Epiphany Explorers Fall 2008 Trip
On the weekend of October 18-19 the Explorers will have a family trip to Stephen C. Foster State Park in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge near Fargo, Georgia. The park is about an hour north of Lake City off of US 441, on Georgia State Road 177. (Location Map)
The park offers fishing, boating, hiking, a boardwalk into the
swamp, and two interpretive centers. (Georgia non-resident fishing license is required for those over 15 years of age, available in the park office.) (Park Map)
You
may either camp for the weekend or come up on Saturday for a day full
of outdoor opportunities. If you are camping, you might want to
bring bikes (helmets required for those under 16). Attached
is the information you need to make the plans that fit your family
best. The Lyon family will be camping Friday evening through
Sunday morning.
If you are coming for the day, start at The Suwannee River Visitors Center
located just north of the park road at the intersection of SR 94 in
Georgia. Continue north on 441 towards Fargo; the center is on
the right as soon as you cross the Suwannee River. It is open
from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The center is a showcase for energy
efficiency and recycling. After visiting the center, come into
the park and meet us by the boat basin/camp store. The cost will
be $5.00 per car, Federal Fee passes are accepted. Pay at the
camp office and get a pass for your car. We will be fishing, hiking,
visiting the interpretive center, playing, or eating lunch at the
picnic area near the store.
We plan to go to Billy’s Lake and out to the dock on Billy’s Island
at 12:30. This will be a trip through the famous Okefenokee Swamp
to a remote island that once held a thriving community, then we'll take
a short hike on the island. The trail is well marked and fairly
easy paddling. It’s about 4 miles round trip. This will
take about three hours. We will have our kayaks and canoe
available, you may bring your own, or you may rent kayaks, canoes, or a
motor boat. Public guided boat tours are daily at 10 am, 1 pm,
and 3 pm. You are welcome to chose what your family is most
comfortable with.
Be sure and bring your lunch, snacks,
and plenty of water. You may need sunscreen, insect repellant and
a hat if the weather is bright and warm. The insects are not
usually a problem this time of year. Bring a change of clothes
and extra shoes. There is no swimming or wading in the park, but
you may get your feet wet getting in and out of the boats.
Please
RSVP to Bruce or Sandy Lyon (719-6902) by Thursday, October 16th so we
know who is coming and when to expect you. There is no dependable
cell phone coverage in the park.