Coming Events

February Paddle

Buffy DeMatteis is leading the NCR February paddle on the Homosassa River

Date:      Friday, Feb 6, 2026

Time:     Meet at 12:00pm and launch at 12:30pm

Location:  Monkey Island Riverside Marina, monkeyislandriversideresort.com, 5297 S Cherokee Way, Homosassa (GPS to this address gets you close, but the following directions should get you there.) Rentals available.

Description:   This is a fairly easy upstream paddle on the Homosassa River past Monkey Island and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and under the bridge; hopefully we may see some manatees.  Return by the same route. Approximately 2+ hour round trip. 

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 repellant  

 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.

Directions:      

-From Crystal River drive south 7 miles on US19. 

-From Inverness follow FL 44 west 10.9 mi to Lecanto; turn left on CR 490, W Homosassa Tr for 6.2 mi; turn south/left on US19 S. 

-In Homosassa, look for Burger King at the corner of US 19 and Yulee Dr and turn west. Drive 3.4 miles, which includes a left turn,  keep right  past the elementary school onto S Cherokee Way for 0.2+ mi; turn right at the stop sign on S Boulevard Dr at Monkey Island Riverside Resort  (lots of new signage), and right on S Loblolly Way, look for the marina/kayak shop off to the right. Unload boats at the ramp behind the marina (not at the $20 motorboat launch), and park in the open field. There is a $5 launch fee; pay inside. Restrooms are usually available.

Following the paddle, try lunch at The Freezer Tiki Bar. Great shrimp, cash only. From the kayak shop, turn left and follow S Boulevard Way approximately 0.3 mi (through 2 stop signs) to The Freezer at Cedar Key Fish & Crab, 5590 S Boulevard Way. Parking is on the left. Or a tasty option for Cuban sandwiches is The Museum Cafe at 10466 W Yulee Dr.

 RSVP to Buffy DeMatteis  buffythelobsterslayer@gmail.com

Number of people paddling _____, and number of people for lunch at The Freezer ______.

***Weather-related postponement will be made by 8:00am and sent via email to those who have RSVP'd. 

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. 

February Bike

Max Schulman will lead the February NCR bicycle ride

Date:  Monday, February 9, 2026

Time:  We will meet at 9:00 AM, to begin the ride by 9:30 AM

Location:  The General James A Van Fleet State Trail, Mabel Trailhead at 7981 County Road 772, Webster, FL 33597. (GPS:  N 28.5776 / W -81.9768)

For information on this trail, check out this link: https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/cycling-van-fleet-state-trail

Directions:   The trailhead is off of SR 50, approximately 29 miles from US 41 in Brooksville.  There are several routes depending on your starting point in Citrus County. Use your MAP search to find the best route.  As you approach the entrance off of SR 50 onto SE 121st Ave, the road is unpaved and has ruts. Another road, CR 773, a short distance west of SE 121st Ave, is smoother. 

This will be a leisurely ride from Mabel Trailhead to the Bay Lake Trailhead Parking Area, approximately 9 miles, for an 18-mile round trip.  It is a paved trail which is mostly flat, mostly straight, and mostly shaded. 

Lunch option:  An option for lunch will be held at “El Sol de Mexico Bar and Grill”, 31077 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34602, https://elsoldemexicobarandgrill.com/

RSVP to Max Schulman at m.schulman@citrustrails.org  (PLEASE include your cell phone number if you email), or your email if you text me at 352-999-0993.  As the leader for this outing, I will notify those who have RSVP'd by both media of any changes to the plan or rescheduling due to weather

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 a hat and insect repellent. You might consider a small 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. 

While riding on the trail, stay to the right and let other riders know as you pass on the left. 

NOTE!    If you are not feeling well ...  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. 

February Hike

Gordon Smith is leading the NC Ramblers hike in February

Date: Feb 18th, Wed   (Rain Date Feb 19th, Thurs.))

Location: Johnson Pond & Oxbow Trails

                 3042 E Withlacoochee Trail (CR 39), Dunnellon

Directions: 

From Rt 200 N turn left onto CR39. Continue for 2.5 miles. Park on the left side of the road at the Johnson Pond Trailhead.

From US 41, turn east onto CR39. Continue 5.1 miles. Park on the right side of the road at the Johnson pond trailhead.

Time: Meet at 9 AM, start at 9:30 AM

There are no restrooms at trailhead.

Distance: Total 3.8 miles. First loop at Johnson pond is 2.3 miles. The second loop on Oxbow is 1 mile.  Trail is fairly flat land within the prairie.

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.

Please RSVP to Gordon Smith at   gas51hunt@gmail.com  or 810-287-1437

Lunch possibility at Reds or Stumpknockers

Adopt-a-Road

Cleanup

Adopt-a-Road Cleanup 

The Ramblers positively contribute to our community by collecting trash along Lecanto Highway 4 times a year.  

We cover a two-mile area, splitting into groups to collect litter along an approximate one-mile segment each. If we get 15 or more people, it should take about an hour. 

Date: Saturday February 21st. 

Time: Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the midpoint of the two-mile stretch (one mile north and one mile south of the signs).  (Look for yellow markers on  each side of the road.) 

This is where you will get supplies  (orange vests, gloves, trash bags) and divide into groups.

If you have your own grabber tool, bring it. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water to stay hydrated. Sometimes the grass has not yet been mowed and can be quite tall.

