Small Print: 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.  

December 5-7 Koreshan State Park Car Camping and Edison and Ford houses (easy) This is a “crown jewel” of the state park system near Fort Meyers, about 2 ½ hours drive from Miami. A religious group practiced celibacy and therefore dwindled to extinction here. At least they left a neat state park behind! Paddle to an impressive Indian shell mound in the Gulf (rentals available), visit the xmas decorations at Edison's and Ford's houses in Fort Myers, relax by the campfire. Contact Pam or Angie at kayakgirls@yahoo.com

January 23-25 Everglades Camping (easy to moderate) Car camp in the Pinelands, it's the perfect time of year for the Glades. We will camp at Long Pine Key campground, which is about 10 miles inside the main park entrance. No electric, but there are bathrooms (no showers). Paddling possibilities include West Lake to Alligator Creek (you need your own boat for this one, or you have to pay the outfitter to bring a canoe there). Or paddle Nine Mile Pond, a beautiful trail through the grasses; don't know if there are rentals at the put-in, it was hit hard by the storms in 2005. Also plenty of biking, a 15 mile dirt road from the campground or the 26 mile canal levee through the glades to Manatee Bay… Campfire and good company at night. Contact daveb@floridagreatoutdoors.org

February 21 Saturday The INCREDIBLE Swamp Stomp (moderate to strenuous and C/O). Join us for a fascinating hike in Big Cypress; another record crowd last year! It really is beautiful at this time of year, and the bugs are asleep (usually). Conditions vary from year to year -- much of the trail could be under water (almost dry last year). The exact route will be decided on the day of the hike, but will most likely involve a shuttle to Loop Road and a through hike to the Oasis Visitor Center (or maybe vice versa for variety?). Wear footwear you can afford to get muddy (or get $5 sneakers at Payless and toss them at the end of the hike). Bring lunch, sun protection and water; a small piece of plastic to sit on also a good idea. Meet at the Oasis Ranger Station on US41/Tamiami Trail at 8:30 to see the video and arrange the car shuttle. Dave may arrange car pooling, contact DaveF. 954 989 3314 or swampstomperus@gmail.com (be sure to use FLAGO or Swamp Stomp as your subject line or die as spam!)

Trip Designations

Easy/Beginner trips require a minimal amount of skill by anyone in reasonably good health.

Moderate trips require an intermediate level of skill and reasonable stamina.

Strenuous trips require a high level of skill and/or considerable stamina.

* Clothing/Optional (C/O) trips are to wilderness or open water areas where the trip leader may determine that it may be acceptable to be naked.  Nudity is never required, and participants will be advised in advance if this is anticipated. 

See the Florida Car Camping Checklist for information on what to take on our typical camping trips.