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Save the Dates 2025:
The Spring season for the Nature Coast Ramblers is coming to a close with the May events. We'll be starting up again in September.
Mark your calendars for our May outings! Details for each event will be sent out separately prior to the event as the Event Announcement becomes available, so check your email and/or Facebook as we get closer to each date for details.
https://sites.google.com/site/naturecoastramblers/home.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/149644361818569/ rambler's hikes bikes and kayaks (or search: Rambler's Hikes Bikes and Kayaks) The Facebook page is open only to members, and if interested, you can send a request to join.
MAY ACTIVITIES:
Paddle: Weds., 5/7, Nancy Doyle & Robin Orlandi at Eden Drive Boat Ramp
Bike: Thurs., 5/15, Bob & Jan Bromley, Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
Hike: Tues., 5/20, Max Schulman at Silver Lake
Road Cleanup #2: Sat., 5/10, Alan Gale & Jimmy Brown, Lecanto Highway/CR 491
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Event Coordinators:
Paddles - Holly Alexander halex352@gmail.com
Bike Rides - Ben Berauer bfberauer@aol.com
Hiking - Judy LePage raymandjudy@aol.com
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Nature Coast Ramblers 2025 Election Information:
The Nature Coast Ramblers Vice President - Cathy Proveaux, and Treasurer - Kent Barkhouse, will be retiring from their positions at the end of their terms, effective January 1, 2026.
An election will be held at the Annual December Membership Meeting. Those positions must be filled, so we are reaching out to all members to consider stepping up to fill these 2 vacancies.
This election information will be on the Spring Meeting Agenda.
If you have any questions or are interested, please contact the officers listed below.
NCR Vice President
The Vice President's responsibilities include:
Assisting the President and filling in during an absence as needed
Assisting with meeting preparations and obtaining items as needed
For more information, you may contact Cathy Proveaux ,Vice President, by phone at (352) 563 7922 or via e-mail at cproveaux22@gmail.com.
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NCR Treasurer
The responsibilities of the Treasurer include maintaining records related to the following, and reporting to the Board of Directors and members:
Maintaining all financial books of accounts. Preparing Financial Statement including the Profit and Loss Statement and the Statement of Cash Flow, completion and filing of the IRS Code Form 990 and the Florida Nonprofit Annual Report.
Deposit all revenues received into the NCR Bank account and issue and prepare checks for expenses and reimbursements
Maintaining the Post Office Box to include the rental fee, and retrieving NCR mail.
Processing membership applications and annual renewals
Sending WELCOME LETTERS to new members.
For more information, you may contact Kent Barkhouse,Treasurer, via phone at
(860) 428-2339 or via e-mail at kbarkhouse@sisna.com.
Events
Events
May Events
May Paddle
Robin Orlandi and Nancy Doyle will lead the May NCR paddle from the Eden Park and Boat Ramp in Inverness
Date: Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
Time: Meet at 8:30 am to unload, paddles in the water at 9:00 am to depart
Location: Eden Park Boat Ramp, 615 Lakeshore Dr., Inverness FL
Directions: From Highway 41 heading south from Inverness, turn left onto Eden Drive at the Circle K Convenience Store, and travel half a mile, then turn left onto Park Lake Terrace. Park lake Terrace ends at the Eden Boat Ramp. Please note parking here is limited especially for trailers.
Description: A leisurely, approximately 5 mile paddle from the Eden ramp, under the Gulf to Lake Hwy 44 bridge into Henderson Lake, then north, under the Franklin Hair Bridge to explore the northern section of the lake up to the Withlacoochee Trail, Lake Henderson trestle. We'll then loop back & return across the lake, with a stop at Wallace Brooks Park in Inverness for a break, snacks and restroom. From there, we'll head back to the Hwy 44 underpass and return to the Eden Ramp. Estimates duration of the trip is 2.5 - 3 hours. Please keep in mind that the exact route may change depending on weather or unexpected obstructions / low water. Currently the forecast for the 7th looks good; if we need to cancel due to bad weather, we will notify the group the day before.
A few paddling reminders:
Please don't enter the water before the Leader gives the ok at the pre-launch meeting. Don't crowd the launch area and be courteous to other boats.
