If you did not sign up for these events or activities at the last club meeting and would like to do so, please post a message to our YahooGroups list, send email to someone on our "Contacts" page, or call the leader directly.

EACH TUESDAY – 5:30 PM – WALK THE BRIDGES:  Meet at the Chart House restaurant parking lot to be ready to walk at 5:30.  No need to call in advance.  Leader:  Judy M Home 398-2750

1st and 3rd SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH – 5:00 PM – HIKE UNF NATURE TRAILS:  Meet at the trailhead at 5:00.  No need to call in advance.  Leader:  John T  910-9417

2nd, 4th and 5th SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH – 5:00 PM – WALK AT THE BEACH:  Meet at the beach at the end of Beach Boulevard at 5:00 PM.  No need to call in advance.  Leader:  John T  910-9417

SATURDAY – MARCH 13 – 7:00 AM - RATTLESNAKE ROUNDUP: We will leave Burger King across from WalMart on Merrill Road at 7:15 AM and drive to Claxton, Georgia for a 10:00 AM parade. After the parade we will attend the annual Rattlesnake Roundup. This is an outdoor festival and craft fair. There are snake demonstrations and other live entertainment. There will be a small entry fee and there are food vendors at the roundup. Leader – Gene M 998-2312 Home

SATURDAY – MARCH 20 – 7:00 AM - PADDLE THE OKEFENOKEE SWAMP TO THE SUWANNEE RIVER: We will launch our boats in the Okefenokee Swamp at Stephen Foster State Park. We will paddle approximately 5 miles and then portage the boats across the sill (dam). We then will either paddle to route 441 or take out at Griffis Fish Camp. You must have your own boat. Park rentals cannot be used for this trip. We will leave at 7:00 AM from Hardee’s on Lane Avenue. It is approximately 2 hours to Stephen Foster State Park. Bring lunch, snacks and water. Leader – Judy M Home 398-2750

SATURDAY – MARCH 27 – 5:00 PM – PIZZA AND FIRST QUARTER STAR GAZING: We plan to join Northeast Florida for moon and star gazing at Hanna Park. We’ll meet at Al’s Pizza in Atlantic Beach at the end of Atlantic Boulevard for pizza at 5:00 PM. Afterwards, at 6:00, we will move to parking lot 8 at Hanna Park. Viewing will begin at 7:00 PM. Bring your telescope if you have one. Leader – Terry A. 874-0163 terryalgire@aol.com

FRIDAY – APRIL 2 – 5:00 PM – AROUND THE WORLD SOCIAL HOUR: at the World of Nations Celebration. Admission is free from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. treat yourself to a world-class beverage tour accompanied by a global food tasting.  Food and beverage specials will accompany a live band and additional entertainment performing musical styles from around the world. Please contact Terry prior to April 1, 2004 if you plan to attend. Admission is free, but bring money for the food and drink you want to sample. There may also be a parking fee. Meet at 5:00 PM at the Jaguar statue at AllTell Stadium across the street from Metropolitan Park. Leader – Terry A 874-0163 talgire@aol.com

SATURDAY – APRIL 3 – 2:00 PM - SPRINGING THE BLUES: Music Fest at Jax Beach Bandshell (located next to the Hotel adjacent to Life Guard Station) Meet where Boardwalk intersects the sidewalk nearest the stage.  Lawn seats Not chairs. Look for red bandana on stick. Come out to relax and enjoy some Sweet Home Chicago Blues music under the Sun & Stars.  Food, Beer, & Crafts. Bring my cell phone # in case you arrive later & can't find us. We might even hear it and answer your call. Bring folding chairs or blankets.  Binoculars may be desired. Cost is FREE.  Expenses are your own refreshments etc. Leader: Mary M H. 737-0122   C. 343-6015

