Coming Events

Save the Dates 2025:

The Fall season for the Nature Coast Ramblers is in full swing. Mark your calendars for our October and November outings! Details for each event will be sent out separately prior to the event as the Event Announcement becomes available, so check your email and/or Facebook as we get closer to each date for details.

https://sites.google.com/site/naturecoastramblers/home.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/149644361818569/ rambler's hikes bikes and kayaks (or search: Rambler's Hikes Bikes and Kayaks) The Facebook page is open only to members, and if interested, you can send a request to join.

OCTOBER ACTIVITIES:

Paddle: Friday, 10/10 by Joey and Kent Barkhouse at Ozello - John Brown Boat Ramp

Bike: Wednesday, 10/15 by Liz and Jim Hepner at WST-Floral City

Hike: Tuesday, 10/21 by Ruth Venell at Eco Trail/Crystal River

Road Cleanup: N/A

NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES:

NCR Board Meeting: Wednesday, 11/6, at Coastal Region Library

Paddle:

Bike:

Hike:

Road Cleanup:

.................................................................................................................

Event Coordinators:

Paddles - Holly Alexander halex352@gmail.com

Bike Rides - Ben Berauer bfberauer@aol.com

Hiking - Judy LePage raymandjudy@aol.com

..........................................................................................................................................

Nature Coast Ramblers 2025 Election Information:

The Nature Coast Ramblers Vice President - Cathy Proveaux, and Treasurer - Kent Barkhouse, will be retiring from their positions at the end of their terms, effective December 31, 2025.

An election will be held at the Annual December Membership Meeting. Those positions must be filled, so we are reaching out to all members to consider stepping up to fill these 2 vacancies. Interest in or nominations for either of these positions must be submitted no later than November 1, 2025.

This election will take place at the General Membership Meeting in December.

If you have any questions or are interested, please contact the officers listed below.

NCR Vice President

The Vice President's responsibilities include:

Assisting the President and filling in during an absence as needed
Assisting with meeting preparations and obtaining items as needed

For more information, you may contact Cathy Proveaux ,Vice President, by phone at (352) 563 7922 or via e-mail at cproveaux22@gmail.com.

*********************************************************************************************************

NCR Treasurer

The responsibilities of the Treasurer include maintaining records related to the following, and reporting to the Board of Directors and members:

Maintaining all financial books of accounts. Preparing Financial Statement including the Profit and Loss Statement and the Statement of Cash Flow, completion and filing of the IRS Code Form 990 and the Florida Nonprofit Annual Report.
Deposit all revenues received into the NCR Bank account and issue and prepare checks for expenses and reimbursements
Maintaining the Post Office Box to include the rental fee, and retrieving NCR mail.
Processing membership applications and annual renewals
Sending WELCOME LETTERS to new members.

For more information, you may contact Kent Barkhouse,Treasurer, via phone at

(860) 428-2339 or via e-mail at kbarkhouse@sisna.com.

Events

October Events

October Paddle

Joey and Kent Barkhouse are leading the October paddle in Ozello.

Date: Friday October 10

Location: John Brown Boat Ramp. Please park on the road after unloading as the parking in the lot is reserved for vehicles with trailers

Time: Meet at 8:30, launch at 9:00

Directions: from Rte 19, follow Ozello Tr for 5.3 miles to John Brown Dr which is on the left.

Description: Circumventing paddle length 7 miles starting and returning to the John Brown Boat launch.

A few paddling reminders:

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.

Stay with the group: Let the leader lead! If you must depart before the end of the paddle 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.

Also recommended is a First Aid kit and a tow rope.

Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellant

You are responsible for your own safety.

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: Backwater Fins please Indicate whether you will be attending lunch

RSVP: Kent Barkhouse at Kbarkhouse@sisna.com or 860-428-2339

NOTE!

If you are ill, have respiratory symptoms 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.

October Bike

Jim and Liz Hepner are leading the NC Ramblers bicycle ride in October.

Date: Wednesday, October 15

Location: Withlacoochee State Trail, Parking behind Floral City Public Library to Istachatta Post Office, Magnon Avenue (right before the 16 mile marker) 7 miles. Approximately 14 miles round trip.

Time: Meet at 9:30 am and leave at 9:45am

Directions: From US-41 S/N Florida Ave to US-41 S/W Main St. continue to follow US-41, past Ferris Groves on the left, turn left onto E Orange Ave, make a right on S Great Oaks Dr, then make and immediate left and go to parking lot at the Floral City Public Library (8360 E. Orange Ave, Floral City 34436.) Restrooms inside the Public Library.

Description: We will ride a very short distance on Orange street before we start the trail south from Floral City 7 miles to Istachatta Post office (before mile marker 16), roundtrip approximately 14 miles. We will break for 5-10 minutes and turn around.

Lunch: Florida Cracker Shamrock Restaurant, 8343 E Orange Ave, Floral City, FL 34436

Please RSVP if you plan to ride – Liz Hepner, jhepner1@comcast.net, 571-224-6196

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 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.

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.

NOTE!

If you are ill, have respiratory symptoms or have a medical condition that might put you or others at risk, please do not participate in this activity, hopefully you can join us when you have recovered.
https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html