🌴Suncoast Outdoors🥾

🥾60 Miles / 6 Nights🏕 NC Bartram & Appalachian Trail Backpack Trip 🌄

Sun, Nov 1 · 8:30 AM EST

Wayah Bald, Wayah Rd, Franklin, NC, US

EVENT IS FULL
RSVP's ARE CLOSED AT THIS TIME AND MAY REOPEN AT A LATER DATE.

A handful of us are already going. We would like to extend the opportunity to a few who have the requisite experience. This cannot be your first outing with Suncoast Outdoors

• This will be a 60 Mile backpacking loop. Bartram Trail NB from Wayah Bald to Cheoah Bald, AT SB to Wayah Bald with resupply at NOC
• 33 miles / North Carolina Bartram Trail - no shelters, no designated campsites.
• 27 miles / Appalachian Trail
• Difficulty Level - Strenuous to Very Strenuous. The elevation changes will be more difficult than those we recently encountered on the Georgia Bartram Trail.
• Experience Level - Advanced-You must have a 4-5 consecutive night trip in rugged mountain terrain under your belt. You must be fully self sufficient and able to hike, navigate, and possibly camp by yourself if necessary.
• Conditioning Level - High -strong cardio level, appropriate build and weight - must be FULLY recovered and free from all prior and preexisting musculoskeletal injury or conditions -
• I have thru hiked the NC Bartram Trail (excluding road walks) 2.5 times. I completed this loop hike in 2016.
• In Sept 2024 we had a Helene shortened trip on the NC Bartram.
• NC Bartram_ 9.24

Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury or death from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees, drowning.
YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

Paddle Rutland Park/Wysong Dam (Roundtrip)

Sat, Nov 7 · 9:00 AM EST

Rutland Park, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538, USA, Lake Panasoffkee, FL, US

Please read full description before signing up.

BYOK only. The Withlacoochee River is a beautiful blackwater river and a designated Outstanding Florida Waterway and has a Designated 76-Mile Paddle Trail. It is also quite unique, being one of the few rivers in the world that flows from south to north.
We will be doing a section that is approximately a 7-mile (+/-) roundtrip paddle between Rutland Park and Wysong Dam. This scenic section is mostly wide with several islands that you can go one way or the other. We are taking our time to soak it all in. If you are in a rush or on a tight schedule, this trip isn’t for you.

Afterward, please join me to rehydrate and replenish spent calories at one of my favorite places...The Cove Resort & Pub.

Skill Level: Intermediate. Mainly due to distance. (Definitions below). Best for paddlers who can maintain a 2– 2.5 mph pace, have experience paddling against currents, and can comfortably handle this distance.

Rivers present serious natural hazards that demand constant awareness.
Hidden obstacles: Submerged rocks, logs, and debris are often invisible from the surface and can strike boats.
Swift currents: Moving water is deceptively powerful and can quickly overpower even the strongest paddlers.
Strainers: Fallen trees, branches, and strictly pinned structures allow water to pass through but trap people and watercraft underwater.
Tight maneuvering: Narrow channels and sharp bends require sharp navigation skills and fast reaction times to avoid collisions.
Wildlife: This section offers a great opportunity to spot native wildlife, including gators (we will give them their space, and they will do the same). My last paddle I saw several otters.

By participating, you accept these risks and confirm your skills match these conditions. YOU are responsible for your own safety.

Launch: Rutland Park Boat Ramp. 6805 W State Road 44, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538, No fee to park, concrete slab & floating dock, and restrooms available. NOTE: Please do not park in the boat trailer spots. Park in the grass along the fence line by the restrooms.

Float Plan:
Launch Time: Wet our paddles 9:00 AM sharp. Please arrive early with enough time to prepare your gear.
Outbound Route: Paddle upriver directly to Wysong Dam.
Midpoint Stop: Wysong Dam. Short break to rest and enjoy the scenery, maybe play in the current :-), floating break or land. No restrooms.
Return Route: A relaxed, casual paddle downriver back to Rutand Park with a stop at Nichols Spring.
Pace: Easy, relaxed paddle. Let the river do the work on the way back and enjoy the scenery.
Portage Policy: No portaging. We will not get out of our boats. If the river is blocked, the entire group turns around. There is plenty of water to paddle in the other direction.

Afterwards: I will be stopping at one my favorite places. Please join me: The Cove Resort & Pub, 1242 S Cove Camp Point, Inverness, FL 34450. 5 miles down the road and just a 10 min drive. The Cove Resort and Pub - The Cove Resort & Pub

Suggested Items to Bring: GMRS/FRS radio tuned to Ch 6, plenty of hydration, electrolytes, energy snacks, lunch, a good hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, closed toe water shoes, and towel.
Please monitor this event as this is where I will communicate any cancellations or updates.
On day of event, feel free to text or call: 813-442-1615.

