Florida Trail Association



Amblers Meet at the Bass Pro Shop

Alligator Amblers meetings are the third Thursday of each month. Unless otherwise noted they will meet at the Bass Pro Shop (Alico and I-75) meeting room –second floor – social hour 6:30pm and meeting at 7pm. Please plan to attend. Summer’s are dinner meetings so be sure to call to find out about the dinner arrangements. For information call JoAnn Luce at 239-495-7644

Bass Pro Shop – A great place to SHOP!

Think Green

Ideas for thinking green:

Ready to buy a new computer? Check with the company to see whether they have recycling initiatives for your old computer. Apple will pick up your old computer regardless of the manufacturer. Dell has some recycling initiatives too. Many other companies may as well. You can also opt to contact the National Cristina Foundation who will pick up your old computer and deliver it to the doorstep of an economically disadvantaged person in your community.

Drink coffee??? Consider drinking “fair trade certified” coffee. This ensures that the farmers were compensated fairly and worked under humane conditions. Many of these coffees are organically produced as well.

Ladybugs – can consume 50 plant eating aphids daily or up to 5,000 during their lifetime. These cute little critters can help save us from pesticides.

Spider plants combat indoor pollution by absorbing toxic chemicals released by cleaning products, furnishings and fabrics.

And finally, give thought to buying organically produced foods and bio-degradable cleaning products.

NRDC is the Natural Resources Defense Council whose members and activists make it their mission to protect the environment and preserve our natural resources. Check them out at

The above information was taken from SHAPE magazine, April 2007, article “it is easy being green” by Bari Nan Cohen

Activities

 

 

Saturday and Sunday, July 28 & 29 -- Annual tubing and museum visit -- lunch in quaint Miconopy, visit the Museum of Natural History, Gainesville Campus and Hart Museum of Art -- for reservations for overnight, call Comfort Inn, Alachua (386) 462 2414 -- Sunday drift 4 miles on the pristine Ickatuchnee River -- FTA members only -- moderate -- reservations required. Please call JoAnn Luce 239 495 7644

Sunday, August 12 -- Canoe/kayak on the Braden River, Bradenton -- this trip is 8 miles out and return -- a lovely break from civilization -- lunch in local no frills restaurant if desired -- no rentals available -- must have own equipment -- FTA members only -- moderate -- reservations required. Please call Frank Grieco 239 246 0259 fair325@

 

Thursday, August 16 -- Alligator Amblers Get-Together -- RSVP JoAnn Luce 239 495 7644

 

Saturday, September 8 -- Bike Ride from Monroe Station, Big Cypress Preserve -- this bike ride is on gravel/dirt road -- approx 7 miles -- lunch -- must have knob tires -- FTA members only -- moderate -- reservations required. Please call Frank Grieco 239 246 0259 fair325@

 

Thursday, September 20 -- Alligator Amblers Monthly Meeting – 6:30 social; 7:00 meeting at the Bass Pro Shop, 10040 Gulf View Centre Drive, Fort Myers. For info call JoAnn Luce 239 495 7644

 

Saturday, September 22 -- Canoe/kayak on the Myakka River from Snook Haven -- paddle up river and return -- approx. 8 miles -- rental canoes available -- lunch at local restaurant if interested -- public invited -- moderate -- reservations required. Please call Frank Grieco 239 246 0259 fair325@

 

Saturday, October 13 -- Canoe/kayak Upper Prairie Creek -- this paddle will take us through some of pristine Florida -- trip is approx. 8 miles out and back -- lunch break -- possible shuttle involved -- no rentals available -- need own equipment -- FTA members only -- moderate -- reservations required. Please call Frank Grieco 239 246 0259 fair325@

 

Wednesday, October 17 -- Bike Ride at Bear Island, Big Cypress Preserve on dirt and gravel roads -- need to have knob tires -- see remains of old oil wells -- stop for lunch -- trip approx. 10 miles -- FTA members only -- moderate -- reservations required. Please call Frank Grieco 239 246 0259 fair325@

 

Thursday. October 18 -- Alligator Amblers Monthly Meeting – 6:30 social; 7:00 meeting at the Bass Pro Shop, 10040 Gulf View Centre Drive, Fort Myers , For information call JoAnn Luce 239 495 7644

 

Saturday, October 27 -- Canoe/kayak on the Myakka River, Carleton Preserve -- this trip is approx. 8 miles out and back -- bring a snack and water -- lunch at Snook Haven -- portage of about 100 yards to get to put in -- no rentals -- need own equipment -- FTA members only -- moderate -- reservations required. Please call Frank Grieco 239 246 0259

 

Friday, November 2 thru Sunday, November 4 -- South Regional Conference -- Riverside Retreat, Alva, FL. See the front page for more details.