WEDNESDAY - APRIL 7 - 7:00 PM – ANOTHER NEW LOCATION – GENERAL MEETING:  Meet at Balis Community Center at 1513 LaSalle Street (off Hendricks Ave. between I-95 and Atlantic Blvd.) which is next to the San Marco Branch Library to discuss the past events, future events and other information. All members, new members and prospective members are encouraged to attend.  At 6 pm, prior to the meeting, some members meet at Panera's restaurant on Hendricks Ave., for dinner. After the meeting, all are encouraged to go to a local restaurant for socializing, coffee, dessert, late dinner or a snack.  Click here to leave this site and go to Yahoo for a map.  Call the Membership chairman for additional information.  Membership Chairman: Diane J - Home 821-6707

FRIDAY – APRIL 9 – 7:00 PM SUNS BASEBALL GAME:  Meet at the Baseball Park front gate at 7 pm.  Have a hot dog, popcorn, and see a great ballgame.  Enjoy the night air!  Cost is approximately $10.50 per person in the Home plate Box area plus food and beverages.  Contact Ray at 610-9400 Cell or Sheila at 220-4480.

SATURDAY – APRIL 10 – 10:00 AM -12:00 PM - MAP & COMPASS INSTRUCTION & PRACTICE AT CECIL FIELD: This is a beginner's course with open terrain. Participants must have the ability to traverse the practice course based on compass bearings after receiving instruction. Please bring a flat plastic/acrylic standard compass. Course map provided. We will meet at the recreational and picnic area inside the main gate of Cecil Field. It is on the left-hand side of the entrance road. Main gate is off Normandy Blvd. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by calling John Trow at 786-7788 or e-mail johntrow3@juno.com . Leader – Diane J. Home 821-6707

SATURDAY – APRIL 10 – 1:30 PM – EXPLORE AND HIKE OUR CITY PARKS: After Map and Compass Instruction, we will have lunch, explore and hike nature trails at one or two of our city parks.
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Parks+and+Recreation/Recreation+Activities/Nature+Parks.htm
Pope Duval Park at 13500 Beaver Street - This 383-acre park offers urban fishing ponds, nature trails, a boardwalk, picnic area, and grills. Crystal Springs Road Park at 9800 Crystal Springs Road - In addition to the nature trails at this 40-acre park, you'll find an exercise course, picnic tables, grills, a pond, playground, tennis courts, and multi-purpose play fields. Ringhaver Park/Ortega River Nature Preserve at 5198 118th Street - Ringhaver Park combines softball and soccer fields, a covered picnic area, an all-child playground, and a natural area to provide something for everyone. A canoe dock has been built on the Ortega River, along with a connecting boardwalk though Nature Preserve wetlands. The park includes a two-mile asphalt path with wooden bridges, providing access to the Ortega River Nature Preserve for walkers, joggers and the handicapped. Your walk will take you away from the athletic fields and toward the Ortega River. Along the path, you'll encounter beautiful oaks, towering pines, and ferns covering the forest floor. Look and listen carefully for small animals and birds as you walk through the forest. Wear good walking shoes; bring a lunch, water, and bug repellent and good sense of adventure. We will meet at the recreational and picnic area inside the main gate of Cecil Field. It is on the left-hand side of the entrance road. Leader – Diane J. Home 821-6707

SUNDAY – APRIL 11 – 6:00 AM - EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE AT THE JACKSONVILLE BEACH "Sea Walk Pavilion & Amphitheater": On Sunday morning April 11th, we will meet in the center of the lawn, between the two walkways, in front of the stage, Jacksonville Beach Sea walk Pavilion, on First Street, ½ block north of Beach sidewalks Boulevard on the oceanfront for Easter Sunrise services. Look for my orange ball cap. We will meet at the beach pavilion by 6:00am for the service. It is beautiful watching the sun come up over the ocean during the service.  After the service, we will go to our home for breakfast.  We live at 2311 Covington Creek Circle, West. This is off San Pablo Road, approximately ½ the distance between Beach Blvd. and Atlantic Blvd. Turn west off San Pablo Road for ½ block and turn right. We are the last house on left, before stop sign. For more information, call Ray at 610-9400 or Sheila at 220-4480

