Our website now has a page listing Florida National Scenic Trail thru-hikers and links to their journals.  It’s  titled, “FNST Thru-Hikers & journals” — look under “Pages.”  One of the hikers began heading north on the Trail in October, a bunch started in November, and soon there will be over forty of them out there.  We don’t have trail/real names for all of them, but those we know about are listed, even if they don’t have online journals.  Maybe you’ll run into a thru-hiker when you’re out on the Trail — carry some extra ‘treats’ with you, just in case.  They’d appreciate fruit, candy, homemade cookies, etc.   And have fun reading their journals.

Note 1/7/10:  Found another one — “Aprilshowers” — with a journal.  Check the FNST Thru-Hikers page.  I also added some other names, furnished by FTA, who do not have journals.

Obituary from the Tallahassee Democrat:
“Arthur B. Ward, III, 76, entered into rest December 23, 2009 in Tallahassee. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Art was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil and had lived in Tallahassee since 1975. He retired from the State of Florida as an electrical engineer in Computer Program Design. Art was a member of the Gulf Winds Track Club, and Economics Club of Florida. He was a supporter of the Able Trust. He graduated with honors from Georgia Tech where he received his B.A. degree, and received his Masters degree from Rutgers University. Survivors include his brother, Christopher B.Ward and wife Patricia Welch Ward of Jupiter; one niece, Susan K. Ward of New York; and longtime dear friend, Dawn L. Brown of Tallahassee. Art was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Maryanne Ward.”

I will be doing a series of short, very leisurely, walks on the Phipps Park hiking trail this last week in December, in order to do a trail survey required by the city. I would love to have some company while doing these walks. These will be afternoon strolls of from 1.3 mile up to 2.2 miles, as follows:

Saturday 12/26: Coon Bottom Loop - 1.5 miles
Sunday 12/27: Swamp Forest Loop plus two short access trails - 2.2 miles
Monday 12/28: 1st half of Oak Hammock Loop - 1.3 miles
Tuesday 12/29: 2nd half of Oak Hammock Loop - 1.4 miles
Wednesday 12/30: Creek Forest Trail plus Big Tree Cutoff - 1.9 miles

I will be starting around 1:00 pm each day, from access points located *within* the park.  This means we will have access directly to each trail segment without having to walk in from remote public trailhead parking lots. If I have other people with me, and we can shuttle cars, then that would shorten some of the walks–for instance, Creek Forest Trail is not a loop, so with cars at each end, the total mileage would be 1.1 instead of 1.9 miles.

These will be more strolls than hikes, as I will have to stop sometimes to make notes–and I don’t walk fast in any case.

I will do these come rain or come shine!!

Please call me if you would like to go on one of these walks.
Home: 668-4334
Cell: 570-0011
If you don’t reach me at either number, leave a message–but ONLY on the home phone.

Looking forward to seeing some of you.

Linda Patton
Section Leader, Phipps Park Trail

April 10 Saturday P/M Torreya State Park Fun Hike.

Hike the River Bluff-Torreya loop trail about 8 miles in hilly terrain. View the Apalachicola River, mixed hardwood forest, and longleaf pine woods. Bring lunch, water, and hiking sticks or poles if desired. Due to the driving distance, meet in Tallahassee at 7:00 a.m. to carpool. Limit 15 people. Jerry Herting (850) 878-3426.

April 13 Tuesday P Apalachee Chapter Meeting Program: “National Treasures: My Incredible Western Road Trip”

Chapter member Linda Patton will show her slides and tell us how she spent 78 days, 14 thousand miles and one night in a teepee while visiting the mountains, dunes and red-rock canyons of 21 National Parks, Monuments, Forests and Recreation Areas in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota during the summer of 2009. 7 p.m. at Woodcrest Office Park, 325 John Knox Rd., Bldg. F (first bldg. on the right). Look for Florida Trail signs on wooden door at east end of building. Free. Contact: Linda Patton 850-668-4334.

April 17 Saturday P/L Bradwell Game Farm Tract Hike.

Enjoy hiking about 4 miles on old woods roads in gently rolling terrain through the scenic, historic, game farm tract. View old structures and the Ochlockonee River in the Apalachicola National Forest. Sights include the Red Lodge, old cabin, pet cemetery, and antique car linked to moonshining. Limit 15 people. Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com

April 25 Sunday P/L Aucilla River Hike.