 

Friday, November 9 thru Monday, November 12 -- car camping/biking/hiking at Paynes Prairie State Park, Gainesville -- Camping at the Park -- bike ride on Gainesville/Hawthorne Trail -- hike at San Felasko Preserve -- visit FTA office -- reserve campsite in advance -- fee -- FTA members only -- leisure -- reservations required. Please call Annette Coughlin 239 751 1665 hdcap6@

 

Thursday. November 15 -- Alligator Amblers Monthly Meeting – 6:30 social; 7:00 meeting at the Bass Pro Shop, 10040 Gulf View Centre Drive, Fort Myers. For information call JoAnn Luce 239 495 7644  

Saturday, November 17 -- Interpretive Walk on Caloosa Heritage Trail built by the Caloosa Indians --

visit the Centre -- see how they lived and see the shell mounds they made -- public invited -- leisure -- reservations required. Please call Frank Grieco 239 246 0259 fair325@

 

Sunday, November 18 -- Day hike on elevated tram road at the Bird Rookery Swamp Loop, Naples (CREW managed) -- hike on newly opened tram trail in Bird Rookery Swamp Loop -- see wilderness Florida -- birds, flowers and natural vegetation -- bring water, bug spray, sun screen and a sense of discovery -- public invited -- moderate -- reservations required. Please call JoAnn Luce 239 495 7644

 

Tuesday, November 20 -- Bike Ride on the trails of Sanibel Island -- stop for lunch in an island restaurant -- bike some more -- approximately 15 miles -- bridge toll of $6.00 -- FTA members only -- leisure -- reservations required. Please call Pat Hastings 239 466 5389 pathastings@

 

Thursday, November 22 thru Saturday, November 24 -- car camping/hiking/biking -- Thanksgiving at the Park -- bring a dish to pass -- enjoy BBQ and beautiful park -- camp Thursday and Friday nights or join us on Friday or Saturday for hiking and biking -- reserve campsite in advance -- fee -- FTA members only -- leisure -- reservations required. Please call Annette Coughlin 239 731 1665 hdcap6@

 

Monday, November 26 thru Wednesday, November 28 -- Camp/hike/paddle at Caloosahatchee Regional Park and Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park -- Monday hike the north trails of Caloosahatchee Park in the morning and the south trails in the afternoon -- campfire in the evening. Tuesday paddle to Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park for a hike -- campfire in the evening. Wednesday early morning bird walk and then paddle on the Caloosahatchee River and explore creeks -- join us for all 3 days or 1 or 2 days of your choice -- FTA members only -- hiking leisure -- paddling moderate -- reservations required. Please call Co-leader Pat Hastings 239 466 5389 pathastings@ or

Co-Leader Mickey Miller 239 482 6250 mcmiller@

 

Sunday, December 2 thru Wednesday, December 5 -- Camping, biking, paddling, hiking, swimming, shelling at Fort DeSoto Park, near St. Petersburg and possible bike ride on the Pinellas Trail -- four full days of activities -- FTA members only -- leisure -- reservations required. Please call Pat Hastings

239 466 5389 pathastings@

NOTE: Volunteer hours are due by the 12th of each month. Please mark your calendars and report hours to Jackie Kelley at:

kelleyje@ or 239-246-1170

A couple summer activity reviews taken from our website

Prairie/Shell Creek - Jul 8

Seven adventurous kayakers and one canoeist Chris, Barbara, Jim, Roger, Len, John, Steve (our newest member) and myself put into the creek for an 8 mile paddle out and back under a clear sky that later turned to a cloudy gray and then some rain showers which helped to cool the day off. It was a great paddle from start to finish.  A stop for lunch also let several of us cool off by getting wet. Follow up trips to these creeks are on our agenda. Submitted by Frank

Webb Lake Bike - Jun 16

This 10 mile bike ride took us down a winding road along the shore of Webb Lake and back to our starting point. We stopped for lunch and energizers and decided whether to continue up toward gun range. Several of us did but turned around as sun was a bit too much for comfort.  We will do that ride later in the year.  There were 12 bikers who signed on. Michael, Sheila, Annette, Brandon, John, Elaine (who is working toward becoming an activity leader) who assisted me.  We had several guests who also biked with us, John, Angela, Stephen, Don and Laura who both write columns for the News Press.  A wonderful day and great group.  Submitted by Frank

Facts you may find interesting

Eat Right, Spend Less: New finding- Americans who eat six to ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables spend about $2,000 less on health-care expenses annually than those who eat less of these foods…and if everyone ate six to ten servings daily, cases of heart disease could drop by about 30%. From Bottom Line Health, June 2007.

Energy-saving fluorescent lightbulb eliminates odors, too. The OZONElite bulb has a life of up to 6,000 hours, several times longer than a conventional bulb. Moreover, the bulbs are coated with titanium dioxide, which has been tested in medical research settings and has been shown to reduce odors by eliminating airborne bacteria, pathogens and smoke. Excellent for kitchen use over or near a stove.

From Bottom Line Retirement, June 2006.

Hydration: When should you increase your water intake??

During exercise – it takes two to three cups of fluid to replace water lost in an hour of light to moderate exercise

In very hot weather – Perspiration removes water from your body, requiring replenishing

To prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones

When you are sick – fever, vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration

When constipated – water adds moisture to the large intestine. Laxatives can cause dehydration requiring replenishment of fluids.

From Philip Ainslie, PhD, department of physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

Lightning Protection:

Living in Florida we come in contact with lightning frequently, especially this time of the year. Here is some information I found in Bottom Line Retirement, July 2007, who had taken the information from NOAA lightningsafety.

