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Summer 2013 President’s Ramblings Some
musings... We seem to be morphing into a more fluid organization.
In the past, both when we charged dues and since we became an
internet organization, we focused mostly on planning and publishing
a calendar of events for the next several months. I personally
tried very hard to make sure we delivered on our schedule, and
didn't capriciously change or cancel events. And for the most
part, interested members signed up and generally showed up or called
to cancel if they couldn't make it. But our world has changed
with the communications revolution, social networking, more options
in the gay world and greater welcoming in the straight world.
Our group has grown to about 650 members, but attendance at our
activities is down. And I find myself, as do our members, less
willing to commit to something far in the future. I find
myself planning only a week or two in advance, and using the Yahoo
mail group rather than a newsletter to communicate events. And
that's okay, I find myself as a curious bystander and wondering how
we will stay relevant. But I still enjoy meeting you and
enjoying some time outdoors together! Any ideas?
That said, we are scheduling a GO Social on Saturday, November 2nd
in Hollywood. Details will be forthcoming, but mark it on your
calendars. It's a great time to discuss upcoming camping
trips, hikes etc. as the cooler weather returns.
A couple of nice trips the past two months. We returned to
Vitambi Springs for Earth Day, and in spite of bad weather 50 people
were there. They're starting to get their act together, and I
liked the vibe of the people who were there... it's not old enough
to have cliques, everyone was friendly and seemed interested in
getting to know each other. I still enjoy CampMars as well,
hope there's enough room for both! We also paddled the
Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, I hadn't been there in years but the
foliage has recovered nicely from the hurricane damage several year
ago.
As always, we are constantly looking for ideas of things to do and
people to coordinate them. You don’t have to be an expert,
just willing to put in a little time researching and organizing an
activity. If you have a suggestion but don’t want to be the
organizer go ahead and send it… perhaps one of us will like the idea
and organize it (but don’t count on it, we’re busy too).
Remember we are now paperless, so if you know someone who is
interested in us make sure they go to our website
www.floridagreatoutdoors.org and click on the Yahoo logo to sign
up to be on our email list. See you in the great outdoors! Dave |
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Upcoming Activities
Summer Boating Day Trips on Biscayne Bay
If you are already on the list, you will be contacted when something
is scheduled. If you are not on the list, watch for
announcements as openings will be posted in either the newsletter or
via a yahoo group email.
November 2nd Evening Social in Hollywood
(easy and fun!) Details to follow, see pictures of past trips
and discuss upcoming activities. Don't be shy, come meet each
other!
Monday Walking Group
Florida Great Outdoors sponsors a walking group with a medium pace
every Monday, 7:30 pm, at Baptist Hospital, 8900 SW 88th Street
(Kendall Drive), on its 0.5-mile walking path around the lake. Meet
at the gazebo at the southeast corner of the lake. Please call or
e-mail Marty with contact information if you expect to participate:
305-299-4837 or
martymiami1@yahoo.com. If it looks like rain, check with Marty
on his cell, 305-299-4837, for current status.
Semi-Impromptu Trips
We expect to have other trips scheduled on short notice. You
have to be in the Yahoo Group (see “Our Website/Yahoo Group” below)
to find out about them, or stay in touch with one of the trip
leaders. Recently we announced a few, including a Mars visit, and
Rapids Water Park.
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Shark Valley biking in the everglades
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Weekends at Campmars or Vitambi
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Past Trip Pics: Vitambi Springs and Loxahatchee River
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Great Outdoors Info Our Website/Yahoo Group Visit us at http://www.floridagreatoutdoors.org/. If you have suggestions or contributions for the site, send them to Bill at webmaster@floridagreatoutdoors.org We also have a Yahoo Group that provides reminders about upcoming trips. Subscribe by visiting: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flago/ Who Are We? This newsletter is a publication of Florida Great Outdoors Association, Inc. (Great Outdoors), and is e-mailed without cost to all members. Great Outdoors is a not-for-profit organization operated entirely by volunteers. The activities sponsored by Great Outdoors are cooperative in nature; individuals participate at their own risk and with the understanding that trip leaders are not experts. Great Outdoors organization, its individual volunteers and members take no responsibility and disclaim any liability for accident or injury associated with its activities. Great Outdoors offers day and overnight trips and social activities for lesbians, gay men and their friends who enjoy camping, biking, walking, kayaking, canoeing and other non-competitive outdoor recreation. Great Outdoors is a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Outdoors Organization (IGLOO) and welcomes members of affiliated groups. The Organization President Dave B. dave@floridagreatoutdoors.org Treasurer Dave F. info@floridagreatoutdoors.org Secretary Peter E. kiwipk@xnet.co.nz Webmaster Bill A. webmaster@floridagreatoutdoors.org IGLOO Coordinator Paulie C. pauliecampbell@gmail.com |
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