WalkingBuddies.com

SEMINOLE - MARCH OF THE MAMMOTHS

Saturday, August 4

NEW EVENT!!!!

A 5/10K Walk to Boca Ciega Millennium Park

HOSTED BY THE SUNCOAST SANDPIPERS

DESCRIPTION

Enjoy a mid-summer morning walk with the Suncoast Sandpipers, a walking club which hosts walks throughout the Tampa Bay area, as they stroll in the trail of ancient mammoths. From HERS, it’s an easy trek (rated 1+ for some rough surfaces) to Boca Ciega Millennium Park where fossils of mammoths, saber toothed tigers and giant sloths were recently found. While the Sandpipers can’t promise fossils, walkers will be able to catch sight of 6 sculptures hidden in the brush along side the park boardwalks. Sorry, no pets! Wheel chairs and strollers can be accommodated.

For more information, contact Alice Lawrence: 727-595-2173 or pipers@tampabay.rr.com.

START LOCATIONS AND TIMES

HERS Exercise & Weight Loss, 12985 Park Blvd., Seminole. You can start the walk anytime between 7:30-8:30 a.m. You will receive written directions to the park and back. Please finish by 11:30 a.m.

FEES

An ash lemon tank top or yellow t-shirt featuring an ancient mammoth is $12 which includes the walk fee. To walk for volkssport credit is $3. To walk only, no shirt or volkssport credit, is $2. Kids 12 and under are free!

REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES

Enjoy fruit and bottled water supplied by the host, HERS, a women’s exercise facility. Registration will be outside so gentlemen are welcome! Rest rooms will be available at HERS and the neighboring Winn Dixie supermarket. After the walk, take a tour of HERS (ladies only), then enjoy breakfast or lunch at the next door Portabella Diner. Participants will receive a coupon good for a soda.

DIRECTIONS

From I-275, take exit 28/Gandy/Park Blvd (SR 694). Head west about 10 miles to the beaches. HERS will be on the right after 125th St. and just prior to the light at 131st St. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF OUR SPONSORS: PARK IN CENTER OR STREETSIDE ROWS.

REGISTRATIONS & RESERVATIONS

Preregistration is not necessary. However, if you’d like a shirt, mail a check for $12 to the Suncoast Sandpipers, P.O. Box 2514, Largo, FL 33779. Indicate whether you want a tank or t-shirt and the size and provide phone number or email address. Orders are needed by July 28, 2007! The Portabello Diner would like a headcount if you’re planning on eating there after the walk.

Please call Alice at 727-595-2173 or email her at pipers@tampabay.rr.com to be included in the headcount.

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Downtown Orlando

Sunday Morning, August 5

Hosted by the Mid-Florida Milers

Year-Round Event

Start address: Orlando Regional Medical Center, 1414 Kuhl Ave., Orlando.

Time: Start any time between 8:00 & 8:45 a.m. This will be a “quick-start” event.

Trail: The walk is on sidewalks in downtown and residential Orlando. View Colonial Town historic area, Lake Eola, and the County Courthouse. The trail is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Pets are allowed if on a leash (though not in the hospital).

Distance: 10K (6 miles); a 5K (3 miles) trail will also be available.

Cost: $3 for IVV/AVA credit; free for non-credit walkers.

Directions: From I-4 take Exit 82A, SR 408, east to the first exit, 10B, Orange Ave. Circle to right and turn left onto Orange Ave. and at the 3d light, turn right on Columbia. See #

From Tampa on eastbound I-4 take Exit 81B, Kaley, turn to right (east) and at Orange Ave. turn left to Columbia; then turn left on Columbia. See # OR From westbound SR 408 exit at Rosalind, turn left to Orange Ave. Turn left and go 5 lights to Columbia and turn right.

#After turn go one block and turn left on Kuhl Ave. Go right on Copeland and turn left into 2nd entrance of parking building. Parking is $3.00. Walk 1/2 block to ORMC hospital main entrance.

