Activity Reviews - Sep ‘05 thru Aug ’06 

Activity reviews written by Chapter members for the 2005 - 2006 activities season starting September 1, 2005.  (Click on the thumbnail photos to see the big picture)

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Annual Tubing Event - July 29 - 30

Well, we did it again; we enjoyed an excellent July 29-30 weekend visiting the Gainesville Museum of Natural History and tubing down the refreshing four-mile Icketuchnee River … and we eagerly awaited the sunset dispersion of thousands of bats from the huge campus bat house.  Amblers Brenda, Annette, Marge, Sheila, Brigita, JoAnn, Bonnie, Mickey, John, and Loxahatchee member Kent joined the excursion.

After stopping briefly at quaint Micanopy for lunch, we delighted in seeing Paine’s Prairie totally festooned in beautiful yellow water lillies. Arriving at the museum which sponsored a large quilt exhibit from people around the state, to our surpirse and pleasure, we discovered the colorful FTA quilt. Many familiar faces and locales appeared before our eyes, so, of course, we posed for pictures in front of the quilt.

Leaving Alachua’s Comfort Inn Sunday morning at 7:30 sharp, the group rented tubes, drove to the north end, and eventually plunged into the crystal clear springs. Really not that cold this year. Perhaps we’re getting used to the 72 degree temperature. River reeds and water lelttuce seemed in more profusion. A momma duck and babies skirted the river’s edge, while egrets, herons, and turtles enjoyed the July sun.

Some of us have gone on this trip three, four, and five years, so the annual event will definitely be a go for 2007.   We missed you, Carol Zangwill!

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Myakka River Camping Trip - April 22 & 23

Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23, 2006 - Four participants accompanied Annette on a wonderful camping trip at Myakka River State Park - met at trailhead for a morning hike to Mossy Campground on the backcountry trail then walked on birdwalk - talked to a very informative ranger about water levels and scoped out lots of birds - then lunch and into the Environeers for shopping, pizza place for supper and fun around the campfire that evening - up for a hike about 10 a.m. to the canopy walk and short trail - a great time had by all - Love those Amblers and the FTA!