Outdoor Rec plans fall fun

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLA. --  Lee Murphy, Eglin's new Outdoor Recreation director, has plenty of activities lined up for thrill-seeking authorized patrons willing to try new, exciting adventures or re-visit some favorite activities.

"Our new programs focus on three areas: high adventure activities for young Airmen, and programming for families and retired folks," said Mr. Murphy, who took over the position in February.

"I moved here because I was looking for new challenges and to be a small part of the Air Force," said the former director of Florida State University's reservation and outdoor pursuits, part of the college's recreation program.

Coming from an environment interacting with young adults is the reason his staff thinks thier new boss understands what people are interested in these days.

"Lee is coming up with good stuff - its cool," said Nick Halas, who has a decade of experience as recreation assistant at the facility.

Monthly skill clinics will offer fun-loving adventurers several opportunities to learn about and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, Mr. Murphy said. In September they held a five and a 10 kilometer Volksmarch, a form of non-competitive fitness walking on an outdoor path and a  Back Country Cooking class, for example. Nature lovers can learn outdoor ethics and principles at a Leave No Trace class Oct. 21.

Another "Full Moon Paddle" events is planned for Oct. 23, on Boggy Bayou and Choctawhatchee Bay, at approximately 7 p.m., for those who enjoy moonlit evenings on the water.

"About 30 people went out for the first Full Moon Paddle," said Mr. Halas. "We wanted to try it and see how it worked out. I think it went well. The weather was crisp, cool and perfect."

The initial group of voyagers even stopped for smores on the shore before returning to the Outdoor Recreation loading dock.

A whitewater rafting trip to Fayetteville, W.Va. Oct. 15-18 will have Eglin participants traversing down New River on Saturday and the Gauley River on Sunday. Attendees will also take in Fayette County's two-day "Bridge Day" festival, and watch BASE (buildings, antennae, spans and earth) jumpers launch themselves off the New River Gorge Bridge, while navigating the river below.

In his six months here, Mr. Murphy said Eglin's Outdoor Recreation programs have met with favorable responses.

"So far, everyone who has gone on our trips really seemed to enjoy them," said the Florida native, with more than 24 years of experience in the recreation profession. "I think they're excited we're expanding and offering more trips. All the trips are for beginners, unless otherwise noted. We're here to get people out into the outdoors, and we're geared towards beginners and intermediates."

Another initiative in the works is "Discover Eglin," a series of local, inexpensive day trips which include hiking the section of the Florida National Scenic Trail that runs through Eglin. Canoeing and kayaking excursions on local waters like Turkey Creek and the Blackwater and Shoal Rivers are also being planned.

Along with the hiking and boating opportunities, Outdoor Recreation provides new backpacks, stoves, cook sets, sleeping bags and pads for checkout.

"The new activities we're planning are great opportunities for everybody to take a break, relax and enjoy themselves, while they're out in nature with their families and friends," said Mr. Murphy.

Interested patrons can go to www.EglinForceSupport.com for more information, or call Eglin Outdoor Recreation at 882-5058.