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Mt. Dora

Sunday Morning, August 5

Hosted by the Happy Wanderers

Year-Round Event

The Happy Wanderers will host a group walk of their Mt. Dora year-round trail on Sunday, August 5. The walk will start at the Sunshine Mountain Bakery, 115 West Third Ave., Mount Dora, at 9:00 a.m.

Trail: Rising on wooded Terraces to a height of 184 feet above sea level, Mount Dora overlooks Lake Dora. A city of festivals, parks and shops. Mount Dora boasts antique shops, unique restaurants, historic train ride, some of the most lovely and historic buildings in central Florida. Uncut curbs and hilly streets with no sidewalks make this route unsuitable for wheelchairs/strollers.

Directions: Take Exit 101C (SR46) and drive west on North Highland St. in Mt. Dora. Turn right onto N. Highland St. and drive to traffic light at 5th Ave. Turn left onto 5th Ave. and drive 6 blocks to Donnelly St. Turn left onto Donnelly St. and drive 2 blocks to W. Third Ave. Turn right onto W. Third Ave. and Sunshine Mountain Bakery will be on your right. There is a public parking lot down the street from the bakery.

Contact: Marvin Stokes, marvst717@cfl.rr.com 386-788-4026 or 386-871-0506

Website: www.happywanderersfl.org

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Altamonte Springs

Saturday, August 11

Hosted by the Mid-Florida Milers

New Event!!!!!!

Start address: Albertsons parking lot, 503 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs

Time: Start any time between 8:00 & 8:45 a.m.; plan so you can finish by 11:00 a.m. This will be a “quick-start” event.

Trail: The walk is in the Mall area and through the Rolling Hills residential area. Suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Pet permitted on a leash.

Join us at Straub’s Seafood, conveniently located across SR 436 from the walk’s Altamonte Springs start/finish! We’ll gather for our annual meeting/luncheon at 11 a.m., and enjoy a luncheon menu specially prepared for the Milers. Cost is $13.00, which includes tax and tip. Checks may be made payable to Mid-Florida Milers. Please email Jackie your RSVP by August 4.

Distance: 10K (6 miles); a 5K (3 miles) trail will also be available.

Cost: $3 for IVV/AVA credit; free for non-credit walkers.

Directions: From Orlando or Daytona use I-4 to Exit 92, Altamonte Springs. Turn left from Daytona and right from Orlando and proceed through 5-6 lights to Palm Ave. Turn left and then right into Albertsons after the gas station. Look for registration in the Parking Lot. From SR 436 pass Florida Hospital and turn right on Palm Ave to Albertsons.

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Hello Florida Walkers!

I’m sending this special E-News in order to send you the brochure giving all the exciting details about the Walk Around Florida event in Ocala on October 5-7. You won’t want to miss this walking extravaganza called the Ocala Walk Derby.

I’ve attached the brochure as a PDF file of 2 pages. Open the brochure and print it out! You will need Adobe Reader to open the pages.

If you cannot or do want to print the brochure from this message, you can access the brochure at the Suncoast Sandpiper website:

home.tampabay.rr.com/sandpipers/sndpiper.html Click on the 2 pages under Ocala Walk Derby to view each side of the flyer.

Happy Trails,

Letty

Sanlando Park, Altamonte Springs

Saturday, July 14

Hosted by the Mid-Florida Milers

Year-Round Event

Start address: Sanlando Park, 401 W. Highland St., Altamonte Springs

Time: Start any time between 8:30 & 9:15 a.m. This will be a “quick-start” event.

Trail: The walk is on the Seminole Wekiva Trail and in the towns of Altamonte Springs and Longwood. The trail is shaded in many parts and the 15K walk is entirely on the trail. The 10K walk uses the trail and visits the towns’ residential areas. The walk is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Pets are not allowed in Sanlando Park, but can use the trail outside the park.

Distance: 10K (6 miles) or 15K (9 miles); a 5K (3 miles) trail will also be available.

