
What we’re about
Outdoor Fun Adventures Meetup Group
formerly
Fifty Plus Explorers
We have had complaints about our lack of focus recently. Also some folks seem upset if someone under 50 shows up at an event, while other members feel restricted by not feeling free to bring a younger family member, coworker or friend to an event.
So we are removing any age restriction. We also felt explorers maybe sounded like a travel group while that has not been a major group activity.
We are focusing on Outdoor Fun Adventures to carry on that legacy from Jim McConnell,
We expect most events will be in Florida but other area Fun Outdoor Adventures are welcome.
Our group is all about exploring places and things to do outdoors.
Come enjoy Florida with us on biking, kayaking, hiking, camping, boating, pickle ball and other fun outdoor expeditions!
Please invite others to join our group to help it be vibrant. The purpose of this group is FUN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES.
If you want to attend or post other RANDOM FUN or indoor FUN events might we suggest: https://www.meetup.com/Random-Fun-Stuff-I-Want-To-Do-On-a-Short-Notice-Club/
For one day or multi-day FUN BIKE TRIPS check out https://www.meetup.com/funbiketrips/
Also for more serious Tampa Bay Cycling events please join https://www.meetup.com/Tampa-Bay-Cycling/
Boiler plate
Negative or adversarial comments, posts or actions will result in removal and banning of the offending party.
OVERNIGHT FUN BIKE or KAYAK TRIPS, We are Thinking of Florida, Gulf Coast and also Key West when it is cold up north, as well as NYC at Labor Day weekend when city is pretty empty, and a Door County week on Lake Michigan and also the 326 mile Ohio to Erie Trail to escape the summer heat here.
So if you want information on multi-day biking or kayaking events just sign up below to get first offerings.
We anticipate no more than 14 emails a year.
For Biking Trips Sign up at >> [https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform40681930231007](https://meet.meetup.com/ls/click?upn=SDNnya-2FgLI6CfUa8do8Zd8qCM9Fz2eS2UmZYoAd-2BcIf5eTmUjdG5j9IAfca75MXy0IClThh6NhaaDoCmfEwZKRna0jsGqYcLsEPNAG-2FN8UjVm4AkGHCFRpdDiTJsOPAIJ8UUHsuhwhx1x4aws9xP2b9rXbbQRpUzQ8KkrwVTvlOlz6jdrrylBrey53iiIqgnHvO3DAiODq1U4StEHr-2FiBM2ZG2FPi-2BDdOoXvrPQw8hcDLAT8uvVNPX4ALcwms-2FomIhoAWMukwYZ3kUus3zA-2BLtZeB7j6eDisYKRMOa1Xn8DhqUnkajFbjwbyQVaQrrzNFvUpMJpvZ1imddanh7nl7GehrNvv8zC0cJ19DfDG6PL-2BjcYutjRmk5R-2FZMMujIVMOY4H5PE-2BMBjOAfaHR7jcDLLA4CC98ywgZPOUSlHoa5h0-2FylMhM4zVfAmJn-2FGEGFk4hAbPJ4cojixFQptkRxghebVugTOQNxEA2vpN2tKbKY8lQLixSzN8mroLvbtkDJLDTBnzClUvM8Pmw-2BJ1jd794HNMFYeSu-2FRQeGS5ePtPqY6bQY-2FAEmSQCaWK-2BA9xCk6aEzUv9CCTC-2Bs6Br6AiPGxPCeRnmnnEkrxu5hW4dgRNrs0YNG2NED0iL7xJQSHV1I87TJT0cC0ysBbX5Hke8mgvo2OtXDyfvTB1DWYuYFv5-2BHyjL9mLMel2LUWnPtRz89lGjtoUc7LAvLUb6FyY-2FVHmQqwEEDqA6jSapurcOhfTUfqWTL1DZl0A23RKwCGITbqujtvH5SRKFxG8f-2BsVzC2MHUejTGmQVym3DCy87PzLXrsxAyPg5hIqKlvVFypS78-2BHBG8v12AfxMHmDFc4kY-2FGHqE-2Fgh41Rn69kUZx5fdTcrKdF5x-2BJJJG2x83qkCAFD-2B1yDhyP8Z0gmjWpbUV-2BMNCQO2Y1qVgrrl0a54KC5HfwuDDcYrVJ0MopPzU2cUCRHnorJXyUlWs7h2H1oONrkZfOUEfOb4RltdBZgjBC93ND8U5k79w5RwWrvSY289jvjCCbnh-2BGX2WpKQtlqpu74P-2F4PHagMV0rzltct3MHvWTcyFU8Nr8-2BxEY9SOXYdT7CGePV2KNgPnfMiny2U5Mebsg-3D-3DoOFh_1kysm83itUWAHQJP1-2ByIUapstdOF93lfvPzptsk4pSSpLi1MCA-2Br6miFr9OxTwMLDOq1lYmH4CStrmLEx1M9-2FNxsi4RphpfW1kVEKsurE2481mpLZD6w0qbdpBnGFxbOzzdTxxHTK6D4Z8L-2FN0ZQu3pLAh0RKipJ3kooUav4Hvb3WwH49BJs0bSK-2FyOl8USvLz3kiQcy0AAOWkYmCX0B5SefQUK7o6op-2B8Y3DsA1heMx9x-2Bj-2BqbraLgrAe4IqsHT4U1BoSQuDftOu9wvHYsGyoW80-2BfmEGV2ekKuZkrPeF7TAQ-2FvfRG3BDcW5jhh9aVjLMDIpmYhoqviqQav-2BLfrhTJl3r3ZG4DtSsgWxx3r6Ggz0f9zbuGs1ZQ1WCGwc4uxVLMRs1wZWZD1wApVngrYnK1POcuqfdwxmUbYiAYdTclOhfjFyQ-2BVK-2FeZwPFJnH3zILsnP7Cc4Y5StG19-2FzQ-2FpJ2puOie-2FYI-2FUYXAXUf1X1NfOXaMiQO2OYBokzkipC8STrGr4YO2N10VGT0ZFApeJaJZVPJ8Dlnst0FsgFHtE1bXWfuVd5hTF7OrEvwbW024OoYntPT7qc2nbTQvUhDwrw-3D-3D)
For Kayaking Trips Sign up at >> [https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform0106202220617pm](https://meet.meetup.com/ls/click?upn=SDNnya-2FgLI6CfUa8do8Zd8qCM9Fz2eS2UmZYoAd-2BcIf5eTmUjdG5j9IAfca75MXy0IClThh6NhaaDoCmfEwZKRna0jsGqYcLsEPNAG-2FN8UjVm4AkGHCFRpdDiTJsOPAIJ8UUHsuhwhx1x4aws9xP2ahz89kwDwCMqy5pxfjzYpIDmgP1voSS7fYaEsA-2Fbc7qOlXWpUPwOheEQuknuvC3V4K02sJD9J-2Bk1CBi-2FD9Dn0t2NKm9WqVMLgmB-2BlHSeo9o6juIDlzfCqznixpRfWXBS5Nk66CnutnU-2FhLBg1887IgM0fHLQfH5AD9q9jm4hNIIRAUB-2BQkrJvwEBfHTnO3ZtaCNl2ceoWWDEqZi42sRWTw-2BRklnFwGdbYOC7VGCVyCwtj8VJd8De4eopH6S5-2Fe2-2BCO36bV2qVQ64BtYG77qlFTS7XIsPUE5RdIbsglIHWS0wQir3XnYnpiPX4tHR4CZV3b0LBXPUv9iYpouIZun-2BNPl1T7fdDWDNt98QktJ1MsUWMjEMWjZOIjgSxACrf8acYyjStEaRMt3UwHZS3a71ZN2CczO-2B7Nsm9FCjZ8eAoAsAqi1UmlfozzYUI60t7C1oHuUXwQ3tARn1iBNR-2Ftedzg6Q-2FDZDHaQc6MBnnatU2IuO8qOGjM4SW0HmxP54D4-2Fr4m1RhNf3FGANp5rAmvF67qz-2FGInIMJMBhQWmVYnq8QLTvfSZwNeVMYNKtcs3hJNfIluome5-2BNrf5m-2FXNV6u6HtrpzNDq0Ne05MCRzQo-2FTvhX9vo-2BTiA4EQEepTjL-2FEzM61dz5XEwK0iW6OmTZD2w0vFdB1qZliqkSghg4o4zBNPKuMAcAC5qkloD1wx48SivPSJ9Pxk0ldWr4e1v-2FkanTnV4SlJnhqdu71OaNsaVJ0bU0uZpirg8as6d0G-2F-2Fcc35ZKcOaHA8qXwQLfuNZigZZPG9fc5ZlxQ1aFG21haXXly-2BMKxywlqtuG27gtOJPrfKIL-2BYzrDTOOMDgvNcN-2FjQqQ-2FEyEZtBltfju1AEYVmF2lL3k6PHmNiLgRHcJZJAf14jzfruyxSzGWRzlsV8-2F4NPW3SvafPeDX2UWQJ-2FPSZCrYxjJy_1kysm83itUWAHQJP1-2ByIUapstdOF93lfvPzptsk4pSSpLi1MCA-2Br6miFr9OxTwMLDOq1lYmH4CStrmLEx1M9-2FNxsi4RphpfW1kVEKsurE2481mpLZD6w0qbdpBnGFxbOzzdTxxHTK6D4Z8L-2FN0ZQu3pLAh0RKipJ3kooUav4Hvb3WwH49BJs0bSK-2FyOl8USvLz3kiQcy0AAOWkYmCX0B5SefQUK7o6op-2B8Y3DsA1heMx9x-2Bj-2BqbraLgrAe4IqsHT4U1BoSQuDftOu9wvHYsGyoW80-2BfmEGV2ekKuZkrPeF7TAQ-2FvfRG3BDcW5jhh9aVjLMDIpmYhoqviqQav-2BLfrhTJl3r3ZG4DtSsgWxx3r6Ggz0f9zbuGs1ZQ1WCGwc4uxVLMRs1wZWZD1wApVngrYnK1POcuqfdwxmUbYiAYdTclOhfjFyQ-2BVK-2FeZwPFJnH3zdXUXuZbOm6nBSRWl7Y4ZV2kTWBzNQ3iNj5MQ9HgVSFo5F7bj2HtDqoRU1eaC4eCtAp2bueBi-2BW-2BmFNOQT9mkrabHaLqiL5KoY7g805RQPcg6lVA1EdBOcJqcEq6PA2O-2F-2BlFVvVAu7bx67V-2B2BnIf8Q-3D-3D)
Once you sign up please immediately check your email, if you don't see a follow-up confirm opt in check spam. We are using a double opt in and some folks with yahoo, gmail, hotmail, msn say they went into spam. Until you click second email you are not going to get newsletter. If it is in spam, just click NOT SPAM, then OPT IN.
Don't send instant messages through meetup to folks you haven't met. Propositions to meet outside of meetup events to a virtual stranger is creepy. Of course a relevant message to an event host regarding an upcoming meetup is different.
