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

SATURDAY – JUNE 19 – 8:00 AM: - HIKING ST. FRANCIS TRAIL:  We will be hiking the St. Francis Trail in the Ocala National Forest near DeLand. It is a 7-mile loop trail to the abandoned town of St. Francis along the St. Johns River. There is a short side trail to a small spring. Meet at McDonald's on Phillips Hwy. across from the Avenues Mall. Wear good walking shoes. Bring plenty of water, bug repellent, sunscreen and lunch. Leader – Diane J. Home 821-6707

SATURDAY– JUNE 26– 7:00 AM - RAINBOW SPRINGS PADDLE – We will be LEAVING Hardees on Lane Ave. at 7:00 a.m. The park is just southwest of Ocala on Hwy 41.  We will be putting in at K.P. Hole County park. There is a $3 entrance fee which I think will cover boat launch.  Tube rentals and shuttle cost $9/person.  Canoe and clear bottom kayak rentals are available from Rainbow Springs State Park, just upstream.  Rates for canoe are $5/hour ($25 deposit) and clear bottom kayaks can be rented for $6/hr ($30 deposit).  We (Heike and me) plan to kayak to the Dunnellon boat ramp (about a 4 hr. paddle) and then self-shuttle back to K.P. hole.  For this trip self-shuttle is about the only option for those in canoes or kayaks.  For those who want to tube, the trip is shorter, and shuttle is included.

VERY IMPORTANT!!! The rules of the river prohibit disposable containers,  so bring any food or drinks in Tupperware type containers.  Alcohol is also prohibited on the river and all vessels must have a whistle for each vessel and life preserver for each person.  All snorkels must have a "diver down" flag to snorkel outside of a very small area at Rainbow Springs State Park. These flags are available to rent.

After the trip, we would like to go to Rainbow Springs State Park to picnic, swim, snorkel and just plain relax.  There is a beautiful garden there with waterfalls.  There are no suitable camping arrangements available, but there are a couple of hotels around.  In Rainbow Springs, the "Dinner Bell" (352-489-2550) has a few rooms available, and the "Two Rivers Inn" (352-489-2300)has cabins available.  We plan on spending the night at the Dinner Bell.  If you have any questions or want to join us, please call Heike or Gene at 998-2312.  Leader – Gene M 998-2312

SATURDAY - JULY 3rd  - 7:30 AM - BIKE RIDE AT GUANA RIVER STATE PARK -  We will bike ride though the park for views of the Tomoka and Guana River. The trails are hard packed sand and easy to ride on with most any bike. If you don't want to bike ride, the trail can be walked. Meet at the Shell gas station at JTB and Gate Parkway at 7:30 or at the park (Dam Use Area) at 8:00. There is a $2 park use fee.  For more information call Leader: Diane J at 821-6707.

SUNDAY – JULY 4 – 10:00 AM – SIDETRACKERS ANNUAL COOKOUT AT HANNA PARK – Swim, play volleyball, walk on the beach & enjoy a shared meal. Meet at Shelter 8 at 10 AM. Barbequed chicken will be provided by the Club. Lunch will be served around 1 p.m. Bring a dish and your beverages, sun screen, and beach toys. This event is for MEMBERS only. Leaders: Jeff and Sandy 955-4550. PLEASE RSVP BY JULY 1. We will need a head count & would also like to know your “dish!”

WEDNESDAY – JULY 7 – 7:00 PM - GENERAL MEETING– REGENCY LIBRARY:   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

FRIDAY – JULY 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.

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

SATURDAY - JULY 10 – A DAY AT SAVANNAH, GEORGIA – Definite plans have not been made, but the day will consist of either a canoeing/kayaking trip with an outfitter or a Savannah Walk. If we canoe/kayak, it will be an adventurous and exciting day. Stay tuned for further news about this date. Leader: Marta W 725-9521

THURSDAY – JULY 15 – 6:00 PM – BRIDGE WALK, DINNER AND DANCING – Meet at the Chart House parking lot. Walk the Acosta Bridge to the Landing for dinner and dancing under the stars so bring money for your dinner. Leader: Terry A. 874-0163

SATURDAY – JULY 17 – 8:00 AM – ANASTASIA PARK PADDLE, BIKE AND SWIM – Meet in Anastasia Park to canoe/kayak. This will be a short trip and great for beginners. Rentals are available and dolphin sightings are common. Bring a picnic lunch. After paddling, we can go to the beach to swim and bike ride in the park. Bring your boat, bike, dry clothes, sun block, food and water. Directions: Go over the Bridge of Lions to Anastasia Park. (On your left just after the Alligator Farm.) Minimal charge to enter the park. Kayak rentals are on your left. We will meet there. Co-Leaders Pat T 262-1428 and David G 742-5635