Most paddles are suitable for intermediate kayaking skills that can handle 3 - 6 miles over 2- 3 hours, in sometimes windy and choppy water. A Touring kayak is most suitable. If you have any concerns, contact the paddle event leader prior to arriving that morning. Stay with the group: Let the leader lead! If you must depart before the end of the paddle let the Leader or Sweep know.
Required safety gear:
PFD and communication devices are required to have with you on your vessel (i.e.whistle, walkie-talkie, marine radio, cell phone) You are responsible for your own safety.
Also recommended is a First Aid kit and a tow rope. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellant
Please RSVP to Robin and Nancy at fla33040@gmail.com if you plan to attend. If you sign up, then need to cancel less than 24 hours prior to departure, please text 301-873-9579 to let us know not to wait for you. Thank you!
NOTE!
If you are ill or have a medical condition that might put you or others at risk, please don't participate in this activity. Hopefully you can join us when you are recovered.
May Bike
Bob and Jan Bromley will be leading the Ramblers May bike ride on a section of the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail.
Date: Thursday, May 15th
Time: Meet at 9:00 AM for a 9:30 AM start
Location: Rochelle Trail Head parking lot at the intersection of CR 234 and CR 2084 (8419 SE CR 2082, Gainesville)
Directions: The trail head can be reached from the south via Rte 98 or Rte 41 turning onto Rte 121, continuing then turning right onto NW 320, continuing then turning onto NW 221st St Rd, continuing then turning onto SE CR 234, continuing until reaching SE CR 2084 where you will find the parking lot for the Rochelle Trail Head. You may also choose to travel on Interstate 75 using exit 374 in Micanopy. From there continue northeast on CR 234 and follow the directions above.
Description: We will begin heading west making brief stops at Prairie Creek Boardwalk, Alachua Lake Overlook, and Sweetwater Overlook (bring binoculars for a close look at the prairie). We will continue to the Boulware Springs TrailHead which is the western most point on the trail. We will then retrace our path back to the Rochelle Trail Head.
If participants are interested there is the option of walking on the LaChua Trail (as much as 3 miles) to get a closer look at the prairie, alligators and birds.
Total distance, less the LaChua Trail walk, is approximately 15 +/- miles (roundtrip) taking approximately 2 hours.
There are composting toilets 1/10 mile from the starting point and at the turnaround point.
The trail itself is 10 feet wide with some rolling hills and curves. There are both sunny and shady areas. Please remember to bring adequate water, insect repellent and whatever snacks you like.
A few biking reminders:
Please remember that despite our efforts to keep everyone safe, our events involve physical exertion that is not without risk. Check your bike tires for proper inflation, a bell or whistle and helmets are recommended. Carry adequate fluids to keep yourself hydrated, sunscreen and/or hat and insect repellent. You might consider a little first aid kit, and or tool kit. Stay with the group, and if you must depart before the end of the bike trip, let the Leader know.
Trail Safety and Etiquette:
Stay to the right except when passing.
Pass slower traffic on the left; yield to oncoming traffic when passing.
Give clear warning when passing (i.e. Passing on your left.)
Watch out for traffic at road crossings.
NOTE!
If you are ill or have a medical condition that might put you or others at risk, please don't participate in this activity. Hopefully you can join us when you are recovered.
https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html
Lunch: A choice of two restaurants in Micanopy - Old Florida Cafe or Coffee n Cream. Both with outdoor tables.
If you plan to ride, please RSVP to kayakjan48@gmail.com
May Hike
Road Clean-up #2
The Adopt-A-Road Cleanup will be on Saturday May 10th (we had been doing this on Sundays, but have changed it for May)
Jimmy Brown is our leader and will meet us at the location site where we will get supplies and divide into groups.
Please let Jimmy know if you will be there. RSVP to: captkeylime@gmail.com
Time: Meet at 9:00 am at the midpoint between the 2 mile stretch (1 mile north of and 1 mile south of the signs). (Look for yellow markers on each side of the road.)
Location: CR 491 / Lecanto Hwy south of W.Grover Cleveland Blvd. and north of W.Cardinal St. The southern end is at 5335 S Lecanto Hwy.
There are blue Nature Coast Rambler ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY signs at each end of the 2 mile stretch.
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