Thank you for that consideration.
Players there are plenty of other sites if you just want to hook up one on one, don't make folks feel unsafe here. If you have done a meetup with someone and want to send them a good to see/meet you followup to me that is totally different, but if they do not reply or aren't interested don't be a "meetup creep". Of course it's great if folks "meetup" and some magic develops. So please remember while it is fun to "meetup", this group is not "hookup.com" or "match.com". Not everyone here is single or seeking a romance.
Remember if you receive an unsolicited message or suspicious or inappropriate behavior, please report it to Paul S, it is grounds for dismissal of violating party. They probably are spamming others here and in other groups.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND LIABILITY POLICY:
By joining this group, RSVPing to events, and attending events, you are confirming that you have read, understand, accept and are legally bound by the following:
1. Fun Florida Outdoor Adventures is a meetup group. Attending events or trips is voluntary by you as a member. Participation in any activity with us by you is at your own risk. You assume the risk for any guest you bring, adult or minor.
2. By joining Fun Florida Outdoor Adventures as a member you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the group, it's organizers, co-organizers, assistant organizers, event hosts, other members and guests from all claims or liability of every type (including court costs and legal fees) for injury or death to any person or for damage to property, loss of personal property or any other wrongful act arising out of or relating to your participation as a member. This agreement applies to you and to other persons who may accompany you in these endeavors, adult or minor.
3. You also agree to hold the organizers as well as other group members harmless. By participating voluntarily in the group, you expressly waive any and all such claims against each and every other member and their guests in the group, including without limitation any and all claims against the group organizers, co-organizers, assistant organizers, and event hosts.
4. Any social events or trips that Fun Florida Outdoor Adventures sponsors, holds or provides information about will fall also under the same Disclaimer and Liability guidelines listed above.
5. Re kayaking, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets the rules and regulations for all motorized and non-motorized watercraft. While kayakers do not have to follow all of the same rules as motorized vessels, some of the rules and regulations do apply.
Life Jackets-Every child in your kayak under the age of 6 must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while the kayak is moving. For everyone over the age of 6, there must be an approved PFD available inside the kayak unless the kayak is being used within a "swimming, surfing, or bathing area." While those over the age of 6 are not required to wear their life jackets, it's good practice to keep your life jacket on and securely fastened while you are on the water.