SATURDAY – APRIL 24 – 8:00 AM - PAINT THE TOWN: This is a service project in connection with the Jacksonville Housing Partnership. We will be painting the outside of a home in the Sherwood Forest Neighborhood off of Soutel Drive. Participants in this project are elderly and own their own homes. They are unable to do the work for them selves. We will meet at 8:00 am at the ball field between Beverly Hills Community Center and Rutledge H. Pearson Elem. School on Spottswood Rd. Maps will be available prior to the event. You will receive a “Paint the Town” t-shirt and lunch. After lunch you are excused for the day. Judy M H-398-2750, W-630-1212 x 3897

SUNDAY – APRIL 25 – 3:30 PM – PADDLE 6 MILE CREEK: We’ll do an early evening paddle and maybe see lots of wild life. Be ready to leave McDonalds on San Jose and Loretto Road at 3:30 PM.  We'll caravan to 6 Mile Creek to put in.  After paddling the creek some may decide to eat dinner at The Crab Shack.  Rentals are NOT available. Bring plenty of water and bug spray. Leader: Earlene V 998-4244 Home 614-8629 Cell e.Veltman@comcast.net

SATURDAY – MAY 1 – DEMONSTRATION AND TRY DISC GOLF: Come try disc golf on this 18-hole layout includes open and tree-lined fairways through the park on a course carefully designed to challenge all levels of players. Demonstration will be by an experienced player. Meet at the District II Regional Park (The Dunes) at 11751 McCormick Road (Arlington). Time still to be determined. Leader – Diane J. Home 821-6707.
Afterwards we can join the celebration at the Jacksonville Landing for Earth Day, 10:00 AM to 4:00. It will be a day of learning and family fun. There will be children's crafts, music, face painting, live animals, prizes, and more.

MONDAY – MAY 3 – 6:00 PM – SUNSET-MOONRISE FROM THE TOP OF THE ST AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE: On Monday, May 3, we will meet at the St. Augustine Lighthouse at 6:00 PM for a special tour. We will tour the museum, gift shop and view artifacts until we climb to the top. We will congregate at the bottom at 6:30 PM and start the climb at 6:45 PM. We will be served champagne, apple juice, cheese, crackers, grapes, etc. at the top. We will see beautiful scenery for miles plus the sunset at 8:02 PM and moonrise at 7:02 PM. We will be at the top for approximately 1.5 hours. The cost is $15.00 per person and must be paid to me by Saturday, May 1. The maximum number of participants are 30. Directions: Cross the Bridge of Lions and go 1.4 miles, turn left onto Red Cox Road and go 0.2 miles. The lighthouse is on the left side of the street. We will go out to dinner at a local restaurant after the tour. For more information, call Ray at 610-9400

WEDNESDAY – MAY 5 – 7:00 PM – BACK TO REGENCY – GENERAL MEETING:   Meet at the Regency Square Branch Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd.(east of Monument Rd.) to discuss the past events, future events and other information. All members, new members and prospective members are encouraged to attend.  After the meeting, all are encouraged to go to a local restaurant for socializing, coffee, dessert, late dinner or a snack.  Call the Membership Chairman for additional information. Membership Chairman: Diane J - Home 821-6707

SATURDAY – MAY 8 – 8:30 AM – BIKE JEKYLL ISLAND: Bike ride for the day through different parts of the island including the beach marshland, river and through the historic district. Bring water, snacks and a picnic lunch or eat at a sandwich shop. Minimal fee to get on the island. Rental bikes are available. Meet at Denny’s at the Airport Road and I-95 by 8:00 AM if you want breakfast. We will be leaving there at 8:30 AM. Leader – Janice Lannom 220-3984 after 7 PM

THURSDAY MAY 13 THROUGH SATURDAY MAY 22 – 7:00 AM – BACKPACK THE FOOTHILLS TRAIL: This is a trip for experienced backpackers only. This is a 76-mile trail on the North Carolina/ South Carolina border. There are elevation climbs of 2000-3000 ft. We will leave at 7am on May 13th and be ready to start the trip on May 14. Hopefully we will be able to do the entire 76 miles in a week. Leader – Judy M H-398-2750, W-630-1212 x 3897.