SUNDAY – JULY 18 – 2:00 PM – ICE SKATING AND ROLLERBLADING – I-95 and Emerson Street. There will be an entrance fee and skate rental. Leader: Peter S 806-2351

SATURDAY – JULY 24 – 7:00 AM - WASHINGTON OAKS TO PALM COAST BIKE TRAIL - This shaded trail runs along A1A and has no hills -- nice easy riding. The meeting place will be McDonald’s across from the Avenues Mall at 7:00 a.m. You will need to bring your lunch as well as your swimsuit as a portion of Washington Oaks State Park is on the beach -- and a good dip will be just the thing after the bike ride. Leader: Marta W 725-9521

SUNDAY – JULY 25 –9:00 AM – MARINELAND – Come join us for a day at Marineland in St Augustine to see the new park since it has reopened and been renovated. We will leave McDonald's on Phillips highway at 9am Sunday July 25 and spend the day enjoying the park on the Ocean and all the Marine life there. When the day is over around 5pm we will continue on to the Conch house outside pavilion for dinner, drinks and watch the sun set on the ocean. Call Kathy Beck at 904-772-0790

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY – JULY 31 AND AUGUST 1 – 7:00 AM - PADDLE AND PRIMITIVE CAMP ON THE ST. MARY’S RIVER – Be ready to leave Hardee’s on Lane Avenue at 7:00 sharp. We will put in at St. George GA and paddle to Tompkins Landing – a total of 17 miles. Bring your clothes, plenty of water, food for 2 days, sunscreen and lots of bug spray. Rentals may be available. We will pay for a people shuttle for those of us with our own boats and it should be no more than $10 a person. We’ll paddle and swim and camp along the side of the river. Leader: Earline V 998-4244 H 614-8629 C

WEDNESDAY – AUGUST 4 – 7:00 PM - 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

FRIDAY - AUGUST 6th - 6:00 PM - FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK - Come wander through the streets of St. Augustine, browsing in art galleries, sipping on wine and nibbling on cheese. We will meet at 6:00 pm at the gazebo in the plaza in
downtown St. Augustine at the foot of the Bridge of Lions. For more information, call Diane J. at 821-6707.

SATURDAY – AUGUST 7TH - 8:00 AM – SWIM AND FUN AT SALT SPRINGS - Call Kathy B for more information 772-0790 h 463-3499 c

SATURDAY -  AUGUST 14th  - 6:30 - 7:00 AM JUNIPER SPRINGS CANOEING http://floridatraveler.com/travel_articles/juniper-springs.htm - Come paddle down the picturesque Juniper River. We will canoe down the run and have lunch at the usual place, and we can have dinner together on the way home.  The park charges an entrance fee of $3.00 per person. Rental canoes are available for $27.82 per canoe plus a $20 refundable deposit.  Note that the deposit must be paid in cash.  You can call ahead, pay, and reserve canoes in advance, possibly up to two weeks in advance.  They will shuttle you for $5.00 if you have your own boat. Please Meet NO LATER than 7:00 AM at Orange Park Dog Track parking lot on Highway 17, across from the old McDonalds - we must be at Juniper Springs by 9:30 AM to get rental canoes. Bring plenty of water, beverages, snacks, and a lunch. For information about renting canoes, call 352-625-2808.  Call Diane to sign up for this trip.  She can match you with a canoeing partner.   Leader: Diane J.  Phone: (904) 821-6707.

SUNDAY – AUGUST 22ND – 6:00 AM - ICHETUCKNEE FLOAT TRIP – Meet at Shoney’s on Lane Avenue. We will leave at 6:15 SHARP and caravan to Ichetuknee State Park. Tube and float rentals are minimal. We’ll float down the pristine Ichetuknee, view wildlife and fauna and have a group lunch. There will be a lot of camaraderie and fun. It’s worth getting up early so join us. Entrance fee into park is minimal. Bring water, sun block, dry clothes and snorkel gear. Co-Leaders: Pat T 262-1428 Herb T 880-5926

FRIDAY – AUGUST 27th – 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 – AUGUST 28TH – 8:00 AM - SILVER GLEN SPRINGS – This is a short 2 to 3 mile spring run. I will bring my kayak for you to use if you don’t want to bring yours, or don’t have one to bring. There will also be a short hike, some swimming, snorkeling and sunning. Bring a picnic lunch. There is a $4.00 entry fee. Meet at the dog track parking lot at 17 and I-295. Leader: Peter S Home 806-2351