Sound Device-Kayakers are required to carry a sound-making device that can be heard for at least one-half nautical mile when the kayak is in use. A whistle or horn are the most commonly used sound devices. The sound device is required in the event that you need to alert other boaters of your presence in order to avoid a collision. The sound device can also be used to signal for help should you find yourself in trouble and require assistance. To signal distress, blow hard into your whistle three times in a row. Most kayakers will attach a whistle to their life jacket where it is easily accessible.
Lights-When kayaking between sunset and sunrise, or during periods of reduced visibility such as fog or rain, kayakers are required to carry a white light onboard their kayak. The kayaker is to display the light if another vessel approaches, to avoid a possible collision. Most kayakers use a flashlight or lantern as their light. Take note that the light should not be continually displayed, but shown only when other vessels are approaching.
Registration-Kayaks do not have to be registered in the state of Florida unless they have a motor.
Law Enforcement-According to state law, law enforcement officers have the authority to stop you while you are kayaking to check and make sure you are complying with all safety laws. Law enforcement officers also have the authority to order the removal or relocation of your kayak if it is deemed a hazard to public safety or is found to be interfering with the navigation of other vessels.
Manatee Awareness-Manatees in Florida and around the world are listed as vulnerable, meaning their populations are declining. There are an estimated 6,130 manatees in Florida and they are protected by state and federal law. Anything that disrupts a manatee's normal behavior is punishable by law and could result in a $50,000 fine or land you in jail for a year. Should you be lucky enough to see a manatee while you are in your kayak, maintain a respectable distance and let the animal have its space.
Seagrass Awareness -Seagrasses are the main source of food for marine herbivores such as manatees and green sea turtles. In some Florida waters it is a violation of state law to damage seagrass beds. While kayaking, stay within channels and avoid taking shortcuts through seagrass beds. Seagrass beds are marked as light green or by the letters "grs" on navigational charts.
General Safety-In addition to following all of the kayaking safety rules and regulations, it's important to follow general safety tips, too.
• Let someone know where you will be kayaking.
• Check your kayak for leaks or points of weakness before entering the water.
• Whenever possible, kayak with a buddy.
• Be aware of obstructions in the water that could trap your boat and throw you out of it.
• Be aware of other boats and know that motorized watercraft may not see you.
• Wear appropriate clothing, including sun protection.
• Pay attention to the weather and do not go out on the water if hazardous conditions are expected.
6. No hate zone. Please avoid any hateful comments, profanity, political ranting or rhetoric. We will ban rabble rousers. Let's keep this a friendly positive place.
Do you have some fun ideas for events?
If you want to be an event host so you may post an outing just let Paul S know. The cool thing about hosting is you pick, the what, where and when of things that you want to do! The more variety of event types, venues and hosts the better.
Any interest in multi day trips?
Some thoughts, for people in the colder months in the northern part of the U.S. bike or kayak tours to Florida; St Petersburg, Clearwater Beach, Tampa, Rainbow Springs, Key West and more. For people in the southern part of the U.S. in the hotter summer months arrange bike tours to Door County Wisconsin, Cleveland and Cincinnati Ohio using the Ohio Erie Trail network, and to NYC perhaps over Labor Day Weekend.
If you want information on multi-day biking or kayaking events just sign up below to get first offerings. We anticipate no more than 14 emails a year.
For FUN BIKE TRIPS Sign up at >> https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform40681930231007
For FUN KAYAK TRIPS Sign up at >> https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform0106202220617pm
Once you sign up please immediately check your email, if you don't see a follow-up confirm opt in check spam. We are using a double opt in and some folks with yahoo, gmail, hotmail, msn say they went into spam. Until you click second email you are not going to get newsletter. If it is in spam, just click NOT SPAM, then OPT IN.
How about doing a 6 day bike and kayak adventure, now before you run away ...Only two hotels for the 6-day span! So only 2 mandatory biking days (when we switch hotels day 3 and 6). Of course if need we could drive some folks to other hotel. Want to kayak or swim one day? No problem! A shopping day? No problem! Avid cyclist wanting the maximum mileage— 250 or more miles during the 6 days? No problem!
DOOR COUNTY~ Come visit Wisconsin's and Chicago's vacation spot, a biker's and kayaker's paradise, where you may ride as much or as little as you please.
Great weather escape the summer heat!
Late June averages: 76° high / 60° low.
Escape the Heat-Biking byLake Michigan-Door County-WI with cool kids from meetup
See details at https://www.meetup.com/funbiketrips/events/302379130/
Our hotel this year is the best yet
Pine Grove Inn in waterfront Ephraim Wisconsin
- Door County Cycling and Fun Itinerary
- Door County Registration Form and Waiver
Do you want information as we add additional biking or kayaking multiple day events,
Sign up below to get first offerings.