Cost: $3 for IVV/AVA credit; free for non-credit walkers.

Directions:

Altamonte Springs is north of Orlando. From Orlando drive on I-4 East toward Daytona and exit at SR 434, Exit 94. Turn left and then turn left again at the 1st street, Douglas Ave. Drive 0.9 miles to Highland. Turn right and the park is located at the end of West Highland Street.

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DeLand

Sunday Morning, July 15

Hosted by the Happy Wanderers

Year-Round Event

The Happy Wanderers will host a group walk of their DeLand year-round trail on Sunday, July 15. The walk will start at the Volusia County Public Library parking lot, 1300 E. Howry Ave., Deland, at 8:00 a.m. (Register at 7:30 a.m.) The distance is 11K (6 ½ miles).

Trail: This walk winds around the beautifully restored downtown district including the old Athens Theater. It goes through the historic district with many homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places including the old Stetson Mansion. Passes the National Champion Red Cedar Tree estimated to be over 350 years old. Winds through the campus of Stetson University and past the Henry DeLand House.

Directions: From I-4 take Exit 118 and follow road signs to DeLand. Drive approximately 4.3 miles to Amelia Ave. Turn left onto Amelia Ave and drive one block to Howry Ave and drive about two blocks and the Library will be on your left.

Contact: Marvin Stokes, marvst717@cfl.rr.com 386-788-4026 or 386-871-0506

Website: www.happywanderersfl.org

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Central Park II, Ormond Beach

Wednesday Evening, July 18

New Event Hosted by the Happy Wanderers

“Going North for the Summer” Series

Start address: Central Park II, Hammock Lane, Ormond Beach. See the directions below for the walk’s start location.

Time: Register between 5:30 & 6:00 p.m.

Trail: The walk takes you through Central park, past an Indian Burial Mound, and along the banks of the lovely Halifax River and through quiet residential neighborhoods. The route is easy for strollers, some difficulty for wheelchairs. Dogs must be on a leash and picked up after.

Distance: 10K (6 miles); a 5K (3 miles) route will also be available.

Cost: $3 for all walkers.

Directions: From I-95 take Exit 268. Drive east on SR40/Granada Blvd approx 2.8 miles to S. Kings Rd. Turn right onto S. Kings Rd. Drive approx 0.6 mile to Hammock Lane. Turn left onto Hammock Lane and drive short distance to Entrance to Central Park II on your left.

Contact: Marvin Stokes, marvst717@cfl.rr.com 386-788-4026 or 386-871-0506

Website: www.happywanderersfl.org

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Palatlakaha Park, Clermont

Saturday, July 21

Hosted by the Mid-Florida Milers

New Event!!!!!!

Start address: Palatlakaha Park, 1250 12th Street, Clermont.

Time: Start any time between 8:30 & 9:15 a.m. This will be a “quick-start” event.

Trail: Walk on residential streets from Lake Minnehaha to Lake Minneola. It may be difficult for strollers & wheelchairs due to narrow streets. Pets on leash permitted.

Distance: 10K (6 miles); a 5K (3 miles) trail will also be available.

Cost: $3 for IVV/AVA credit; free for non-credit walkers.

Directions: From Orlando use Highway 50, SR 408 (toll) or I-4 to the Turnpike and go north to exit 272, Winter Garden /Clermont. At the Exit turn left (straight if on SR 50) and drive into Clermont, passing US 27, East St, and 5th St to the light at 12th St./ CR 561. Turn left and the park is one block on the right. The start is in the Park, see signs.

Gemini Springs Park, DeBary

Saturday, May 26

Hosted by the Happy Wanderers

New Event – Part of the HW’s

“Going North for the Summer” Series

Start address: 37 Dirksen Dr., DeBary

Time: Start any time between 9:00 a.m. & Noon; plan so you can finish by 3:00 p.m.