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.
Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

Skill Level Definitions
Beginner | Distance: 1–3 miles | Wind Max: 5 mph | Waves: ≤ 1 ft | New to paddling; needs instruction on strokes and boarding. Protected water only.
Novice | Distance: Up to 6 miles | Wind Max: 10 mph | Waves: 1–2 ft | Knows basic strokes; handles kayak independently. Protected water only.
Intermediate | Distance: 6–10 miles | Wind Max: 15 mph | Waves: 1–3 ft | Experienced in varied environments, including open water.
Advanced | Distance: 10+ miles | Wind Max: Any | Waves: 3–5 ft | Seasoned paddler proficient in self-rescue and all conditions.

Paddle Weeki Wachee River from Rogers Park for 8 miles

Wed, Nov 11 · 10:00 AM EST

Rogers park, Weeki Wachee, FL, US

Let's give the Weeki Wachee River 8 miles of love.

This is a scenic, partially shaded paddle with beautiful clear water. We may see alligators, manatees, otters, snakes, and fish along the way in addition to hawks, crows, owls, herons, etc. Alligators generally avoid the 68-72 degree water. The manatees are protected so you can't touch them or swim with them.

We will paddle upstream 4 miles then back down (8 miles total) the Weeki Wachee River. The way up can be a little strenuous depending on the tide, wind, the length of the paddle. And we don't take a break until we get to the 4 mile marker. The way down can be a bit tricky as the current often pushes you toward the sides of the river, into the shallows, bushes, and trees. We may encounter paddlers coming from the opposite direction that need lots of room because they are being pushed. All this means the paddle is a lot of fun especially because we are paddling in the off season.

On this trip, you are welcome to take quick photos but must keep up with the group. This paddle is not intended for beginners.

Rules on the River:

• No disposable items are allowed on the river (so no wrappers, bottles, kleenex, etc). If you get caught, it's typically $50 per container/item and the price can escalate depending on the enforcement zone and context.
• You can swim at Rogers Park ONLY in designated areas, IF you can enter and exit your kayak without disturbing the environment (basically don't touch anything but water). They have big signs along the river letting everyone know where swimming is allowed. It’s a $140 fine if you break the rules and police patrol the river regularly.
• Please read the river riles on the website: https://www.experienceweeki.com/spz

Re parking: Your payment options are by annual parking pass or pay $11 using your phone in the park. You cannot reserve a parking spot in advance.
**https://app.parkmobile.io/zone/start**
**https://www.hernandocounty.us/community-recreation/parks-recreation/rogers-park/**

You need your own kayak or SUP at no rentals are onsite.

Please arrive early, with lots of time to setup. There are bathrooms near the launch. Paddles in the water at 10am.

There are very good restaurant near Rogers Park if anyone wants to grab lunch afterwards.

Items that you may want to bring: plenty of drinking water, snacks, lunch, hat, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, bug repellent, closed toe water shoes, water proof walkie-talkie, PFD and whistle/horn. It's your responsibility to be USCG compliant.

This is a light rain or shine event. You may want to bring a rain poncho if there are sprinkles in the forecast.

My number on the day of the event is 813-713-2492.

I am asking that everyone signs up (no guests) so everyone can agree to the waiver and agree to the following conditions:

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, drowning, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees.

I am not a professional guide but a volunteer for the group that enjoys organizing events for like-minded folks.

🥾11.5 Mile Day Hike 🦌Croom Tract 🦃 Withlacoochee State Forest🌳

Fri, Nov 20 · 8:00 AM EST

Tucker Hill Recreation Area, 26416 County Road 480W,, Brooksville, FL, US

........Everyone has their own favorite hike configuration out here. Mine is the 11.5 mile AB Cross trail loop.
.......We'll meet at Tucker Hill at 7:30 ready to hit the trail at 8:00 am. Water and restrooms are available. There is a $2.00 day use fee that is paid online only.
day use permit
......Bring 2 liters of water/hydration and whatever personal items you need. A ground cloth for sitting during breaks is helpful.
....... This is an 11.5 mile hike. Please be sure you are in excellent physical/ cardio condition so that you will be able to complete this safely and in a timely manner.
........The Tucker Family cemetery is a historical site of interest. There is a sign and trail in the southwest corner of the parking area leading to it in 0.2 mi.
.......I am going to bring a cold drink, snack or lunch for after the hike. Hope you can join me under the big pavilion.

Lenny
813 838 6834
YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.
If you bring a guest who is not currently a member of Suncoast Outdoors, you have assumed such liability for that guest. Your guest is free to join our group and register individually, thereby releasing you from any such liability.
Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees, drowning