FRIDAY/SATURDAY - MAY 14-15 - CAMPING AT KEY WEST:
** SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL as of February 26th.  Yup, it's a very good trip! **
Bahia Honda State Park 2 Nights, Hotel in Key West 1 Night: The dates for this camping trip have been confirmed and I have reserved 3 sites at Bahia Honda State Park for Friday May 14th and Saturday May 15th. Plans are to go to Key West on Sunday and spend a night there at the El Rancho Motel.  Hotel reservations are to be made on your own.  More info will be forthcoming. Please let me know ASAP if you are definitely interested in the camping portion of this trip.  I will also need a Deposit of $20 per person at your earliest convenience to reserve your spot.  There are a limited number of spaces available and many people have already signed up to go.  Leader: Mary M 737-0122 Home 733-2650 x262 Work  ** SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL as of February 26th. **

SATURDAY – MAY 22 – 8:00 AM – SANTE FE PADDLE: Leisurely paddle down the scenic Sante Fe River. There will be a cost for the shuttle service for those that bring your own boats. Rentals are available. Bring water, sun block bug spray. We will meet and leave from Hardee’s on Lane Avenue. Leader – Gene Messer 998-2312

SUNDAY – MAY 23 – 8:30 AM – HIKING AT BULOW PLANTATION Ruins Historic State Park (Bunnell) and then Bulow Creek State Park (Ormond Beach).  Onto Daytona Beach Boardwalk for late lunch & Skyride View of the ocean. Meet at McDonald's on Rt. 1 at the Avenues Mall at 8:30 AM. Bring snacks & plenty of water for Scenic Nature Trails. Suntan lotion and Bug spray also advised. Then it is on to a scenic look at Historical Ruins and the huge Fairchild Live Oak.  Beautiful drive & good times in Daytona Beach with friends. Leader - Mary M H. 733-0122  C. 343-6015

FRIDAY THRU MONDAY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND – MAY 28 – MAY 31 – CAMP IN WARM SPRINGS, GEORGIA: Camping at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Warm Springs, GA and visiting Callaway Gardens.  Leaving on Friday 5/28, camping Fri, Sat. and Sun, returning on Monday 5/1 (holiday).  Camping or motel reservations are necessary and should be made on your own.  If you need assistance or have any questions contact me by email at greyhown99 'at' aol.com.  Put the word "camping" into the subject line or you may be deleted -- I do not accept e-mail from persons I don't know ;) or I may be reached on my cell phone at 904-502-5610. Leader – John G

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING:  LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED due to library expansion construction.

FRIDAY – JUNE 4 – QUARTERLY PLANNING MEETING IN ORANGE PARK at Terry A and Katie D's home.  Details and directions in the next newsletter

SATURDAY – JUNE 5 – 7:30 AM – HIKE CUMBERLAND ISLAND: Cumberland Island National Seashore Hike, Saturday, June 5th.  The departure will be from Hardee’s on Merrill Road at 7:30 a.m.  If you have never been to Cumberland Island, you are in for a treat - a guided, historic tour lead by a ranger; then,  lush woodlands and/or miles of sparkling, sandy beach for hiking - your choice.  You will probably see wild horses, hogs, armadillos, turkeys, maybe a deer and lots of shore birds.   Great for the photographers.  Don't forget a hat, insect repellant, plenty of water and food for snacking and lunch -- none of these items are available on the Island.  The ferry leaves St. Mary, GA at 9:00 a.m. and returns from Cumberland about 4:45 p.m.  Prices for the ferry are $12.00 Adult, $ 9.00 Senior [65 and over] (Golden Age/Golden Access card holders receive 50% discount, National Parks Pass not applicable.)  Also, a $4.00 day use fee will be charged.  Eight spots have been reserved, but hopefully, more will be available.  Will need your money paid in advance as they are sending an invoice.  Leader - Call Marta Winters at 725-9521 for reservations and address to mail check.