Trail: One of Florida’s most lovely county parks with bubbling springs, varied wildlife and lovely flora. Experience part of the new Volusia County Springs to Springs Trail system as you stroll along the new boardwalk. Also visit the majestic DeBary Mansion. Easy for strollers, some difficulty for wheelchairs. Pets must be leashed and picked up after.

Distance: 10K (6 miles); a 5K (3 miles) route will also be available.

Cost: $3 for all walkers.

Lunch will be available for 50 people, first-come-first served. Buy your tickets at the walk.

Directions: From I-4, take Exit 108 (Old 53). Turn right on Dirksen. The park is one mile on the left. From U.S. 17-92, go east on Dirksen, then turn right at the Park Entrance. As you enter park, turn right to parking lot. Park and walk on sidewalk past restrooms and across short footbridge to pavilion #3.

Contact: Marvin Stokes, marvst717@cfl.rr.com 386-788-4026 or 386-871-0506

Website: www.happywanderersfl.org

Little Talbot Island State Park, Jacksonville

Saturday, May 26

Hosted by the First Coast Trail Forgers

Year-Round Event

Start Location: The walk will start at the at the Little Talbot Island State Park’s Ranger Station, 12157 Heckscher Dr., Jacksonville, at 8:45 a.m. (arrive a bit earlier to register) The distance is 10K (6.2 miles). There is an entrance fee into the park.

Trail: The walk is along a well maintained nature trail through the woods and on the wide tidal beach of an Atlantic coastal barrier island. The beach and woods are rarely crowded allowing for a walk in solitude. Restrooms are adjacent to parking area; none located on trail. Insect repellant is recommended. The trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs and pets are not permitted. This walk qualifies for the USA State Parks walking program and the FVA “Walk Florida State Parks” program.

Directions:

FROM I-95 SOUTHBOUND - take exit 362A east on SR 9A. Straight on SR 9A to Heckscher Dr, SR 105. Left on SR 105 and follow it approx 14 miles to where it joins SR A1A. Straight on SR 105/A1A approx 5.2 miles to park entrance. Right into entrance approx .1 mile to ranger station.

I-95 NORTHBOUND - take exit 358A east on SR 105, Heckscher Dr, approx 15.3 miles to where SR 105 joins SR A1A. Straight on SR 105/A1A approx 5.2 miles to park entrance on right. Right into entrance approx .1 mile to ranger station.

Contact: Gordon Lindblom, Eslindblom@aol.com

Website: www.firstcoasttrailforgerswalkingclub.org

YMCA, Port Orange

Sunday Morning, May 27

Hosted by the Happy Wanderers

Year-Round Event

The Happy Wanderers will host a group walk of their Port Orange year-round trail on Sunday, May 27. The walk will start at the YMCA, 4701 City Center Pkwy., Port Orange, at 8:00 a.m. (Register at 7:30 a.m.) The distance is 10K (6.2 miles).

Trail: The trail takes you through the beautiful new campus of Palmer Chiropractic College; around and through the lovely City Center Complex and into quiet, shaded neighborhoods. Loops around Jackson Lake Park and through the historic Sugar Mill Gardens where you may encounter a dinosaur or two as well as the ruins of an old sugar mill and the lovely gardens.

Directions: Drive east on Dunlawton Ave (SR421) to City Center Pkwy (approximately 1.2 miles). Turn left onto City Center Pkwy and drive approximately 0.5 mile to YMCA which will be on your right just past the new Palmer Chiropractic College.

