Ramblers' group trip
Marie, Sally and Buffy did some research to find a location for a Ramblers' group trip the last week of April 2019. After visiting it, we recommend the "Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort" in Mayo, FL, about 1.5 hours north of Citrus County. It has something for everyone. They have 236 full-service RV sites, 49 camping sites (half of which have water and electric), and 9 unique, in-door accommodations that sleep between 2 and 10 people each. It is pet friendly, so you can bring your dog along. The term "resort" might lead you to think up-scale, but it is not. In fact, it is hard to summarize this place.
https://www.suwanneeriverrendezvous.com/ 386-294-2510
It is a privately owned, sort of "old Florida" vacation location on the Suwannee River with many available activities including a cook shack for meals, a lodge, pavilions, canoe/kayak rentals with shuttles available, bike trail, swimming pool, natural spring, bingo, karaoke, trivia, pigeon racing, RC racing, fishing (no fishing license needed for the 'catch and release pond'), dog park, agility course, and more. They have live music on the last Saturday night, too. As you can see, there is plenty for you to do, or just lay back and relax.
Although you may choose to arrive sooner and/or depart later than April 26, 27, 28, we selected Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the 'core dates' because several resort activities occur only on weekends. We propose: a Friday night meet and greet with everyone bringing a drink and appetizer or dessert; a bike ride one day; and a kayak paddle with a shuttle another day; and maybe a pot-luck dinner, too.
The prices seem quite reasonable and vary among the many different types of accommodations; read the lodging rates page. We were told that getting a reservation should not be a problem; however, booking early tends to get best choices.
If you are seriously interested, please respond to this message so we have an idea who and how many will go.
We will post pictures and more information on Facebook, and you can ask us questions which we will try to answer.
April bike
Bike: McGregor Smith Scout Reservation
Date: April 11, 2019
Time: meet 9:15 start 9:30
Leader: Dean and Anita Dolbeck
Dean and Anita Dolbeck will lead the April bike ride.
Date: April 11, 2019
Start time: 9:30 a.m. (meet at 9:15)
Location: McGregor Smith Scout Reservation, 12650 E. Boy Scout Road, Inverness, FL
Directions: From Inverness travel east on Rte. 44 until about ½ mile west of the Withlacoochee River. (about 4 to 6 miles) Turn right onto Boy Scout Road. The entrance is about ½ mile in.
The ride is about 12 miles round trip of easy riding packed shell road. Lunch plans can be determined after the ride. Remember to bring water and a snack if you wish.
Please RSVP at adolbeck@tampabay.rr.com or (352) 322-7419, text or phone so we can contact you in case of a bad weather situation that may occur. This cell phone can also be used to notify us in case you must cancel on the day of the ride. Looking forward to seeing you all.
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. While riding the trail,stay to the right and let other riders know when passing on the left. Guests may accompany members to an event once and should be encouraged to join the Ramblers if they wish to continue to participate in our events. Please let the Leader know in advance.
April hike
Hike:
Date:
Leader:
Meet:
Guests may accompany members to an event once and should be encouraged to join the Ramblers if they wish to continue to participate in our events. Please let the Leader know in advance.
April paddle
Paddle: Crystal Cove to Crystal River/Salt River
Date: April 30th
Meet: at 9:15 for 9:30 am launch
Leader: Ruth Venell
Lunch: Crab Plant 201 NW 5th St., Crystal River
Ruth Venell will lead the April 30th paddle on Crystal Cove to Crystal River/Salt River
We will paddle down to the Mullet Hole and over to Crystal River, loop around and return.
Meet at 9:15 for 9:30 am
Launch Point: Crystal River Watersports , 2380 N. Suncoast Blvd (launch site is behind the Days Inn on NW12th Ave)
Directions: From Inverness, take Gulf to Lake Highway (44) to Suncoast Blvd (19/98), turn right to go North towards Inglis. Travel north approximately 2.3 miles to State Park Drive. Turn left onto State Park Drive. (Days Inn is on the southwest corner of the intersection.) The launch site is behind the Days Inn. CRWatersports has waived launch fees for us so there is no charge. You may launch from the floating dock or the ramp; the ramp is pretty steep and can be slippery.
Lunch: Optional lunch at Crab Plant 201 NW 5th St., Crystal River
RSVP if you plan to attend
Ruth Venell rvenell@gmail.com
RSVP'ing the leader is very important for paddling events. This allows the Trip Leader to plan for groups larger than 15 boats, notify participants of parking issues, weather concerns and/or cancellation.
Guests may accompany members to an event once and should be encouraged to join the Ramblers if they wish to continue to participate in our events. Please let the Leader know in advance.
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.
A few paddling reminders:
Required safety gear:
PFD and communication device (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 repellent
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.
Stay with the group: Let the leader lead, stay with the group, and let the Leader or Sweep know if you depart before the end of the paddle.