Visit the Outings Post for all of the details!
What: Outing to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, 90 minute boat tour, plus Swamp Island Drive, visit the Old Homestead, and walk the Boardwalk and the Tower. The migration begins in September so there will be many opportunities to see birds we don’t normally see.
When: September 26th, 2020, 6:00 AM departure from Jacksonville, 8:30 AM boat tour. Registration Deadline is September 21st, 2020.
Please check out the Outings Post to read more about this outing and to sign up to attend!
Updates as of 9/12/20:
Okefenokee has a cafe with outdoor seating. If you are interested in buying lunch after the boat ride you can place your order in advance. You can call 912-496-7156 and ask for a menu and place your order. They will time it so that it is ready for you when the tour is over.
FYI - 15 have signed up for the pontoon boat tour. We can have a maximum of 10 people per boat. If we get 25 or more I can get a third boat. We still have over a week for members to respond. The boat departure had been changed to 8:30 so we can get the better light. The Rangers have reported an increase in the presence of wildlife, especially migrating birds. Members must arrive in time to process their payments ($24 per person for the 90 minute tour) and pay their share (in cash) of the $50 upfront payment to Rebecca. She will have a sign up sheet to record your payment.
We must be on the boat for the 8:30 am departure. We cannot wait for late comers as it would reduce our time on the tour. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Bring your National Park Pass for free entry. The Swamp Drive, The Homestead visit and the Tower visit are covered in the entrance fee/National Park Pass. If some members have signed up but do not show up and didn’t cancel within 48 hours before the outing they will still be responsible for their share of the $50 non-refundable payment to the Boat pilots for the private tour. The membership is asked to bring cash (a maximum of $10 each) to reimburse Rebecca for her upfront payment. Looks like we will have a good trip. Be sure to bring your masks for the boat ride and for any close conversations with other members. - Rebecca
A fantastic outing! Thanks. The alligators and birds were doing their best social distancing, but still a wonderful time.