Contact: Marvin Stokes, marvst717@cfl.rr.com 386-788-4026 or 386-871-0506

Website: www.happywanderersfl.org­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Hillsborough River State Park

National Trails Day

June 2, 2007

New Event Sponsored by

Hillsborough River State Park &

Suncoast Sandpipers Volkssport Club

GENERAL INFORMATION: On June 2, 2007, Hillsborough River State Park/ Florida Park Service and the Suncoast Sandpipers invite you to a 5K (3.1 mile) or 10K (6.2 mile) walk in one of the oldest state parks in Florida. The Sandpipers promise to explore the park’s miles of trails to come up with the best possible routes to please everyone. While there, visitors can enjoy picnic areas, pavilions, canoes, biking and the Spirit of the Woods Pool Side Cafe and Gift Shop. An irresistible spot to cool off after the volkswalk will be the ½ acre swimming pool (fee required). Camping is available at one of the 111 campsites. For camping reservations, call toll free: Reserve America

1-800-326-3521. For more information on the walk, contact Alice Lawrence at 727-595-2173/pipers@tampabay.rr.com. For additional information on Hillsborough River State Park, contact the Ranger Station at 813-987-6771.

LOCATION/TIMES: From the entrance (park fee is $4.00 per carload, up to eight people; extra persons are $1.00 per person), drive to parking lot #3. Register at the Recreational Hall. Start walks any time from 8:30-10 AM; finish by 1 PM.

TRAIL DESCRIPTION: Walkers will enjoy a rated 1+ (unpaved surfaces) walk through hammocks of live oaks, sabal palms and hickories which border the scenic Hillsborough River. Sturdy strollers will be ok but not wheelchairs. While water will be available on the route, carrying water (and bug spray) is a good idea!

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY: (http://americanhiking.org/events/ntd/). The Sandpipers look forward to celebrating National Trails Day (NTD). Now in its 15th year, the American Hiking Society’s NTD continues to bring the public to beautiful parks to discover, learn about and celebrate trails and participate in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, workshops and trail work projects. The society and the NTD sponsors provide event hosts with posters, brochures, giveaways and attractive T-shirts at reasonable prices.

FIESTA! The Sandpipers are celebrating National Trails Day with a fiesta. On the menu are tacos, Tex-Mex corn salad, chips & salsa.

Cost is $5. Please pre-register for the lunch.

WALK FEES: A patch commemorating our walk and fiesta in the park is $5 (includes walk and volkssport fees); volkssport credit only is $3; walk only (no patch or volkssport credit) is $2. KIDS WALK FOR FREE! Also for sale are NTD shirts for $10. Call Alice for available shirt sizes.

DIRECTIONS: The park is located at 15402 US 301N, Thonotosassa, 9 miles north of Tampa, 6 miles south of Zephyrhills. From I-75S, take SR 54/exit #279. Left and east 12 miles to Hwy 301. Right and south 6 miles; park is on right. From I-75N, take Fowler Ave (exit #265)

1.7 miles east to Hwy 301; left & north for 9 miles; park is on left. From Pinellas County and Tampa, take I-275N to I-4E to exit 10. Left on CR 579 to US 301 and north 7 miles; park is on left.

REGISTRATION: You need to send a check and order to Suncoast Sandpipers, PO Box 2514, largo FL 33779, by May 26. Pre-registration is not required to participate, but you it’s the best choice if you wish to reserve lunch and/or the award. For more information, contact Alice Lawrence 727-595-2173/pipers@tampabay.rr.com.

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Orlando Lakes

Saturday, June 2

Hosted by the Mid-Florida Milers

Year-Round Event

Start address: Orlando Regional Medical Center, 1414 Kuhl Ave., Orlando.

Time: Start any time between 8:00 & 8:45 a.m. This will be a “quick-start” event, but since it is a year-round trail, you can get the walk-box in the hospital lobby, at the reception desk, any daylight hours.

Trail: Stroll around some of the beautiful lakes of Orlando, including Lake Eola, and view attractive residential areas. The walk is a Cemetery Event and Railroads Heritage Event, so you can enter the walk into those special programs books if you have them. Pets are allowed except in the hospital. Suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Distance: 10K (6 miles); a 5K (3 miles) is also now available.

Cost: $3 for IVV/AVA credit; free for non-credit walkers.

