A new subchapter of the Florida Trail Association has assembled in one of my favorite getaways, around Lake Okeechobee. Overseen by the Loxahatchee Chapter, this new subchapter is drawing folks from all around the big lake.
Here’s a report of their first get-together and meeting from Betty Loomis, a friend and long-time Florida Trail member from Lakeport.
Inaugural hike
On Feb. 6, 2010, twenty-one people assembled at the trailhead for the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail at the Alvin Ward Boat Ramp and Park, Moore Haven, FL. We set our with a stiff breeze at our backs. Since the weather was cool, the faster hikers moved along at a brisk pace. The slower hikers gradually stretched out into a fairly long line along this paved section of the trail on the top of the levee. Lake Okeechobee along this side appears to be a sea of grass. There are boat channels out to the big lake and the Rim Canal runs along the lake side of the levee. This was to be a short introductory hike. When the faster hikers reached the old brick pump house at 1.4 miles, everyone turned around and faced the wind for the hike back to the beginning. From there, all drove back to the Glades County Historical Society’s Westergaard House where another 12 people joined us for our meeting.
Meeting report
Betty Loomis introduced some of the folks who have been instrumental in organizing and promoting this activity: Margaret England, Hendry/Glades Audubon Society. Patty Register, Owner Gatorama and new concessionaire of Fisheating Creek Campground. Susan Etchey, Free-lance writer. and Mary Rawl, (Florida Paddle Trails ?I think )
Margaret Brabham, Loxahatchee Chapter Chairman, spoke about the FTA organization: it’s beginnings, goals, activities, activity leader requirements, dues, chapters and our proposed sub-chapter of the Loxahatchee Chapter. Bea Rogers, Loxahatchee Chapter Vice Chairman of Trails provided input about trail maintenance and equipment. Mike Owens of Alligator Chapter spoke about the FTA website, www.floridatrail.org. We viewed “The Florida Trail” DVD video.
The group decided to hold meetings on the 4th Tuesday of every month. To get the ball rolling as soon as possible, the next meeting will be held the month on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 PM at this sme location: the Westergaard House at 270 Avenue L, Moore Haven, FL. Officers will need to be selected at that time and a name for the sub-chapter and some activities planned. Betty Loomis plans to lead a hike of approx 5-6 miles in the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area on Saturday, Mar 13 at 8 am from the Fort Center Trailhead. The trailhead is next to the Florida Fish and Widlife office on Banana Grove Road just south of Lakeport Off Hwy 78.
We are very excited about this new group forming in our rural world here! We have so much potential. Anyone who wishes to support our effort is welcome to come and share their hiking enthusiasm and knowledge with us. Many of our new members are also new to hiking in Florida. Camping at Fisheating Creek Campground is an option for travelers from out of the area, or lodging at the nice cabins at Aruba RV Park in Lakeport are very close to our hike location on March 13. If I am contacted, I may be able to locate some free overnight lodging for one or two FTA members as well.