• Fun Biking Trips
https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform40681930231007
• Fun Kayaking Tours: https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform0106202220617pm
• (Double opt in, check your email and or spam right away to confirm. Some email serves put opt in as spam.)
Like rails to trail bike rides? Join our FB group.
• More Affordable and Fun Bike Trips
RSVP as placeholder and details are at https://www.meetup.com/funbiketrips/events/302379130/
(NOT HERE),
See our ride after this event biking across Ohio.
let’s bike the Ohio to Erie Trail. If not on your bucket list yet, it will be!!! | Meetup
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Read - Ride - Repeat (A Book Club for Cyclists): 4 Central Pinellas ParksJohn S. Taylor Park, Largo, FL
May's Book: Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum by Antonia Hylton
The ride: We'll ride from John Taylor Park north to Coachman Park, then we'll head south through Walsingham Park then Millenium Park before returning to Taylor Park.
The Restaurant: The Amish Country Store (206 13th St. SW, Largo, 33770). The restaurant is 0.8 miles from Taylor Park via the Pinellas Trail or 4 minutes by car (1.3 miles).This event is crosslisted. Please RSVP here.
The Details:
Meet @ John Taylor Park (1100 8th Ave SW, Largo, FL 33770) at 7:30 a.m. in the second parking lot on the left when you pull into the park off of 8th Ave SW.Roll at 7:45.
Ride distance: about 25 miles
Rolling speed: 12-15 mph
This route is a mix of street and trail riding. We will leave the Pinellas Trail and ride through Belleair to and from Coachman Park and leave the trail on the way to and from Walsingham Park.Madness, a nonfiction book written by journalist Antonia Hylton, tells the story of a segregated asylum in Maryland where Black American patients were indentured as laborers and forced to live in subhuman conditions.
From Goodreads: In the tradition of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, a page-turning 93-year history of Crownsville Hospital, one of the nation’s last segregated asylums, that New York Times bestselling author Clint Smith describes as “a book that left me breathless.” https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/145624993-madness
From the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/23/books/review/madness-antonia-hylton.html
About Read, Ride, Repeat:
Every 4-6 weeks we meet, ride, then relax at a restaurant or cafe and discuss the book. Before we wrap up, we pick our next book, route, and date. You are welcome to join us if you don't read the book. Life happens. Ride anyway :)The Safety Stuff:
You must wear a helmet and exhibit safe riding. Cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as drivers. Be prepared with water & a spare tube/flat kit.THE TERMS OF PARTICIPATION: By registering and participating in this or any of our future meetups, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following statement. I understand that the activities herein involve certain dangers and risks which I am prepared to fully assume for myself. I will abide by all laws and regulations and agree to participate in a safe and prudent manner. In addition, I agree to waive all claims which I, or any member of my family, or my heirs, executors or assigns, may have against this meetup or it’s agents for damages or injury sustained in the physical activity.
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Walkabout - Then the Chattaway Eatery for a snack.Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Saint Petersburg, FL
A unique nature experience located in the heart of St. Petersburg. The preserve brings an abundance of nature activities for everyone.
It’s home to the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center that offers camps, rental space and programs. There are several fascinating habitats to experience and learn about while walking the trails.
When hiking, please consider taking the following:
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars and identification guides & a camera
- Cell phone (for emergency use)
- Hiking shoes
- Poncho - for rain
- A backpack for all your stuff
I don't always see the Meetup messages and comments. My number is 815-814-2084. Calling and then texting is the best way to contact me.
John
- Ideas needed by active membersNeeds location
Who is willing to post something here where you want company.
beach day, walk, dancing, sporting event, picnic, bbq, horse back riding, game nights, bike, hike, kayak, golf, bowling, theater, karaoke, rock climbing, disc golf, fishing, sailing, camping, running, swimming, softball, volley ball, pickleball, tennis, community event, fair, art gallery, museum walk, surfing, stand up paddleboarding ... basically anything legal and not political and preferably active or outdoors.You get to pick
when
where
what
etcYou will meet a lot of folks as when they show up they come to you.
Rsvp here and I will make you an event host. I will send you my email and phone number and help you out.Everyone was a new member once so don't let that hold you back!
Also feel free to join our other free groups, we can make you a host there too if you like.https://www.meetup.com/tampabaykayaking
Upcoming events | Tampa Bay Cycling Meetup and Facebook Group (Tampa, FL) | Meetup
https://www.meetup.com/BikingOhioRailTrails/
https://www.meetup.com/funbiketrips/events/
Thank you!