Directions:

From I-4 take Exit 82A, SR 408, east to the first exit, 10B, Orange Ave. Circle to right and turn left onto Orange Ave. and at the 3d light, turn right on Columbia. See #

From Tampa on eastbound I-4 take Exit 81B, Kaley, turn to right (east) and at Orange Ave. turn left to Columbia; then turn left on Columbia. See #

OR From westbound SR 408 exit at Rosalind, turn left to Orange Ave. Turn left and go 5 lights to Columbia and turn right.

# After turn go one block and turn left on Kuhl Ave. Go right on Copeland and turn left into 2nd entrance of parking building. Parking is $3.00. Walk 1/2 block to ORMC hospital main entrance.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - Sat. May 12, 8:45 AM, Atlantic Beach, and Sat. May 26, 8:45 AM, Little Talbot Island. We will have a short meeting at a beach shelter pavilion about 12 Noon after the Little Talbot Island walk .

Please visit the club’s web site at www.firstcoasttrailforgerswalkingclub.org and use the “Member Discount” link to check out the new New Balance Jacksonville web page.

ATLANTIC BEACH

Distance and Trail Rating: 5K & 10K 1+

Start Point Address / Driving Directions: Sea Turtle Inn, 1 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 904-249-7402 From the SOUTH – take I-95 north to J. Turner Butler Blvd, SR 202. Proceed east (right) on Butler to Kernan Blvd. Go north (left) on Kernan to Atlantic Blvd, SR 10. Turn right on Atlantic Blvd. Go approx. 5.8 miles. Free parking is available in a parking lot on the south side of Atlantic Blvd. between East Coast Dr. and 1st St. and in diagonal parking spaces along 1st St. and several other streets in the general area. From the NORTH – take I-95 south to State Road 9A. Proceed east on 9A to the Atlantic Blvd, SR 10 exit. Go east (left) for approx. 9 miles. Free parking is available in a parking lot on the south side of Atlantic Blvd. between East Coast Dr. and 1st St. and in diagonal parking spaces along 1st St. and several other streets in the general area.

Event Description: Daily dawn to dusk. Trail is rated 1+ on paved sidewalks/streets and sandy beach. Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Pets not allowed on the beach. Both the 5K and 10K walks will begin at the oceanfront Sea Turtle Inn. Ask for the special First Coast Trail Forgers room rate. The walk goes through charming residential areas of Atlantic Beach. Five K walkers will then stoll on the beach for the rest of the walk. The 10K walkers will go through the Atlantic Beach Selva Marina area before moving onto the beach,. This area is a delightful change of pace from much of coastal FL. There are hills and massive old trees. Restrooms, restaurants and shops are located in the Town Centre area where the walk begins and ends.

LITTLE TALBOT ISLAND

Distance and Trail Rating: 5K &10K 1+

Start Point Address / Driving Directions: (Ranger Station) 12157 Heckscher Dr., 904-251-2320 FROM I-95 SOUTHBOUND - take exit 362A east on SR 9A. Straight on SR 9A to Heckscher Dr, SR 105. Left on SR 105 and follow it approx 14 miles to where it joins SR A1A. Straight on SR 105/A1A approx 5.2 miles to park entrance. Right into entrance approx .1 mile to ranger station. FROM I-95 NORTHBOUND - take exit 358A east on SR 105, Heckscher Dr, approx 15.3 miles to where SR 105 joins SR A1A. Straight on SR 105/A1A approx 5.2 miles to park entrance on right. Right into entrance approx .1 mile to ranger station.

Event Description: Daily 8AM to sundown. There is a park entrance fee. Trail is rated 1+ and is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Pets are not allowed. Walk is along a well maintained nature trail through the woods and on the wide tidal beach of an Atlantic coastal barrier island. The beach and woods are rarely crowded allowing for a walk in solitude. Restrooms are adjacent to parking area; none located on trail. Insect repellant is recommended. This walk qualifies for the USA State Parks walking program. The final beach portion of this walk should not be attempted at high tide. Go to for tidal info.