Friday, October 20, 2017 from 9:00am until 12:00pm
Enjoy the beautiful Silver River!
This has become a staple of the 3rd weekend in October for a growing group of folks. Each year things are a little bit different but, so far, we have yet to repeat a section of water. For this year's riverboat rally, we will be exploring the beautiful Silver River!
The Event: Ground zero for this year's event is at one of Marion County's most popular parks: Ray Wayside. I've reserved the larger of the two pavillions for the day. The event will be a casual drop-in affair from 9am to 12pm. As always, there will be some food and good fellowship. Having the pavillion will mean access to grills and tables, as well as shelter from the elements. There is plenty of parking ($5 day use fee) very near the pavillion. Sorry, no alcoholic beverages at this county park. If you are camping at Lake Eaton for the weekend, this is only about a 15 min drive.
The Paddle: Paddling is not required for event attendance but most attendees choose to. There are several options to kick around in your mind but most will want to do option 1.
1: Silver Springs State Park to Ray Wayside: If you want to paddle with the group, this is the trip and it is one of the most beautiful paddles in Florida. You will see a variety of birds, fish and other wildlife. If you know what you are looking for, even a couple of steamboat wrecks. There is lots of information available on your paddling options from this spot here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/activities/silver-springs-canoeing-and-kayaking. You may bring your own boat or rent one there. A round trip from the headspring, to Ray Wayside and Back is very doable. You may also choose to leave a car at R.W. and paddle one-way. There is also an option to hire a vendor to shuttle you.
2: Ray Wayside to Silver Springs and back: The above in reverse and there are no boat rental options. There is a $5 day use fee at Ray Wayside.
3: Ray Wayside to Gore's Landing: This is a several hour paddle. The scenery is just as beautiful as the silver river except that the water is not as clear. You will want to buddy with someone to arrange a car at Gore's (also a $5 day use fee) to shuttle your boats back. A round trip paddle in one day is not a good option.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19th
6:00pm to 7:00pm - Weenie Night! (GC797WC)
6:00pm to 7:00pm - Package Pickup and Florida Finders Fest Store at Registration Tent
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20th
8:00am to 12:00pm - Ocklawahaboy’s Riverboat Rally Part 6 (GC7AJRR)
8:00am to 12:00pm - 4 Wheelin' Rally (GC797YK)
12:00pm - 7:00pm - Tampa Bay Geocaching Store open
5:00pm to 7:00pm - Chili Challenge (GC797Z2)
6:00pm to 7:00pm - Package Pickup and Florida Finders Fest Store at Registration Tent
7:30pm to 8:00pm - AFDB Contest (GC7981Q)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21st
8:00am to 4:00pm - The Gauntlet at Longitude
8:00am to 4:00pm - Poker Run at the Trading Post
9:00pm to 7:00pm - Tampa Bay Geocaching Store open
9:00am to 4:00pm - Kids Camo Contest at Tampa Bay Geocaching Store
10:00am to 5:00pm - Raffle & 50/50 at Latitude
3:00pm to 4:00pm - Sharing Shinies at the Trading Post
3:00pm to 6:00pm - The Great Travel Bug and Coin Race at the Trading Post
6:00pm to 7:00pm - Package Pickup and Florida Finders Fest Store at Registration Tent
5:00pm to 7:00pm -Group Picture, BBQ Dinner, and Announcing Winners (GC6WVB8)
8:00pm to 9:30pm - Fallen Stars (GC7CVB7)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22nd
9:00am to 9:30am - Campground CITO at The Pit
10:00am - 4:00pm - A Well Deserved Paddling (GC797ZE)
1:00pm to 2:00pm - IceCreamMan's Sunday Social (GC797ZM)
This event is hosted by your Forest Minions
