ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

November 19th, Saturday, 11:00 pm SHARP, A-MAIZE/CORN SPECTACULAR AND HILLBILLY OLYMPICS: GET LOST IN MAIZE. Imagine being plunked into a field of cornstalks towering 12 feet high. Everywhere you turn; it’s a sea of green and down right corn-fusing. Some take 20 min.; some take 2 hours, come out and enjoy a fall day. http://www.cornfieldmaze.com/sites.php?ID=&username=flhilliard  Bring comfortable shoes, snacks and water. We will meet at Hardee’s at Merrill Rd. and 9A. Leaders: John T. 910-9417 and Heike M. 998-2312.

November 24th, Thursday, THANKSGIVING DINNER AT EARLINE’S HOUSE: Call Earline for details, 998-4244.

November 26th, 6:30, Saturday, – CHRISTMAS PARADE OF BOATS:  Come join us for a walk on the Riverwalk along the river and watch the Parade of boats. The largest Christmas tree in Florida can be seen across the river at the Landing. There will be a spectacular fireworks display at the end of the parade. We will meet in front of MOSH (on Prudential Drive) on the south side of the river. Leader: Kathy D. 519-0691.

November 27th, 3:00 pm, Sunday - QUARTERLY PLANNING MEETING:  Our activities are planned by our members, there is no planning committee. If you have something you want to do and want other to do it with you, come to the meeting. We will be planning events for Jan., Feb. and March. Bring your ideas for activities, pick a date, fill out a write up sheet and put it on the calendar. We will meet in one of the city’s wonderful parks, Camp Tomahawk at 8419 San Ardo Road on the Southside. The park is located between San Jose and Old Kings Road, north of Baymeadows Rd. on the beautiful Goodby’s Creek. Take San Clerc off Old Kings or San Jose (three or four blocks north of Baymeadows) to San Ardo, turn north. The park is at the end of the road. The park has a pavilion, grills, rest room and three walking trails on 21.3 acres. To get the Christmas season started, bring a wrapped, Christmas ornament for a Chinese gift exchange. For more information call Diane J. 821-6707.

December 2nd thru 4th Friday night to Sunday morning, FT. CLINCH CAMPING TRIP:  This weekend there are Civil War Fort Garrisons and candlelight viewing where volunteers join park rangers to re-create life in the fort during the War Between the States. These living historians take up duty in the infirmary, blacksmith shop, jail, laundry, and kitchen. Activities include black powder artillery demonstrations, marching drills, and blacksmith demonstrations. There is nature walks on the beach and at Willow Pond on Sat. morning. They have campfire program on Sat. night for camper with topics varying from park animals to campfire cooking. Bring your bike, your boat and your camping gear and meals. We will be camping Friday and Sat. night. Cost is $24.00 for the two nights. Come up Friday when you can. The gate locks at sunset so call the leader if you are coming in after dark. Leaders: Diane J. 821-6707 and Diane K. 861-8238.

December 3rd, Saturday, ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS PARADE AND GRANDE ILLUMINATION:
Parade starts at 10:00 am. Grande Illumination starts at 8 pm. It will be a fun day in St. Augustine. Join us for breakfast before the parade at 9:00 am. Join us for pizza before the grand illumination at 5:00 pm. at the Hilton Bayfront, 32 Avenida Mennendez where the leaders will be staying. Please call ahead to get on the list for pizza. You may attend one or both events. Check out the web site www.visitoldcity.com Leaders Ray H. and Sheila H. 610-9400.

December 7th, Wednesday 6:30 pm, MONTHLY MEETING: We will meet at the Southeast Regional Public Library at Gate Parkway off of J. Turner Butler Blvd. for a discussion of past events and highlights of upcoming events.

