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| Who We Are | What We Do | How to Participate | Member Resources | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Join Us |
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Welcome to
the Wilderness Trekkers outdoor organization. We are an
organization built on principles of respect for and enjoyment of the
out of doors. Rivers, spring fed creeks, blackwater tributaries,
forest, and the open space, typically within the Florida Pennisular
area, are the places we plan our adventures. Event Hosts are
the
backbone of our organization and will be your primary contact for each
event that interest you. Our Upcoming Trips are the
activities
of the organization. Please take time to review that list as
it
speaks directly about the types of outdoor events we
provide. Becoming a
member of
the Wilderness Trekker organization allows you to participant in
adventure outtings hosted by experienced leaders. We will
take you
places where the hosts have already organized the trip (the
distances, the intensity, the equipment requirements and camping
sites). As
an organization, we do not have a lot of rules
and regulations; however, the few we have are designed to make Trekker
experiences more pleasant for everyone. It is incumbent upon you
to read and understand the full content of this web page when joining
the Wilderness Trekkers. Outdoor activities are meant to be fun, but
don't assume anything and always be prepared. Please take the
time to read all topics below. If you have any
questions, please ask (as listed
in the Board Members
link). We will be glad to help you.
Most of all – enjoy being a Trekker! |
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To Join
the Wilderness Trekkers organization, please click on the membership
form link, fill it out and mail it to the address written in the top of
the form.
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WT Activities. Outdoor
activities that are both educational and recreational are scheduled
regularly. Some
trips require reservations while others do not. Because our
trips fill up quickly, be sure to sign up early to avoid
disappointment. Some trips are designated as
“members
only”. Guests are permitted on trips that are
designated by
the host as “members and their invited guest” or
“open to the public”. Non-members may
attend two
trips – after that we ask that they join WT to continue
enjoying
activities. Please read the trip information carefully before signing
up to attend an event. It is recommended that if this is your
first overnight trip with the organization, you should contact the host
directly and introduce yourself. Ask questions, especially
about
intensity and contigencies. |
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Fitness considerations.
Trips are rated as leisure
(a short hike or paddle with average
conditions) , moderate
(a hike or paddle of 7-12 miles with more
challenging terrain or current) or strenuous
(a hike or paddle
exceeding 12 miles with a challenging environment requiring solid
skills). If you have any concerns please discuss them with
the
trip host before attending. Wind conditions can adversely
affect any water or cycling sport, and could
increase the difficulty of the trip. Stay in tuned with the
weather conditions and decide appropriately for your abilities.
Remember, the objective is to have an enjoyable time.
A
host has the right to cancel a trip due to inclement weather. |
| Nurishment considerations.
For day events of any type, at least bring 2 Quarts of water.
Sport drinks that replenish nutrients are a good supplement.
Hydrate before the event starts so you don't wear down too soon,
especially if the activity does not plan to have an initial stop for
some distance. During a mid-day event, you should bring a lunch
and/or snacks. Dried fruit, nuts, powerbars, and a wide
assortment of grain bars are ideal. For overnight backcountry
events, it is best to contact other members if you are a novice. There
are so many variables and it would be best to speak to an experience
hiker or paddler. In fact, it is a requirement that you speak to the
Event Host if this is your first overnight event. Explore our
Gear List page for some basic ideas |
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Safety.
Paddling trips require a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and a noise
maker such as a whistle or air horn. These are Coastguard and State
requirements
and individuals will be responsible for this knowledge and there
possession. Make sure if your are borrowing or
renting
canoes/kayaks, that these items are to be included. Bike
riders require
helmets and riders cannot have headphones or ear buds while riding.
The
Wilderness Trekker organization will host safety events for kayaking or
canoeing. Please take the time to participate in these events
when they are scheduled. For Your Safety!
ALWAYS let a trip host know if you have any concerns about an upcoming trip—call or email. ALWAYS be honest about your skill level and experience. ALWAYS let the Host know that you have a new kayak or new hiking boots or a new tent and aren’t totally comfortable yet. ALWAYS ask for advice on how to pack for your first overnight paddling trip or backpacking trip, hike or bike. Wilderness Trekkers welcomes novices on appropriate trips— be sure not to get in over your head! |
| Be
considerate to the hosts.
When indicated on the trip details, RSVP the host as soon as
possible. The host will reply back promptly that you have
been
placed on their roster. They will also contact you a few days
before the trip, typically via email, just to ensure you that all is
still on schedule and the note will probably include addition information
about the trip. If you cannot make the trip for which you
signed
up for, please contact the host as soon as you know because it could
mean that when there are limited slots, additional people might be able
to join. Under all RSVP circumstances, please contact the
host when
you cannot come; even if it is the same morning of the event.
That courtesy goes along way in helping the host continue
their
event without undue concern of leaving someone behind. Be punctual –
start times are listed. You are responsible for yourself
–
please provide your own gear, essentials and equipment and ensure that
you have spent some time prior to the trip ensuring your equipment is
in
working order. The trip
host has the right to deny anyone participation in an activity where
your preparation, skill level or physical condition would pose a
concern to you or other participants or jeopardize the successful and
safe conduct of the activity. |
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Communication.
Modes of communication among WT members include email, this website (www.wilderness-trekkers.org) and for those that want to pay the extra $3.00, an bi-monthly events list.
The website includes all organization information, activities schedule, Board
member information, past activites, special links and the Message
Center. Our Message Center is used for communications among
members, including updates from trip hosts, searches for trip partners,
buying and selling gear, impromptu trips and trip reports.
Make sure you check it out – it’s a great way to
keep in touch with the club and other members.
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| State Parks. For overnight events that involve State
Campgrounds,
typically you are personally responsible for making your reservation
with that
campground unless otherwise stated in the event write-up.
Keep in
mind that Florida
State Parks fill-up very fast on the weekends. If you
wait even as much as 5 or 6 weeks
before the event, you might be too late. Reserve as soon as
you
think the event interests you.
Keep in mind that Florida State Parks allow 2 tents and 2
vehicles per site, so share when you can. Sometimes, Wilderness
Trekkers will use the facility's group camping. In those cases,
typically, you will work directly with the Host Leader for your
reservation. But even so, group areas still has a capacity limit;
hence, make your arrangements early.
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Event Costs.
WT is a not-for-profit organization. Unless otherwise stated,
all WT events are free except for individual use costs such as equipment
rental, park fees, launch fees, shuttle fees, etc. NO member
financially profits from events hosted by WT. Profit events
sponsored by individuals or organizations may appear in the newsletter
as paid advertisements. |
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Member Directory.
The directory lists current members, their addresses, phone numbers and
email addresses. It is available to current members upon
request. Under no circumstances is the directory to
be used for solicitation of any kind. If you receive a
solicitation and think it came from this list, please contact the
President or another Board Member immediately.
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Volunteer!
We are always looking for people who are interested in hosting an event
or teaching a skill. If you are interested, contact the
Activities Director. Wilderness Trekkers encourages
participation
by members in the management of the organization. Let a Board
Member know if you are interested in sharing a skill, conducting a
seminar or workshop or serving on our Board. We welcome your
help, participation and new ideas. At the same time we want
our
event host to be experienced and prepared. Please read the
Event
Hosting details for those requirements. |
| Prohibitions.
For the comfort and safety of others, jet skis, outboard
motors, firearms, radios or TV’s are not permitted on WT
events. Pets are not permitted at WT events except with the
express permission of the trip host. The exception is working
guide dogs. As a courtesy to others experiencing the wilderness during the event, no
public display of cell phone conversations beyond emergency or event
organizational situations should be endured by fellow trekkers. |