SUNDAY – JUNE 6 – 8:00 AM - PADDLING CLINIC: Paddling clinic for beginners and experienced paddlers, both canoe and kayak. Meet at Hardee’s on Lane avenue at 8:00 AM and we will caravan to the lake. Wear your bathing suit and bring a picnic lunch and change of clothes. This will be a fun time and a great learning experience. We will be demonstrating all the paddle strokes as well as how to get into your boat in the middle of the lake and on shore. We will also show how to tie some convenient knots and the best way to put your boat on top of your vehicle and secure it for the trip. Don’t miss this informative and fun day. Be sure to let me know if you will be able to attend so I have enough canoes and kayaks there for the demonstrations. Leader – Earline V 614-8629 Cell 998-4244 Home e.veltman@comcast.net

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY – JUNE 12-13 – 7:00 AM - PADDLE AND PRIMITIVE CAMPING ON THE SUWANNEE RIVER: We will LEAVE Hardee’s on Lane Avenue at 7:00 AM to put in at Mayo, camp on the riverbank and take out at Branford. This is will be primitive camping. It’s a beautiful time of year to be on the rivers and the Suwannee is one of the prettiest with lots of springs to explore so bring your snorkel gear. Rentals may be available. More on that later. Leader - Earline V - Home 998-4244 Cell 614-8629 e.veltman@comcast.net

SATURDAY – JUNE 19 – 8:00 AM MYSTERY HIKE: We will be hiking in a undisclosed location. You will be blind folded, tied to the hood of a car and driven to a secret location. Kidding, just seeing if you are reading your newsletter. Meeting location to be revealed in the June newsletter or the monthly meeting. Wear good walking shoes, Bring water, bug repellent and snacks. Leader – Diane J. Home 821-6707

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY – JUNE 26 – 27 – 8:00 AM - RAINBOW SPRINGS PADDLE AND CAMP: Camping, kayaking and swimming/snorkeling in Rainbow Springs. There will be a camping fee. Clear bottom kayak rentals are available. We will leave Hardee’s on Lane Avenue at 8:00 AM. Leader – Gene M 998-2312

THURSDAY THRU SUNDAY - JULY 9-11 – CAMPING AND HIGHLAND GAMES – GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN, NC: Camp Toe River. Attend Scottish Highland Games – Piping, sheep herding, Celtic music, highland dancing, and Scottish track and field events. Attended by approximately 15,000. See www.gmhg.org/gmhg2004 for a schedule of events. Leader – John G – phone 502-5610

THURSDAY THRU SUNDAY – OCTOBER 21 – 24 – CAMPING AT FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK:  Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee, will be great for our fall foliage camping trip.  It recently was featured in a national magazine, and it stirred excitement viewing the mountains and falls from the pages. There are 5 waterfalls within the park itself - one being one of the highest cascades east of the Rocky Mountains.  The place is about an hour from Chattanooga.  The country's 2nd largest caverns are located within an hour’s drive - if you choose.  There are miles of hiking trails as well as other activities within the park.  There is a restaurant on-site, but we will want to have some shared campsite meals.  The trip is longer than going to Providence Canyon, but shorter than going to the Keys.  For most of us, this is a new adventure locale. Let me know if you interested, and I will reserve sites.  Remember, campsites go quickly for fall foliage; and Fall Creek Falls State Park's publicity - being one of the top 5 parks in the southeast and the largest in Tennessee - will mean more people aware of its beauty and making plans to go this year.  The trip will be scheduled for October 21-24, 2004 (Thursday-Sunday).  Leader - Marta Winters 725-9521

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING:  LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED due to library expansion construction.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING:  LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED due to library expansion construction.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING:  LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED due to library expansion construction.

Other monthly meetings will be held on October 6, November 3, and December 1.

MONTHLY MEETINGS are always on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Public Library at Gate Parkway off of J. Turner Butler Boulevard.  Subscribers to our free YahooGroups email list service receive an automatic reminder message in their email two days before the meeting.  ** MEETING LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE for the next few months due to library expansion construction in Spring 2004.  Eventually we'll return to our home location at the Southside Branch library.  Until then, KEEP CHECKING THE CLUB NEWSLETTER in your mail or here online for updates and directions. **