published: Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Florida Trail Association - Heartland

Chapter December Activities

Special to the News-Sun

Saturday, Dec. 1

Backpacking 101 Course at the Circle B Bar Preserve, SR 540 (Winter Lake Road), Lakeland

Learn the essentials necessary to go on any type of backpacking trip from day hike, overnight or multi-day trips.

Bring a notebook, pen and any backpacking equipment you want to review with our instructor, Dave Waldrop.

Contact Waldrop at 863-605-3587, or email david_lwfl@yahoo.com for meet-up time and other details.

Saturday, Dec. 8

A downtown Lakeland walking tour.

We will meet for a light dinner or sandwich at The Chop Shop and then a walking tour of downtown Lakeland's Christmas decorations and historic sites.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring warm hat, gloves, etc., for the walk and money to purchase dinner.

Contact Ken Williams at (863) 602-5185, or email dec1966@aol.com for meet-up time and other details.

Saturday, Dec. 15

Day Hike (and/or camp overnight in the park's campground Fri-Sun by reserving your own site), at Lake Kissimmee State Park.

A beautiful park with a cow camp where old-time relics are on display, an old timer to tell stories of years gone by and an observation tower on the lake.

Bring water, snacks and lunch, sun and insect protection for hiking.

Note: RSVP for hiking to Betty Piper at 863-293-3053 or email bpiper2005@aol.com for meet-up time and other details.

If camping (tent or RV), make a reservation at ReserveAmerica.com, and RSVP to Teresa Newgent at (813) 882-9558, or email newgt7@yahoo.com.

Bring a dish for the pot luck dinner on Saturday evening, and a gag gift for the gift exchange if you wish to participate.

Friday-Saturday,

Dec. 29-30

Overnight Backpacking Trip at the Arbuckle portion of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest.

This is a follow-up to the Backpacking 101 Course held on Dec. 1 and is only those who have completed the Backpacking 101 Course or those who have had previous backpacking experience.

The trail leads through moderately rolling hills with pine forests, prairies, wetlands, scrub and marshy lakeshore along the west side of Lake Arbuckle.

Bring backpacking equipment, hiking shoes, brimmed hat, water, snacks, lunch, sun and insect protection.

Contact David Waldrop at 863-605-3587 for meet-up time and other details.