Every year Sidetrackers elect members to our board. This year, Earline V. and Diane K. were elected to join the other members; John G., Peter S. and Diane J. The board members, in turn, elect the officers for the club. The officers for this year are John T. facilitator (president), Judy M., membership, Sandy P. treasurer and Diane J. newsletter.

Also, every year members renew their membership. It is the time again. If you are presently a member of Sidetrackers and want to continue being a member, you need to fill out a membership application form, updating your information and get a check made out to Sidetrackers to Terry A. Application forms and information about where to send it is available on our web site www.sidetrackers.com/MembershipInformation.htm

 ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

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, help Diane J. pick up trash, 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. 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 Sheila 610-9400 (cell) 220-4480 (home). This is a members or member’s guest only event.

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.

January 7th, Saturday, 9:00 until 12:00 am – SWAP AND SALE OF OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT:
How many times have your said I have an extra bike or a tent that I would like to get rid of. Or I need a bike or camping gear so I can go on those wonderful event in Sidetrackers. Here is your chance to get rid of or get some great gear. Bring stuff like bikes, bike racks, tents, camping gear, hiking boots, rain gear, sports equipment, packs, have it cleaned up so it is attractive and a price you might want for it. This is not a garage sale so don’t bring your lamps or worn out furniture. This is not going to be open to the general public. There will be volleyball games to play also. It will be held at Losco Regional Park, 10851 Hood Road South, http://apps2.coj.net/parksinternet/parkdetails.asp?parkid=266 Leader: Diane J. 821-6707.

January 14, 15, 16, Saturday, Sunday and Monday – PADDLE AND CAMP IN THE OKEFENOKEE SWAMP: Our trip starts Sat. when we meet at Hardee’s on Lane Ave. (just south of I-10) and LEAVE at 8:00. We will travel to Stephen Foster State Park in Fargo, Georgia. http://gastateparks.org/info/scfoster/  After setting up camp, we will explore the park and paddle some in the park. Sunday, we will paddle through the swamp and go over the sill into the Suwannee River. Plan to see lots of wildlife, alligators and beautiful scenery. Cost is $17.00 a night to camp or entrance fee. Bring your own gear and food for the weekend. Rentals are available in the park. You can come up for Sat. and Sunday only. Leader: Judy M. 398-2750.

January 21st, Saturday, 7:00 am.  – SIDETRACKERS FIRST EVER TRIATHLON: This is a team sport. Each team consists of 3 people. One will run/walk, one will ride a bike and one will kayak.  All teams meet at the County Dock at 7 a.m. that morning. Runners/Walkers will get a ride to the old First Place Sports location at Baymeadows Road and San Jose Boulevard. Cyclists will ride their bikes to the north end of Scott Mill Road at Forest Circle and wait for the competition to begin. Kayakers will prepare their kayaks to paddle from the County dock. This is just a fun competition. Everyone wins! A celebration brunch will take place after the competition at the American Café on San Jose Boulevard. We will need volunteers to help with each leg of the race. You don’t have to compete to be part of the fun. Meeting Location: County Dock Road located off Mandarin Road across from Mandarin Presbyterian Church. Leader: Terry A. 874-0163.

January 28th, Saturday, 8:00 - HIKING ON THE STEPHEN FOSTER TRAIL: This will be a wonderful day hike in the crisp winter air. It is a chance to walk off those Christmas pounds and enjoy winding through piney, flatwoods and along a river flood plain hammock. Alongside the Suwannee River visitors can see limestone outcroppings and rock formations. Gopher tortoise, box turtles, alligators, white-tailed deer, wood ducks and many bird species are companions along the forested trail. A portion of the trail is designated as part of the Florida Scenic Trail, which travels approximately 100 miles through north central Florida. You will need to bring a lunch and the entrance fee of $4.00 per vehicle. The trip starts when we meet at Hardee’s on Lane Ave (just south of I-10). Leader: Marta W. 725-9521.

February 3RD,  4th, Friday, Saturday, MANATEE ENCOUNTER: It is an adventure you will never forget. Friday night (Mar. 3rd), we will carpool down to the Host Hotel Days Inn, in Crystal River, on U.S. Hwy. 19/98. Early Sat. morning, we will go over to the river and have an educational talk on manatees, then have the opportunity to swim with up to 30 manatees. Bring bathing suit, pantyhose, and warm clothes to change into after the swim. Cost $50 per person + $50.00 for hotel room + gas and food. Reservations are under Sea Ventures and on Sat., you will pay for the room and the encounter. (Wet suites and snorkel gear and support are provided).  Leader: Heike M. - 998-2312.

February 11th, MOONLIGHT PADDLE: Host Earline V. 998-4244.

February 18th, 9:00 am, PADDLE ON BLACK CREEK: We will enjoy a leisurely paddle on Black Creek in Middleburg. The river flows along the Ravines Golf Course in areas and is very pretty   there is a nice picnic area at the boat launch where we can have a picnic lunch.  If anyone if up for a short hike after the paddle, the Black Creek Trail is only minutes away.  Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, and bug repellent.  There is no boat launch fee.  Sorry, there are no rentals available. Meet at the McDonalds in Middleburg on SR 21 (Blanding Blvd.) at 9:00 a.m.  If you need directions or have any questions, please call Diane K. at 861-8238

February 22ND, Wednesday, 7:00 pm, QUARTERLY PLANNING MEETING: Host Earline V. 998-4244.

February 25th, Saturday, 8:00 am, BIKING AT WHITE SPRINGS THROUGH THE SJRWM AREA: Leader John T. 910-9417.

March 3rd, 4th, 5th, BACKPACKING TRIP TO CUMBERLAND ISLAND: Have you every wanted to see the other side of Cumberland Island? Now you can. We will be ride the ferry over Sat. morning and backpack to a middle point of the island where we will set up camp and explore the area. Sunday morning, we will hike to the north end of the island without our packs and explore where John John got married. There are four spot reserved. If you are interested in going, get with the leader ASAP. Leader: Diane J. 821-6707.

March 5th Sunday, 2:00 pm,   HIKE TIMUCUAN PRESERVE: Leader: Heike M. - 998-2312.

March 11th, Saturday, 7:00 am, RATTLESNAKE ROUND UP: Leader: Gene M. 998-2312.

March 18th, ST. PATRICK DAY IN SAVANNAH: Leader: John G. 910-1469.

March 24th, 25th, CAMPING AT O’LENO STATE PARK AND PADDLE ON THE ICHETUCKNEE RIVER: Leader John T. 910-9417.

March 31, April 1, 2, CAMPING AND TOUR OF CHARLESTON, S.C.: Leader: Marta W. 725-9521.
 

There are no long-range activities on the calendar at this time.  Check this space again next month!

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

2006 Monthly Meeting Schedule
MONTHLY MEETINGS are always on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
at the Jacksonville Public Library, Southeast Regional Branch, at the Gate Parkway exit off
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.

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
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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