SATURDAY THRU MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 4TH THRU 6TH - CAMPING WEEKEND AT BLUE SPRINGS IN HIGH SPRINGS - We will swim and play in several springs (72 degrees) in the park. There are volleyball courts, horse pits, canoe and tube rentals and nature trails along the Santa Fe River. We will have Hobo stew on Sat. night. Bring a can of vegetables. Camping is $15.00 a person  per night. Reservation are not required at the campground, it is first come  first serve. So hopefully, we can arrive as a group and get sites together. Meet at Hardees on Lane Ave. 8:00 am Sat. morning. If you don't want to camp, you can come for the day. Admission fee is $10.00 a day. Leader: Diane J Home 821-6707

WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 8 – 7:00 PM - GENERAL MEETING – NOTE THIS IS THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH:   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 – SEPTEMBER 11TH – 8:00 AM - PADDLE ALEXANDER SPRINGS – Kayak Alexander Springs on Saturday, September 11th.  Nice run for beginners and experienced alike.  No rentals available on site, but they are avail here in Jax.  Springs are located in one of our treasures, the Ocala National Forest.  Bring the usual (lunch, bug spray, change of clothes, etc.).  We will probably stop for dinner at Corky Bell's in Palatka on the way back home.  We will depart promptly at 8:10 AM from the McDonald's parking lot on US 17 across from the Dog Track in beautiful downtown Orange Park.  This trip brought to you by the good graces of John G at 904-502-5610.  Peace. 

SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 12TH – BIKE SEA ISLAND - contact John G for more information. 502-5610

SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 18TH – PICNIC AND SWIM AT LITTLE TALBOT STATE PARK – Contact Mary M for more information at 737-0122 h 733-2650 x262 w

SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 25TH – PADDLE TRIP: Terry A is working on a good place to put in and more information will be provided soon. 276-9760

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING at Regency Square Branch Library.

THURSDAY THRU SUNDAY – OCTOBER 21 – 24 – CAMPING AT FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK:  If you are interested, please call ASAP as sites fill quickly when the leaves change to their marvelous fall colors. At this time, only 2 sites have been reserved. When everyone has their site reserved, further details will be decided. There is a restaurant in the park, but there will definitely be at least one group dinner. 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      

THURSDAY OCTOBER 28 THRU MONDAY NOVEMBER 1ST – CRUISE - This exciting seafaring adventure will set sail from Port Jacksonville at 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 28. We’ll land the next day at noon in Freeport, Bahamas, where you’ll have your choice of kayaking, snorkeling, or touring the Garden of the Groves. That night at 7:00 PM, we’ll set sail for Nassau, Bahamas, where we land on Saturday at 7:00 AM and will be in port till midnight. In Nassau, you can snorkel at Paradise Island, go on a snorkeling Safari and Treasure Hunt at Pearl Island, or tour the Ardastra Gardens. Sunday at sea, we’ll have a ping-pong tournament on the outdoor Sports Deck that morning and water volleyball that afternoon. That evening, we’ll enjoy Halloween festivities aboard the Celebration, our Carnival Cruise Lines sailing ship. Monday morning at 8:00, we dock back in Jacksonville. The cost for the cruise starts at $379, per person, double occupancy. Shore excursions are extra. A $50 deposit is due by June 1 to hold your reservation, and the total balance is due August 15. We only have five cabins reserved for the moment; so if you’re interested, please let me know as soon as possible. For more information, email GinaMaria at Jerome@therightparts.com or call her at 564.9070. To check out the cruise, visit http://www.aaasouth.com/home.asp or call Kelly Monroe at Ponte Vedra AAA Travel Agency, 280-8181 ext 224. Please tell her you’re with Sidetrackers to get your discount

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING at Regency Square Branch Library.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING at Regency Square Branch Library.  NOTE: THIS IS THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING at Regency Square Branch Library.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING at Regency Square Branch Library.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2004 – 7:00 PM – GENERAL MEETING at Regency Square Branch Library.

MONTHLY MEETINGS are always on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Regency Branch Public Library.  (Please note that the September meeting will be on the SECOND Wednesday of the month.)  Subscribers to our free YahooGroups email list service receive an automatic reminder message in their email two days before the meeting.

The SIDETRACKERS Newsletter
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newsletter 'at' sidetrackers.com.  Please contact Earline if you have any comments about the newsletter, or if you have material to submit for inclusion in the next monthly newsletter.

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Our web site is maintained by Frank who can be reached by email at webmaster 'at' sidetrackers.com.  Please contact Frank if you have any corrections, photos, or other items of interest from any current activities. We will be pleased to consider your suggestions concerning the web site content.