Creek Preserve is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quiet place to relax and experience nature. We will have an interpretive walk where we will be lead by a Brooker Creek knowledgeable leader who will introduce us to the flora, fauna, and ecozones of the preserve. The trails meander through pine flatwoods, mesic hammocks and cypress swamps. Come join us for an easy hike of the 4-mile, 4-loop trail system, and/or a social picnic immediately afterward. RSVP please. Hike starts at 9 am. Social picnic starts after the outing at 11 am. Call leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com to RSVP for walk and/or picnic (Suncoast) [Rescheduled from Nov. 14.]
Dec 13 Ecowalk at Seacrest Scrub in Boynton Beach. We will walk quietly, for about 1 1/2 hours, with frequent stops to discuss what we have seen. Three hurricanes and a 1996 controlled burn have changed the natural area. Bring your water and binoculars. There are no facilities. The Seacrest Scrub is located on Seacrest Blvd, one mile south of Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach. FREE. Leisure but SOMETIMES we will walk in DEEP sand. Limit 10. Lisa Hanley, 561-732-9578, lisa.hanley@Juno.com . (Loxahatchee)
Dec 19 Nine-Mile Pond Canoe Trail Day Canoe Outing. This canoe trail is situated deep in Everglades National Park nine miles north of Flamingo. This shallow-water canoe trail winds hauntingly 5.2 miles through a shallow grassy marsh with scattered mangrove islands. Watch for alligators, wading birds, and an occasional endangered snail kite. We will eat lunch (not included) in our canoe amidst this remarkably solitary space which frequently offers spectacular bird and other wildlife sightings. Moderate to strenuous. Limit 6. Cost: $25, includes transportation, admission to park and canoe rental. Please e-mail: Leader Kaatje Bernabei, kaatjebernabei@bellsouth.net , 305-223-6551 and Asst. Alan Nowell mrhitnmiss@aol.com, 305-253-4250. (Miami)
Dec 26-30 Holiday Hike - Four night/five day backpack trip to Myakka River State Park. A moderate hike of about 30 miles. We plan to explore and stay at several of the parks best campsites. Your leaders will help you learn about the history of this park and what it has to offer. Limit of 8 participants. Cost is $20 plus campsite reservation fees. Co-leaders Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 or revmp777@earthlink.net , Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast)
Feb 6-13, 2010 Fundraising Trip to the Enchanted Island of Puerto Rico.. Spend 7 days on the beautiful island having fun hiking, kayaking, swimming, exploring the tropical forests and learning about the rich culture and history of Puerto Rico. Learn about the environmental issues the island faces from our local Sierra Club guides. We will spend one night in San Juan exploring the old town and the rest of the time we will be at the Patillas Eco Resort www. patillasecoresort.com . The cost of the trip is $650 per person plus airfare and includes all lodging and transportation. Limit 10 participants. For reservations and details contact: Rudy Scheffer, rudy@adventuresworldwide.com, 727.726.8375. (Suncoast)