December 10th, Saturday, WALKING TOUR OF BED AND BREAKFAST INNS IN FERNANDINA BEACH:  The Bed and Breakfast Inns in Fernandina will be open to the public and decorated for Christmas Victorian style. Come tour the inns, drink hot cider and get in the holiday spirit. Most of the inns are near town with a couple down by the beach. Cost is $20.00.We may eat dinner afterwards at one of the restaurant in the area. We will meet at Hardee’s at Merrill Rd. and 9A. Leader: Kathy D. 519-0691.

December 11th, Sunday, PADDLE AT BLUE SPRINGS AND HIKE: If the weather is cold, we may have a chance to see manatee in their natural environment. After paddling, we can take a short hike. Bring lunch, water, snacks, walking shoes and warm clothes. Canoe rentals are available. We will meet are the McDonalds on Philips Highway at 7:45 am and leave at 8:00. Leader: Pat T. 262-1428, cell 704-8638.

December 17th, Saturday, 6:00 pm - ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY:  Come join us for Christmas festivities and dinner. Bring a dish to share and a wrapped, generic, $10.00 to $15.00 gift for a Chinese gift exchange. Dress is Christmas sparkle and glitter. Call Kathy D. to sign up and directions (Avenues Mall area), 519-0691.

December 18th, Sunday, 5:00 pm. - LUMINARIES IN AVONDALE:  Join us for a leisurely and unique walking tour of Christmas lights, displays and music. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. We will be at European Street at Park and King Street (just south of Walgreen’s) for a bite to eat. This tour is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit. Leader: Heike M. 998-2312.

December 24th, Saturday, Time to be determined, CHRISTMAS EVE WALK THE BRIDGES/DINNER:  Enjoy a walk across the bridges in downtown Jacksonville with all the lights and music of the Christmas season. Dinner will follow. We will meet at the Chart House restaurant. RSVP by Dec. 17th and the event is limited to 8. Leader: Pat T. 262-1428.

December 25th, Sunday, Time to be determined, CHRISTMAS DAY WALK MANDARIN PARK:  Come join us for a nature walk at Mandarin Park (Mandarin). Enjoy great views of the St. Johns River. Length and route depends on participants. RSVP by Dec. 17th. Leader: Pat T. 262-1428.

December 25th, Sunday, CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER:  Restaurant to be determined and we may hike afterwards or go to a movie. RSVP by Dec. 17th and the event is limited to 8. Leader: Pat T. 262-1428.

December 31st – January 1st 2006, Saturday and Sunday, ANNUAL NEW YEARS EVE AT HANNA PARK:  Join us for our annual New Year’s Eve camping trip to Hanna Park for a potluck dinner plus the traditional fried turkey. We will have a campfire, hike along the nature trail by moonlight and be on the beach at midnight, where we will be able to view the fireworks. Camping is free at the group site for those who do not wish to drive home that night. Come out early Saturday afternoon, set up your tent, enjoy hiking, a campfire and have dinner around 6:30 PM. We will be at the primitive group camping site at the north end. You can park at the camping site to unload, and then park in the parking lot. Facilities are within walking distance. Bring a homemade specialty that goes with fried turkey and your breakfast for the morning of the 1st. For more information, call Ray at 610-9400. Hanna Park is at the entrance to Mayport Naval Station. At the gate tell them you are with Sidetrackers and get directions to the group primitive camping area. Leaders: Ray and Shelia 610-9400 (cell) 220-4480 (home)

January 1st, Sunday, 1:00 pm - HIKE AT UNF TRAILS: Come join us for a short hike to start the New Year out right and to work off those holiday calories and be with friends. We will meet at the UNF parking lot behind the guard station at the St. Johns Buff entrance. Leader: Pat T. 262-1428.

MANATEE ENCOUNTER: Come swim with the manatees. Day, time and information coming soon. Leader: Heike M. 998-2312

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

2005/2006 Monthly Meeting Schedule
MONTHLY MEETINGS are always on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 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, December 7, 2005 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, February 1, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, March 1, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, April 5, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, May 3, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, August 2, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, September 6, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, October 4, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, November 1, 2006 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, December 6, 2006 – 6:30 PM

The SIDETRACKERS Newsletter
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