Trip report

Florida GO Gathering

Camping DATE: 01/13/2017 - 01/16/2017

Trip/Event Location: Clewiston, FL
US

Trip Leader(s): JPHiker

Max # People: 100

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: Yes, but only to cover shared expenses, and I too am paying

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Florida GO Gathering MLK Weekend 2017

Looking for a fun winter getaway with outdoor oriented gay men, then check out our third annual Florida Gay Outdoors camping adventure over the MLK weekend in

...
Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

Check the Vitambi Springs website for driving directions from all points in Florida:  www.vitambi.com


Trip Report/Photos
Featured Photo

The Third Florida GO Gathering proved to be a charm.  Perfect weather, and a wonderful group of people made for a memorable weekend for GO members in Florida.  Approximately 25 to 30 GO members gathered at Vitambi Springs, a gay owned campground in the Florida glades region south of Lake Okeechobee.  A wide array of organized and unorganized activities provided ongoing opportunites for adventures in the outdoor subtropical paradise that south Florida can provide in winter.  This Florida GO Gathering was a great success due to the wonderful participation of so many people at every step of the way.  It is always difficult to acknowledge everyone by name, when so many contributed so much, but we do have to thank Ron for organizing two great adventures at Archbold Nature Center and at Fisheating Creek.  At the Archbold Center we had a wonderful guided tour of the facilities, which taught us all to appreciate the barren looking landscape of Florida's scrub land.  Kayaking at Fisheating Creek was a relaxing excursion, made even more so by Ron's expert direction.  We should give him special thanks for taking time out before we got into the water, to offer instructions on proper kayaking safety and techniques to those of us who had never paddled, or were a bit rusty.  And, of course, we also need to thank Albert, the gator, who proved quite photogenic and provided more than a few exciting photo-bomb opportunities, though we also must acknowledge that some of the GO members from up north, who had never seen a live gator before, were very much taken aback by Albert's presence.

Other activities were just as exciting and interesting, such as the birdwatch tour of the STA5 restored wetland, led by an expert Audubon Society of the Everglades officer; a short hike along the shore of Lake Okeechobee; hiking along Fisheating Cree; the hay ride on the grounds of Vitambi Springs; and of course, the super relaxing time spent at the clothing optional Vitambi pool.  Much thanks go to the staff at Vitambi that provided great meals, and an attention to detail that made for a stress free environment.  Last, but not least, much thanks go to all GO members who selflessly stepped forward to provide for a fun packed weekend:  Dennis and Virgin, who took it upon themselves to purchase good firewood (and ice) for a memorable campfire at Tamaho Mesa on Sunday evening; to Roger, Greg, and Ed, who entertained us with disco music around the campfire (sans the disco ball); to the unknown angels who showed up with munchies, beer, and wine to keep our spirits up; to Dennis, again, for voluteering as fire marshall, and staying up to the bitter end to ensure our safety, as the rest of us slept; and of course all of you for being so spirited and entertaining throughout the weekend.

  There are 19 photos in Album (Note: Move mouse pointer over larger pic and click on NEXT for better viewing)

Members That Participated

JPHiker

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Lake Worth Beach, FL


United States
smithdj66

Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate


Morgantown, WV


United States
shredmann61

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Venice, FL


United States
Deltons465

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Sarasota, FL


United States
emsinjp

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Jamaica Plain, MA


United States
vwgreg

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Enfield, CT


United States
guest member
bithlojoe

Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy


Lakeland, FL


United States
Huskyjack

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Tiverton, RI


United States
doc

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate


Sarasota, FL


United States
wmasshiker

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Northampton, MA


United States
guest member
floridaoutdoors

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


fort lauderdale, FL


United States
joepny654

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Schenectady, NY


United States
BuckO

Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous


Jackson, WY


United States
<
Hiking, backpacking, camping or vacation adventures, GayOutdoors [GO] has been the LGBTQ outdoorzy community leader for the last 22 years. We are an informal group of diverse hiking enthusiasts in the United States with a shared love of the mountains who prefer hiking with friends. We invite you to join us on our hikes, to post hikes for other members to join you and to share your hiking photos, stories and advice.

Become A Member

If you find it invigorating to hike along a mountain trail with friends not knowing what’s just around the corner, to get some fresh air, to stop and soak in the views on a summit, and to soak your feet in a mountain brook after a hike, give us a try!

BECOME A MEMBER







Powered by Ecomsolutions.net - ColdFusion Experts