We have planned many exciting things for our community to do in the greater Miami area, which includes Everglades National Park, the upper Florida Keys, and Biscayne Bay. Some of these trips are quite adventurous while others are quite tame–be sure you read the descriptions carefully to be certain the trip matches your abilities. Some of our trips require advance reservations, and others may fill because of their tremendous popularity. You should register early for your Outdoor Adventures to ensure that you have a place and that they are not canceled. You may add a trip any time the Outdoor Adventures staff is working (not in the shower or at dinner!) up to the time the trip leaves.

We will be in South Florida in December–this means that the weather will be either wet or dry and the temperatures will probably be somewhere between 32° and 90°. We expect sunshine in the 70’s, but we can’t promise. So you should bring clothing which can be layered for warmth and for protection from wind and rain if necessary, and which can be shed as the temperature and your physical efforts increase.

Most trips will require shoes. For most hiking and water adventures you should wear shoes that don't mind getting wet. Flip-flops and loose sandals may be great for the beach, but they are dangerous when they are worn on a swamp walk. Sturdy shoes are needed for hiking! Swamp walks are nicer when you have shoes with treads that can be wet.

With the exception of trips that specify that you must bring money for meals, any adventure that extends over meal times at Owaissa Bauer will include culinary delights packed by our excellent kitchen staff.

We rent vans which are used by our entire community for their programs. Outdoor Adventures uses these when they are available, but many of our trips must carpool. We need volunteers to drive on those trips! Yes, you are on vacation, but so are we, and when we ask you to drive we hope you will volunteer for the good of SWIM. Volunteer drivers in carpools must refrain from the use of alcohol and must provide their license number and car insurance company. We are happy to reimburse these volunteer carpool drivers with the amount in the trip fee allocated to transportation multiplied by the number of persons carried.

Outdoor adventures leave on time! Come to the front of the dining hall about 10 minutes before your trip is scheduled to leave with all required clothing, equipment and any extras you may find useful. Once we have counted heads, written checks for outfitters, and given away space in the vehicles, your chance to go is over!

Children are welcome on many of our trips. Age restrictions are included in the trip descriptions. If you are leaving children at camp, they must be under the care of a responsible adult. If your trip will extend beyond the times for youth programming you must make arrangements for their care and supervision. If you have questions or concerns, contact Kathy Murphy or Coleen Murphy.

Trip numbers indicate the day of the trip.500’s are the 26th/Monday, 600’s are the 27th/Tuesday, 700’s are the 28th/Wednesday, 800’s are the 29th/Thursday, and 900’s are New Year’s Eve.

Monday December 27th, All Day

Sail the warm, protected waters of Biscayne Bay on large (30' — 45') sailboats with experienced captains. Lie back and enjoy the sun or try your hand at the wheel and trimming the sails. We will anchor for lunch and a swimming break. This trip is "Clothed"; 631 on Tuesday will be "Clothing optional." We will stop for beer, wine, soft drinks and munchies on the way to the docks.

Monday December 27th, Morning

At SWIM, there is a lot to see in our own back yard! A naturalist will take us on a trek through the tropical hardwood hammock, the pinelands, the poisonwood, and the "solution holes" or "bear caves" on the camp property. You’ll be amazed at the incredible diversity of plant life that thrives in our corner of S. Florida.

Join Bob Merkel on his favorite walk: way out to the end of the jetty where fish jump, birds play, and sea creatures feed in the shallows at low tide. Your shoes will get wet; if it’s warm we can snorkel a bit too.

A special opportunity to photograph otherwise inaccessible parts of the everglades. This airboat ride led by a Miccosukee indian guide will go through areas of glades, hammocks and cypress full of birds, alligators and other wildlife. Caution: wind may make contact lenses uncomfortable.

Monday December 27th, Afternoon

A tram will take you on a narrated tour through the Everglades. You’ll see typical plants and wildlife, which will be explained to you on the meander through Florida’s beauty. The destination of the tour is a 65' observation tower, which allows you to see miles of the sea of grass. Bring insect repellent, binoculars, panoramic cameras.