When you see a flash, count the seconds until you hear thunder – if the number is less than 30, the storm is less than six miles away and you should seek shelter immediately. Avoid open areas – patios, tents, carports, etc. Don’t stand under tall trees or powerlines. If you are in the open and can’t get to shelter, crouch down with your feet together and stay twice as far from the nearest tree as the tree is tall. Lightning can strike indoors too – the leading cause of injuries from lightning indoors is the fixed-wire telephone. Use a cordless or cell phone during storms.

Cancer-fighting Foods

Karen Collins, RD, American Institute for Cancer Research in an interview with Bottom Line Health states that 10% of all cancers are due to genetics. The remaining 90% are related to diet, weight and exercise…smoking…and/or environmental factors. She suggests eating a combination of cancer fighting foods in order to inhibit the cellular damage that leads to cancer. Here are some foods suggested:

Black beans – high in protein and high in the cancer fighting compound phytic acid. They are also rich in fiber and saponins (a chemical that reduces the ability of cancer cells to proliferate). Red beans, red kidney beans, pinto beans and garbonzo beans are also good.

Blueberries – rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants (chemical compounds that protect cells from free radicals). Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and cranberries were also mentioned.

Broccoli – rich in isothiocyanates (phytochemicals that reduce the risk of some cancers). Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale are also suggested.

Garlic – which contains allyl sulfides, phytochemicals not found in most other foods.

Walnuts – rich in omega-3 and fiber. Other cancer fighting nuts include Almonds and hazelnuts.

Whole-grain breads – high in fiber. Whole grains are higher in antioxidant vitamins. When buying whole grain breads make sure that whole grain is listed first, such as whole wheat or whole rye.

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Florida Trail Association

Alligator Amblers Chapter

9962 Boca Ave North

Naples, FL 34109

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“FOOTPATH”

Alligator Amblers’ Chapter

of the Florida Trail Association

amblers.

[pic]

July 2007

Summer is upon us and the Alligator Amblers have lots of activities to enjoy during these hot months. As you might imagine, many of these activities involve water or biking to keep cool and get a breeze.

As I was looking through our activities for the rest of the year, I realize what an active and involved group of members we have. There’s biking, hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, interpretive walks, museum visits and much more.

November 2-4 will find many of us enjoying the 2007 South Regional Conference hosted by the Happy Hoofers and held at Riverside Retreat in Alva, between Fort Myers and LaBelle off SR 80. (Does this sound familiar? This is the same location the Alligator Amblers hosted the 2005 conference in 2006. And did we have fun!!!)

Featured speakers include Dan Cotter of the South Florida Water Management District; Mike Owen, biologist (and ghost orchid expert) from Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park; and Tampa Tribune reporter and Florida Trail thru-hiker Mike DeWitt. All are very entertaining speakers.

Activities include hiking, conditioning with Jazzercise, Atlantic Coast kayak demo, contra dancing, and more! Join us for a great weekend of camping and camaraderie.

Registration is only $12 per person, with camping options ranging from tent camping ($4 per night) to RV with full hookup ($20 per night) or shared bunkhouse ($15 per night). Hot meals available!

A registration form will be posted soon and will be published in the Sep-Oct edition of the Florida Trail Footprint. For more information, contact Candy Retter or Esther Murnam.

We are still in need of a volunteer to take over as Chairperson for the Alligator Amblers and also someone for Newsletter Editor.

We hope to see you at the many activities available as well as at the South Regional Conference in November.

Happy Trails,

Betty Wilson

Newsletter Editor

Officers and Committee Chairs

Chairperson – Please volunteer.

Vice Chair – Jean Bub

239-263-3341

jbubwm@

Secretary – Carol Rose

239-592-9215

RCRose22@

Treasurer – Len Shivok

239-498-6657

LenHanna@

Member-at-Large

- Karen O’Neil

239-947-0962

sunbonita@

Past Chair & Historian

JoAnn Luce

239-495-7644

jlhikealong@worldnet.

Publicity – Jean Bub

239-263-3341

jbubwm@

Membership - Frank Grieco

239-945-3336

f9340@

Trails Coordinator- Brenda Carneri

239-594-0401

bkcscuba@

Activities - Pat Hastings

239-466-5389 (winter)

705-322-2184(summer-Canada)

pathastings@

Footpath - Betty Wilson

239-598-9490

wilgoson@

Webmaster-Michael Owens

239-671-5309

nechochwin@

Welcome

We’d like to welcome our new and returning members and hope that you will join us at the meetings and activities.

Joshua Gleason Ft Myers

Lynn Mitchell  Ft. Myers

Dennis Rehak  N. Ft Myers   

Elaine Seaman Lehigh Acres

Charles Adams Cape Coral

Jacqueline Mean Bonita Springs

Gary Douglas Naples

James Nici Naples

Roger Clark Ft. Myers

Adam Mueller Ft. Myers

John Riley Estero

Check out the website at:

amblers.

There’s lots of great information about upcoming activities as well as the reviews of past activities, photos and much more. Check it out!

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