Florida Trail Association - Central Florida Chapter

This is a repeat of a trip that we have done for the past several years, which the participants enjoyed. For those who have not kayaked in the Mosquito Lagoon, it is a truly unique environment. At times you feel as though you are in the middle of wilderness, then you come around an island and can see the condos of New Smyrna Beach. As far as navigating, it can also be challenging based on the numerous islands and shallow water depths. It is easy to get lost and end up in a dead end waterway.
We will put in at the Riverbreeze Park kayak launch and boat ramp, cross the inter-coastal waterway and then we will paddle east and north across the lagoon working our way around numerous islands, stopping at one or two of the island campsites for break stops, navigating through part of the shipyard island canoe trail, ending up at JB's Fish Camp restaurant in Bethune Beach where we will have lunch (Grouper Sandwiches?). After filling our bellies we will shove off from JB's and work off our lunch by paddling south to Turtle Mound, which is one of the largest Indian shell mounds in Florida. We will then paddle west back across the lagoon returning to the Riverbreeze Park kayak launch and boat ramp. The day will include 11 to 12 miles of paddling round trip. With the lagoon being flat and exposed, with tidal currents possible and the potential for strong winds with corresponding waves in the shallow bays, this trip is considered moderate and participants should be experienced kayak paddlers, capable of paddling this distance and who have seaworthy boats. This trip will be limited to a total of 12 persons, FTA MEMBERS ONLY.
In early November it will probably be still warm and sunny, and there is little shade, so appropriate clothing and hats is recommended along with sunscreen. Bring plenty of water to drink. You may need to pay a fee to tour Turtle Mound as it is within the Canaveral National Seashore, although for the past several years we beached our kayaks and walked the boardwalk and did not have to pay.

Join the Florida Forest Service and cooperating agencies in our first ever fire fest. Learn about wildfires, the benefits of prescribed burning and the history of Smokey Bear.

Celebrate Smokey's 80th birthday
Meet Smokey
Live Burn Demonstrations
Hands on displays from multiple agencies with fire trucks and equipment
Helicopter demonstration and display
Music, Food, and Videos for the Family !!

Join the Florida Forest Service, FTA, and other agencies to learn about wildfires, the benefits of prescribed burning and the history of Smokey Bear. As part of Fire Fest I will be leading a 2 mile guided hike in Little Big Econ Forest. We will leave from the FTA tent (right next to the bathrooms at the ranger station) at 1:15 or after the noon controlled burn demonstration is completed, whichever is later.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes, carry water, wear sunscreen/hat, and use bug protection. This is an easy hike at an easy pace. Great for inexperienced hikers!

Map of Little Big Econ Forest Hiking: https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/83464/file/Hiking-Trail-Map-LBESF.pdf We will be hiking part of the white trail and some forest roads.