See 200 species of tropical fruits and spices, including carambola, loquat, tamarind, various citrus fruits, bananas, ponderosa lemons, etc. Pick your own tasting samples. In the small store you can buy exotic fruits in jars, canned or dried; they make great gifts.

Tuesday December 28th, All Day

Sail the warm, protected waters of Biscayne Bay on large (30' — 45') sailboats with experienced captains. Lie back and enjoy the sun or try your hand at the wheel and trimming the sails. We will anchor for lunch and a swimming break. This trip is "Clothing optional"; 531 on Monday will be "Clothed." We will stop for beer, wine, soft drinks and munchies on the way to the docks.

The Florida Trail in the Big Cypress National Preserve is fantastic! It is home to cypress trees (of course), bromeliads, orchids, snakes, etc. Resident naturalist and past SWIM director Bob Merkel will lead the hike. Wear shoes that don’t mind water.

Miami Beach’s Art Deco District is a major attraction. Over 800 buildings in the 1930’s style of strong lines, porthole windows, lots of chrome and etched glass and pastel paint jobs. Our guided walking tour of the district will lead to a leisurely restaurant lunch–bring $$. After lunch, free time to explore on your own, go to the beach, nearby Wolfsonian Museum, shopping.

Tuesday December 28th, Morning

Bike on a paved trail (15 miles round trip) to an observation tower in the scenic heart of the Everglades. Learn South Florida geography, birds, wildlife. Bring camera and day pack if possible. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one for approximately 3 hrs at $4.50/hr–not included in fee. Helmet required.

Tuesday December 28th, Afternoon

On this exclusive snorkeling trip, enjoy the undersea habitat of many different species without having to be certified in anything. All equipment is included in the price.

The bay edge mangrove labyrinths are havens for fish and waterbirds. Depending on wind and tide we may visit Chicken Key (a 7-acre island in the bay), fantastic lagoons, or the Deering Estate; or maybe glide past Burger King World HQ (no kidding!).

Have you ever wondered what the Keys looked like before the Overseas Highway and railroad? Our trip to North Largo Botanical this will show you. Although the area has been affected by both man and hurricanes, the forest that regenerated is much like what the early Spanish explorers saw and contains many rare plants and animals.

Tuesday December 28th, Evening

Sailing at night is very different; the sea is black, the stars are bright, the world is quiet. Bring your musical instruments and strong voices and we’ll fill the air with sing-alongs, storytelling and laughter. We’ll be aboard comfortable (30' — 45') sailboats with experienced captains. Munchies stop on the way to the docks.

Wednesday December 29th, Morning

Calling all Robin Hoods! Walk next door to the home of the Everglades Archery Club and spend the morning being instructed by the enthusiastic members. This is a bull’s-eye of fun!

Canoe trip through winding creeks in the mangrove forest between Card & Barnes Sound. Lots of wildlife! Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.

Semi-self-guided tour from Camp Owaissa Bauer heading first to Knaus Berry Farm, the German Baptist bakery and market. (Try their cinnamon buns or maybe a strawberry shake.) Continue to the Fruit and Spice Park. You supply the bike or maybe you can borrow one from a friend at camp! Bicycle helmet required.

Wednesday December 29th, Afternoon

Indian Key is a State Historical site and holds remnants of it’s turbulent past history. It is the site of numerous wrecks, Indian battles, and pirate hideaways. It was also the Dade county seat in the 1830s! On the one mile paddle over you are likely to see starfish, stingrays, and small sharks. Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snorkel equipment (if possible) and a change of clothes. This is one of Mark’s favorite places.

See description above about Indian Key. Kayaking instruction will be provided. Wear bathing suit. Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and change of clothes.

Taste and compare a wide variety of fresh ales and lagers, led by Jon Hoskin, veteran beer tasting maven. Bring $ for beer. Trip will cover micro breweries from Palm Beach to Miami. A stone sober designated driver will go with us to drive. Fee covers cost of transportation only.