Hike 5 miles from the Goose Pasture Road along the river section of the FNST. Bring a lunch and water. Please call by April 22 to sign up. Limit 8 people. Barbara Donner (850) 514-4284 or (850) 245-8453.

All activities are free unless otherwise noted.
Codes:
“P” Public welcome to participate
“M” Limited to FTA members only
“L” Leisurely
“M” Moderately difficult
“S” Strenuous

Please read the GUIDELINES FOR OUTING PARTICIPANTS before signing up for an activity. This will make for a better outing experience for all concerned. Click here for a copy of the Guidelines.

March 6 Saturday P/S Annual Bradwell Bay Wilderness Swamp Stomp.

Slog about 8 miles in the heart of the Apalachicola National Forest, through one of the largest swamp forests in Florida. Rated by BACKPACKER Magazine as one of the 10 toughest hikes in the USA. If there’s been recent rain, expect wading in ankle-to-waist-deep water for over half the hike. Bring lunch, hiking sticks/poles, and extra dry clothes and shoes. Old, but sturdy, boots recommended. Kent Wimmer (850) 523-8576 kwimmer@fs.fed.us

March 9 Tuesday P  Apalachee Chapter Meeting Program: “Open Forum with FTA Directors”

Come hear what is being achieved and worked towards on your behalf, with your support! Executive Director Deborah Stewart-Kent will update us on exciting developments and FTA objectives. Development Director Mike Eurich will outline some exciting activities taking place & answer any giftgiving or legacy questions. This is a rare opportunity to meet State HQ staff face-to face and directly ask the hardhitting questions you want answered. Plan to attend. And bring a friend. 7 p.m. at Woodcrest Office Park, 325 John Knox Rd., Bldg. F (first bldg. on the right). Look for Florida Trail signs on wooden door at east end of building. Free. Contact: Linda Patton 850-668-4334.

March 12-13 Fri – Sat P/M New River Canoe & Kayak Trip.

Paddle the New River in Liberty and Franklin Counties from Rd 22 Sumatra to Pope Place in Tate’s Hell State Forest. We will meet in Sumatra and then go to the landing to unload gear and work out the shuttle to begin a 2-day adventure through Tate’s Hell. Bring sleeping gear, food, and water for the trip. Limit 12 people. Ronny Traylor (850) 643-5517. ronnytraylor@gmail.com

March 13 Saturday P/L Sopchoppy River Hike.

View native azaleas and other blooming wildflowers along the Sopchoppy River Section of the Florida National Scenic Trail in the Apalachicola National Forest. Hike about 5 miles in gently rolling terrain. Limit 15 people. Galen Moses (850) 926-9476.

March 14 Sunday P/M Nature Conservancy’s ApalachicolaBluffs Garden of Eden Trail.

Enjoy a spring hike along the 3.5 mile round-trip trail that is biologically unique to Florida. Bring snacks and water. A hiking stick or pole may be desirable to assist in negotiating steep climbs and descents. Sturdy shoes recommended. Carpooling. Limit 12 people. Connie Betterley (850) 294-6302 cjbetterley@msn.com

March 20 Saturday P/L Wakulla Birding and Wildlife Festival.

Fun and educational activities for the whole family. The Apalachee Chapter will sponsor an information table on the grounds of the Wakulla Springs State Park. Volunteers are needed to help at the table for 1 or 2 hours, and also enjoy the festival. Call for more information or to volunteer. Terry Tenold (850) 877- 1612 totenold49@aol.com

March 21 Sunday P/L Leon Sinks Geological Area Hike.

See native azaleas and dogwoods in bloom. The interpretive trail winds through scenic and varied terrain, including major sinks, a natural bridge, a disappearing stream, and swamps. Trailhead fee per vehicle, so call for car-pooling arrangements. Limit 15 people. Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612 totenold49@aol.com

March 26-28 Fri – Sun P/L FTA Annual Conference and Meeting.

At the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center, Haines City, FL. Details in the FOOTPRINT or online at floridatrail.org

All activities are free unless otherwise noted.
Codes:
“P” Public welcome to participate
“M” Limited to FTA members only
“L” Leisurely
“M” Moderately difficult
“S” Strenuous

Please read the GUIDELINES FOR OUTING PARTICIPANTS before signing up for an activity. This will make for a better outing experience for all concerned. Click here for a copy of the Guidelines.

Feb. 7 Sunday P/L Aucilla Sinks Hike.

