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August/September 2005 Newsletter


A condensed events and activities list can be found on our CALENDAR page.
Some trips and activities are spotlighted on our MAJOR EVENTS page.

Trip Leaders:
Email your trip and activity write-ups to Newsletter 'at' sidetrackers.com.

Are you interested in becoming a Sidetrackers member?
Visit the Membership page on this web site, or send an Email message
to our Membership Chairperson at Membership 'at' sidetrackers.com.
 


 ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

General Participation Guidelines
Always sign up ("register") for an event by contacting the leader so you can be reached if there is a change or an event cancellation.  Trip Leaders make arrangements and may set limits on some trips and activities as needed.  If you are not pre-registered you may be turned away at some events.

Additional information about these activities and events may be
announced at monthly meetings and on our YahooGroups Email list.

If you did not sign up for an event or activity 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.

EVERY TUESDAY at 5:45 PM - WALK THE DOWNTOWN BRIDGES:  Meet at the Chart House restaurant parking lot to be ready to walk a bridge loop at 5:45pm.  There is no need to call in advance.  Leader:  Judy M 398-2750 (Home)

August 19th, 20th, 21st, CAMPING/FLOATING/BIKING/HIKING AT O'LENO STATE PARK:
We will be heading to O'Leno State Park - planning to meet at the Hardee's on Lane Avenue at 6 PM on Friday night. We will car pool to O'Leno State Park. It's about a 1.5 hour drive, which should give us plenty of time to set up camp and get some grub on! Saturday a.m., we will take a 3-hr+ float down the Ichetucknee River (about $5). Saturday night will be food, fun etc. around the campfire. On Sunday, t those of you who bring bikes are welcome to enjoy biking and those of us not so inclined to bike can hike one of their trails. There are no group camping places here so it seems the best way to handle reservations is to do this EARLY and NOT wait until the last minute.  Campsites are $15 each BUT 2 tents can be put on each site - only 2 cars per site as well. Listed is a link for the park trails and directions for those wishing to go on their own. Also the General park web site, which has park fee info. We will camp in the Dogwood Area campground. In looking at the campsite map, the following sites are TENT sites: 32, 33, 34. They are available as of TODAY and would mean a MAXIMUM of 6 tents. I can't stress enough the need to BOOK EARLY so we can all get IN! They have a nice link to book online. If you would let me know what site you will be on, I can help guide others. If any one is interested in sharing a campsite, please let the leader know.  Leader: Karen B. 226-8364.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/oleno_state.htm
http://www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/default.cfm

August 27th, Saturday, 7:30 a.m. BLACK CREEK RAVINES HIKE:
We will hike the Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area. This is a 965-acre conservation area in Clay County with elevations for 5 feet to 90 feet above sea level. We will hike along the wetlands and ravines and view a variety of plants and wildlife. Meet at the McDonald's on US 17 across from the Dog Track. Directions to the conservation area: South on Blanding Blvd. toward Middleburg, left on hwy. 218 pass the Black Ravines Country Club. At the intersection of Green Rd., Thunder Rd. and Hwy 218, turn left on Green Rd. Go all the way to the end for parking and the hiking trails. http://sjr.state.fl.us/programs/outreach/pubs/recguide/pdfs/blackcrk.pdf Leaders: Gene and Heike M. 998-2312.

Sept. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Labor Day weekend, WHITE WATER RAFTING, CAMPING AND HIKING:
  In an informal survey, the Nantahala River won hands down over 3 or 4 others in the S.E. for fun and scenery. Those who choose not to raft may rent individual Ducks to shoot the river. The campground location has not been decided, but recommendations will be welcome. Research will be done for campgrounds considering location and facilities. Details will follow, but those interested please express their interest, as September will be here soon. Leader: Marta Winters at 725-952.

September 7th, Wednesday, Monthly Meeting At Regency Library, 7 p.m.

Sept. 10th, Saturday, SCHOONER GHOST TOUR IN ST. AUGUSTINE:
Come sail with us aboard the Freedom Schooner along the Intercoastal to watch the sunset and the scenery. This is a 2 hour tour from 6:15 pm to 8:15 pm including cheese and crackers, snacks, soda, beer or wine. The cost is $35.00. We will meet at McDonalds on Philips Hwy across from the Avenue's Mall at 4:45 pm. The Freedom is docked at the Municipal Marina in St. Augustine, Fl. 904-810-1010.  Leader: Kathy D. 519-0691.

Sept. 11th, Sunday, QUARTERLY PLANNING MEETING:
Since it's going to be HOT, we can meet at my house in the A/C. Bring a dish to share and ideas for events. Anyone who'd like to coordinate an event with a more seasoned member will also be welcome. Chicken, salad and drinks will be provided. We will plan activities for October, November and December, which is the holiday season so we can think about a few Halloweenie, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve events along with the normal fare of hiking, biking and kayaking. Afterwards, we can walk to the pool and go swimming so bring your bathing suit, sunscreen and towel. Please call for directions and let me know if you're coming, as I'll need headcount for the chicken, etc. Leader: Pat T. 262-1428.

Sept. 17th, Saturday, 8:00 p.m. MOONLIGHT PADDLE: Earline will be leading a paddle on one of Jacksonville’s beautiful rivers in the (almost) full moon. These are fun and different trips so plan on joining us. Place and time and more information will be in the next newsletter. Leader: Earline V. 998-4244 h 614-8629 c

Sept. 24th Saturday, 9:00 a.m. HIKE A NEW TRAIL FROM LITTLE TALBOT ISLAND: This is a new trail just opened up. It is about 3 miles long but soon it will go for Little Talbot Island to Amelia Island. More information to follow. Leader: Earline V. 998-4244 h 614-8629 c

 

L O N G   R A N G E   A C T I V I T I E S
Mark Your Calendar NOW!

October 20th through 23rd ANNUAL LEAF-LOOKING TRIP:
This year we are going to Table Rock State Park in Pickens, S.C. on the South Carolina/Georgia border. We will be hiking to see all the colors of the fall leaves and the great views, camping and exploring this state park and other in the area. Bring you boots, camping gear and meals. There is half a site/one tent still available from the original four that were reserved. To make reservation call 1-866-345-PARK or online through Reserve America. Check with the leader for sites already reserved if you want to stay near the rest of the group. Make your reservation soon because they fill up this time of year. Web site: http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/stateparks/parkdetail.asp?PID=350. Leader: Diane J. 821-6707.


Additional information about these activities and events may be
announced at monthly meetings and on our YahooGroups Email list.

2005 Monthly Meeting Schedule
MONTHLY MEETINGS are always on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
at the Regency Branch Public Library.  Subscribers to our free YahooGroups email list
service receive an automatic reminder message in their email two days before the meeting.

WEDNESDAY, September 7, 2005 – 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, October 5, 2005 – 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, November 2, 2005 – 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2005 – 7:00 PM

The SIDETRACKERS Newsletter
If you have any comments about the newsletter, or if you have material to submit for inclusion in the
next monthly newsletter, please send email to newsletter 'at' sidetrackers.com.

To Become a SIDETRACKERS Member
Membership applications are being accepted throughout the year.  Please visit our
Membership page on the web, or send questions and comments to membership 'at' sidetrackers.com.

The SIDETRACKERS Web Site

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.

In Case You Were Wondering...
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