Suggested Reading: http://www.clemson.edu/~hoskin/beer.htm

Thursday December 30th, All Day

From Flamingo you may go east into Snake Bight, beloved of fisherman and bird watchers, or out into Florida Bay with a stop at Bradley Key, named in honor of an Audubon warden murdered some 100 years ago. Who knows what wonders or ghosts may turn up? Each trip is different. Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, bug repellent.

This boat tour will take you out to the Ten Thousand Islands, where you may see ospreys, pelicans, manatees, or even dolphins. Boat captains are knowledgeable enough to name all wildlife and describe some natural history. These boats can accommodate wheelchairs and folks tired of all the canoe trips.

Thursday December 30th, Morning

The WRC is dedicated to the care, medical needs, and housing of abused and injured animals. It specializes in large felines and houses more than 15 cougars and many smaller animals. Staff will introduce you to some of the animals and explain about how they got there and how they are rehabilitated. Our fee includes a donation to the WRC.

Dolphins Plus in the Keys has a program in which you are given a show about dolphins, then some instruction about what to do in the water with them and how to play with them. Then you are given a half hour in deep water to dive and play with real dolphins. (There is no guarantee the dolphins will play with you.) Masks and snorkels are provided. Children must be accompanied by their guardians and no pregnant women are allowed.

Hike through sawgrass into a cypress dome with water to your hips. (Recommended: wettable long pants, shirt, old sneakers, change of clothes.) See ferns and orchids in the most beautiful part of the Everglades. You’ll forget you’re wet when you are with leader Chuck Harty in this cathedral of nature. Lunch provided.

Thursday December 30th, Afternoon

On Thursday, December 30th, we will gather for an afternoon of intergenerational food, fun & frolic as we make a name for ourselves as the only people stubborn enough to celebrate Fat Tuesday on a Thursday...in December! There will be games, there will be booths, there will be music, and yes, there will be FOOD. Just ask anyone who attended last year’s festivities about the Muffaletta sandwiches! Workshops and trips will be scheduled to avoid conflicting with our all-camp bash, which will end with a spectacular Cajun feast on the lawn. No need to register for this event.

Friday December 31st, All Day

Spend the morning at the Coconut Grove’s historic Barnacle, a beautiful 1870’s pioneer house on the bay. Eat lunch at one of the Grove’s trendy cafés; we recommend Scottie’s. Then end the day with a trip to beautiful Crandon beach and enjoy one of Florida’s most peaceful spots. Bring both street and beach clothes, as well as money for lunch.

See, enjoy, and learn about this exquisite 420-acre environmental, archaeological, historical, and architectural preserve on South Biscayne Bay. SWIM old-timer Bob Merkel works there and will be your guide. Lunch provided–at the Royal Palm grove.

A great trip for the not-too-experienced canoeist, although ingenuity and resourcefulness may be required. Some paddling instruction will be included at the start. Nine-Mile Pond itself is an excellent spot for alligators and bird life. Beyond, the trail twists and turns through a maze of mangrove clumps in the sawgrass glades…definitely not your ordinary trail. Bring wettable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.

Friday December 31st, Morning

Hike in the Everglades on an interpretive tour with Ernie Wilson, SWIM’s favorite botanist. The 4 mile hike will be on hard road, the Old Ingraham Highway research road.

Friday December 31st, Afternoon

Crandon is one of Florida’s most natural beaches. Just bring a suit, towel, sunscreen and a book to relax and enjoy.

This historic landmark in Miami’s Coral Gables is full of pools with 82,000 gallons of fresh spring water that stays 76°—78° year round. Explore caves and waterfalls in this outdoor lagoon. Depth ranges from 2-8 feet. Children are welcome. Bring swimsuits and sunscreen.

Our most popular trip! We will return again to Magic Waters, a lavish and immaculately maintained hot tub center. Tub rooms accommodate 6-8 people; the "executive" tub holds 12 and has a sauna adjacent. Magic Waters provides towels, cool showers, hair dryers and stereo music. No glass containers, soap, shampoo or oils allowed. Bathing suits optional and unlikely. Minimum age 18.