Coming Events

January Paddle

Gordon Smith is leading the NC Ramblers January Paddle

Date: Thursday, January 8   (Rain date: Friday January 9)

Time to Meet:8:30 am at  9:30 am for a  launch start

Location:  Yankeetown Beach at the end of CR 40

Directions:  From US Hwy 19 in Inglis, drive west on A 40 (Follow that Dream Pky)  to Yankeetown Beach.  Park in the lot next to the beach, not on the road near Bird Creek

Description: Paddle up the Withlacoochee River to Bennett’s Creek and back, about 7 miles (4 - 4 1/2 hrs)

A few paddling reminders:

Most paddles suit intermediate kayakers who can handle 3 - 6 miles over 2–3 hours, sometimes in windy and choppy water. A Touring kayak is most suitable. If you have concerns, contact the paddle event leader before arriving that morning. 

Stay with the group: Let the leader lead!   If you must depart before the paddle ends, let the Leader or Sweep know.  

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.

A First Aid kit and a tow rope are also recommended.         Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellent  

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.

Lunch:  Blackwater Inn in Yankeetown or Mama Sally’s Restaurant in Inglis

RSVP to Gordon at gas51hunt@gmail.com or (810) 287-1437

NOTE!  If you are ill, have respiratory symptoms, or have a medical condition that might put you or others at risk or prevent you from staying with the group, please don't participate in this activity.   Hopefully, you can join us when you have recovered. 

January Bike

Date: January 13, 2026 (Tuesday). Rain date January 15, 2026 (Thursday)

Start Time: Meet at 9:30 AM for a 10 AM start.

Event: Bicycle ride, from Hawthorne, west toward Rochelle on a rail trail.

Location: Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail with Trail Head at the town of Hawthorne, FL.

Description: A shaded and tree lined ride through Old Florida, with opportunities to see wildlife and flora and fauna. Very quiet and peaceful. We will ride west approximately 8.8 miles to Rochelle and return. Website: Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

Distance: 17.6 miles total. Approximately 8.8 miles each way

Pace/Time to Complete: Average pace, approximately 10 MPH, which takes 2 hours to complete the round trip.

Route Conditions: About 90% shaded and tree lined, riding on a 10-foot-wide asphalt paved rail trail. Gentle grade.

Difficulty Rating: Moderate

Experience Level: Intermediate

Parking Address: GPS Location: 2182 SE 71 Avenue; Hawthorne OR type in “Hawthorne Trailhead”.

This works on Google, Apple and Waze.

Driving Directions: As you enter the town of Hawthorne, (from the south) slow down as there is a (brown) trail directional sign in front of the Dollar General, which will direct you to make a left turn. Once completed follow the brown directional signs to the trail head.

Lunch/Social Option: At the conclusion of the ride, we will vote on a restaurant. Either: The Wrap Shack, Dianne’s Old Time BBQ or The Yearling Restaurant.

Leader: Mark Hornick 410-703-0474

RSVP: email: mhornick1@yahoo.com

Advisories: Water fountain, portable toilet and parking at Hawthorne trail head. At turnaround Rochelle (Prairie Creek Preserve) there is a permanent toilet and bicycle repair station.

January Hike

Dieter and Polly Sems will lead the January hike from Ross Prairie State Forest into the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.

DATE:  Thursday, January 22, 2026

TIME:  Arrive at 9 a.m. for a prompt start at  9:30 a.m.

DISTANCE:  3 plus miles 

TRAILHEAD: Ross Prairie Trailhead and Campground, 10660 SW SR-200, Dunnellon, FL 34432  has paved parking and restrooms. The entrance  on FL-200 is 1.5 miles south of CR-484.

RSVP to Dieter Sems at dsems@aol.com if you plan to attend this event.  

HIKE:A few hiking reminders:

Please remember that despite our efforts to keep everyone safe, our events involve physical exertion that carries risk. Remember to bring adequate fluids to keep yourself hydrated, sunscreen and/or a hat, insect repellent, and a little first aid kit. Wear sturdy shoes and consider a walking stick.  Stay with the group, and if you must depart before the end of the hike, let the Leader know.

NOTE!  If you are ill, have respiratory symptoms, or have a medical condition that might put you or others at risk or prevent you from staying with the group, please don't participate in this activity.   Hopefully, you can join us when you have recovered. 

Adopt-a-Road

Cleanup

February Paddle

February Bike

February Hike

Adopt-a-Road

Cleanup