Location: CR 491 / Lecanto Hwy south of W. Grover Cleveland Blvd. The location is 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.  

If you can join us,  PLEASE  RSVP to    Algale2@yahoo.com

March Paddle

Kerry Thompson is leading the NC Ramblers March Paddle

Date: Wednesday, March 4th. (Rain date: Thursday March 5th)

Time to Meet: 8:30 am for a 9am launch (subject to change depending on weather)

Location:  Dunnellon City boat ramp and optionally Blue Run Boat ramp

Directions:  Take US 41 north to Dunnellon. The city boat ramp is on the left.

If you are launching at Blue Run, take US 41 north to Dunnellon then turn right on Hwy 484 at the traffic light. Blue Run is about 1 mile on the right.

Blue Run does not have parking for trailers, whereas the city boat ramp has trailer parking.

Description: If launching from the Dunnellon city boat ramp, paddle upstream on the Withlacoochee River to an unnamed island and back, about 5.5 miles (2 1/2 hrs).

If launching from Blue Run, paddle south on the Rainbow River to the confluence with the Withlacoochee River.

The paddlers from the city boat ramp, and from Blue Run will meet at the confluence. The two groups will have to keep in contact.

There are no opportunities to beach the kayak on this trip, so use the facilities before the start.

There may be boaters on the river, try to stay to the right.

It's too soon to know the forecast for March 4th, so an update will follow when a forecast becomes available.

Water level is high enough, so both kayaks and surf skis should be acceptable.

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:  Swampy's or Blue Gator or The Front Porch.

RSVP to Kerry at kerry8783@gmail.com or text (954) 608-6923

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. 

March Bike

Marie Nall will lead the NCR March Bike Ride

Date: Wednesday March 11th (raindate: Thursday, March 12th) 

Location: Brooksville   Tom Varn Park: 301 Darby Ln, Brooksville, FL 34601

Time: 10 a.m. (Please arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.)

Description: This will be an easy, relaxed bike ride: approximately 6 miles one way, 12 miles roundtrip from Tom Varn Park to the Suncoast Trail: approximately 6 miles one way, 12 miles roundtrip. We should be back before noon. 

Leaving the park, we will ride west on a mostly flat paved trail along US 50 towards the Suncoast Parkway, stopping at the Suncoast Trailhead on US 50, and then returning to the park on the same trail. The trail crosses Cobb Rd & US 50A via a pedestrian/bike bridge. You must cross a few side streets before reaching the trailhead. The trail is open and has no shade until we reach the trailhead. 

Restrooms are located at the park and the trailhead.  

FYI...the park has a Disc Golf course and paved trails that wind through the park for anyone who might enjoy exploring afterwards. 

A few biking reminders:

Please remember that despite our efforts to keep everyone safe, our events involve physical exertion that can carry 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 a hat, and insect repellent. You might consider a small first aid kit and/or a 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. Use the crossing signals where provided.

 While riding the trail, stay to the right and let other riders know when passing on the left. 

Directions: (Note! If you are unfamiliar with downtown Brooksville, use a map or GPS to navigate to the park. 

From US 41 South this turns into N.Broad St. in Brooksville 

At the intersection with US 98, turn right to continue on W. Jefferson St.

Turn left onto Darby Lane and continue a short distance to the parking lot

From  US 98 South to Brooksville

turn right onto W. Jefferson St

Turn left onto Darby Lane and continue a short distance to the parking lot

Suncoast Parkway South  exit to  US 50/Cortez Blvd. Turn left and continue east on US 50 towards Brooksville. (approx. 5.5 miles) 

Turn right onto Darby Lane to the parking lot.

Lunch: Roosters Cafe  (Country Cooking)!   715 W Jefferson St, Brooksville, FL 34601 

              OR bring a lunch or snack to enjoy at the park.

Please RSVP if you plan to join the ride.  If weather conditions require a change in plans, those who have rsvp'd will be notified. 

Marie Nall 

 ncramblers@gmail.com

Text 352-228-9217

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. 

March Hike

Al Gale is leading the Nature Coast Rambler March hike

Date: Wednesday 3/18/26

Rain Date: Thursday 3/19/26

Time: Meet at 8:45 for 9:00 am start

Location: Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Educational Center

Address: 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 (28.13661* N, 82.65644* W)

Directions: Best to use your own map program to determine your best route to get there. The park is located within Pinellas County, south of Citrus County some 50 – 60 miles. Be sure you are looking for the Preserve WITH the Environmental Education Center! Once you turn into the park, you’ll go 1.4 miles back and find the parking lot and our meeting place.

Description: A park with 8,700 acres in area, we will walk 4 miles within it. For those wanting a

shorter distance, there is a 2.8-mile alternative. We will walk in a circular loop on a wide,

mostly a low cut grassy (there are a few sandy short sections) trail. The terrain is all flat, but

does have the occasional tree roots at surface level to maneuver through.       See  www.brookercreekpreserve.org for more details.

There are excellent bathrooms within a building at the start/finish of the hike.

Unfortunately, the Environmental Education Center will be closed that day.

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 for hydration, sunscreen and/or a hat, insect repellent, and a small 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.

Lunch: With minimal immediate food locations available, lets try to do a Picnic lunch at this

event. BYOF (Food). There are tables INSIDE of a building or the more traditional outdoor

tables under a roof available to us. I’ll bring a cooler of various beverages (waters and pop) to

share.

PLEASE RSVP to Al at albobgale@gmail.com if you plan to hike

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