Hike 4 miles along the sinks section of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Bring a lunch and water. Please call by Feb. 4 to sign up. Limit 15 people. Barbara Donner (850) 514-4284 or (850) 245-8453.

Feb. 9 Tuesday P  Apalachee Chapter Meeting Program: “Outdoor Photography.”

Wildlife photography adds a whole new dimension to enjoying the outdoors. In this program, local author and photographer Doug Alderson will focus on wildlife photography techniques and suggested equipment. What makes a good wildlife photograph? What are some tried and true methods of photographing wildlife? Where are the best places to take wildlife photographs in this area? Doug will show many types of photos, from winners to bloopers, and he’ll also cover some basic landscape photography techniques. 7 p.m. at Woodcrest Office Park, 325 John Knox Rd., Bldg. F (first bldg. on the right). Look for Florida Trail signs on wooden door at east end of building. Free. Contact: Linda Patton 850-668-4334.

Feb. 16 Tuesday  M  Activities Planning Meeting.

6 p.m. US Forest Service Bldg F Terry Tenold (850) 877-1612.

Feb. 28 Sunday P/M Aucilla River Hike.

Hike 6 miles round-trip from the trailhead to the rapids along the river section of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Bring a lunch and water. Please call by Feb. 25 to sign up. Limit 20 people. Barbara Donner (850) 514-4284 or (850) 245-8453.

All activities are free unless otherwise noted.
Codes:
“P” Public welcome to participate
“M” Limited to FTA members only
“L” Leisurely
“M” Moderately difficult
“S” Strenuous

Please read the GUIDELINES FOR OUTING PARTICIPANTS before signing up for an activity. This will make for a better outing experience for all concerned. Click here for a copy of the Guidelines.

Jan. 12 Tuesday Apalachee Chapter Meeting Program: “Ocean to Lake Trail”

Johnny Molloy, author of dozens of outdoor guidebooks, will give a slide show and presentation about his 2009 thru hike of the Ocean to Lake Trail (O2L Trail), a 70 mile east-west spur of the main Florida Trail, running from Port Mayaca on Lake Okeechobee to Hobe Sound on the Atlantic Ocean. Molloy will give an overview of the trail, terrain and campsites so you can plan your trek on the O2LTrail. Bring your questions! 7 p.m. at Woodcrest Office Park, 325 John Knox Rd., Bldg. F (first bldg. on the right). Look for Florida Trail signs on wooden door at east end of building. Free. Contact: Linda Patton 850-668-4334.

This event has been changed to an F-Troop on Dec. 4-6.  For details see http://apalachee.floridatrail.org/2009/08/22/524/

Announcing the North Florida Regional

Conference:“A Hiker Gathering on

Choctawhatchee Bay”

October 23 to 25, 2009 / Niceville, Florida

Florida Trail Association

Come and play, sit or just listen!

This is a Florida Trail Association sponsored event.  

Learn more about the 1300 mile Florida Trail at: http://floridatrail.org/

The FWC is offering the following BOW Workshops for the 2009-10 fiscal year:

October 9-11, 2009 - Tallahassee (near Quincy)
November 20-22, 2009 - West Palm Beach
March 12-14, 2010 - Ocala

A new brochure and registration form is available at the website: www.MyFWC.com/BOW .

BOW is an outdoor skills program that offers women a chance to grow. BOW means becoming more competent, more confident and more aware.

More than 80 weekend-long workshops are held all across North America with over 20,000 women attending. The workshops introduce women to a variety of activities equally balanced between hunting and shooting, fishing, and non-harvest sports like canoeing and camping. Participants choose from a list of over 20 activities.

BOW welcomes women from all backgrounds to enjoy camaraderie with other women in a supportive, non-competitive learning environment. Participants span the ages of 18 to 80+.

In addition to learning new activities, BOW participants are also treated to a variety of evening entertainment including outdoor clothing fashion shows, bird shows featuring live hawks and owls, outdoor storytelling, prizes and more.

Traditional multi-course BOW workshops are generally held at camps. Participants stay in air-conditioned/heated cabins that may be rustic, but have basic modern amenities including hot showers. Meals are provided. The focus for the weekend is learning in a comfortable atmosphere.

The workshops begin around noon on Friday and end about noon on Sunday.

For more info contact
Lynne Hawk

Regional Hunter Safety Coordinator
FL Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
8535 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach 33412
Phone (561) 625-5122 Fax (561) 625-5139
Lynne.Hawk@MyFWC.com