When? : Saturday, January 25, 2003

Time?: 11:30am to 5:00pm -

Where? : Myakka State Park

What the hell is he talking about?

Come on out for a great day in the sun. If it’s cold just bundle up and be toasty. We are going to spend the day at the beautiful Myakka River State Park. It will be fun and educational to boot. There will be food, contests and adventure so please join us on Saturday January 25, 2003.

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's largest and most diverse natural areas. The "Florida Wild and Scenic" Myakka River flows through 45 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. The river and its two shallow lakes attract a myriad of wetland creatures making birding, canoeing, fishing and wildlife observation popular activities. (See below for more info)

Here’s a breakdown of the day.

Lunch 11:30 – 12:30:

We lunch at 11:30am sharp. Bring your own Lunch We will have lunch at the Picnic Area just behind the Myakka Outpost or Concession/Souvenir Shop.

Hunt 12:30 – 4:30:

We will break up in small groups of about 4. Each group will pick a mode of transportation (Hike, Bike or Kayak) Each group will be given wildlife ID Sheets. The Group who ID’s the largest variety of wildlife will be presented with a prize. The Groups must plan a course that will get them back to the Picnic Area by 4:30. At 4:30 we choose the winners and they will receive their “Fabulous” prizes.

Shoot:

Bring your cameras and shoot. On the February 5th, 2003 meeting, bring your favorite photo of the event “on hard copy” Write your name on the back of the photo. Give the photo to me (Jack Darville) at the begging of the meeting or before dinner. To be fair, please don’t let anyone know which picture is yours. Attending Members will vote on their favorite photo of the outing. The winner will be presented a prize. Photographer must be present to win.

General Tips:

1. Bring Bird ID Books if you have one. I will have one also.

2. Bring your own water, they only have tiny bottles, or 1 gallon bottles to choose from at the concession.

3. Prepare yourself for a beautiful day outdoors.

Hiker Tips:

The trails can be wet in spots, but for the most part are dry. Bring beach combers, in case you need to change shoes for a small section of trail. The real adventurous might like to bring a pair of rubber boots for the river trail; personally I think that would be cool. Don’t plan on walking the entire day, plan on finding various spots to sit, be quiet and watch the critters come out of their hiding places. Consider bringing a small blanket and/or tarp. You are not restricted to land; there are the Myakka Safari Tours. $8 each. First come, first serve. “GATOR GAL” – 1 hr narrated wilderness cruise aboard a 70 passenger air boat. Safari Tram – Land tour on a 52 passenger trackless tour train. It provides information trips off paved roads into remote areas.

Kayak/Canoe Tips:

Launch is free Rentals are first come first serve but they seem to be well stocked. Kayak Rental 4 hr $25 Canoe Rental 2 hr $15, 4 hr 25and at the picnic area

Biker Tips:

Trail bikes only…. NO HARLEYS ALLOWED!!!! Bike Rental 2 hr $10, 4 hr 20. Although many of the trails are soggy and difficult, there are still a lot of fun biking trails. Powerline RD is very cool and very open and relatively easy to bike. Most non-bike trails have places to lock your bikes should you want to hike the trail.

Mayakka River State Park Contact Info:

Web Site: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/district4/myakkariver/index.asp.

Contact Information: 13207 S.R. 72, Sarasota, 34241 - (941) 361-6511

Driving Directions: Myakka River State Park is located 9 miles east of I-75 in Sarasota on S.R. 72.

Hours of Operation: Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

If interested, please provide the information below, I will send out periodic updates so you will be able to see who’s coming and what modes of transportation participants will be using.

Name(s):

Choose 1: __ Hiker(s), __Biker(s), __ Kayaker(s)

Hope to see all of you,

Jack D.