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June 16th,
Saturday, 11:00 am, SNORKELING /DIVING AT SILVER GLEN:
Silver Glen has very clear water and abundant fish life. We
will have identification sheets so we will learn the names of some of the
fish we see. It has somewhat deeper water than Salt Springs where we visited
the last 2 years. The water temperature of these springs is only 72 degrees
Fahrenheit so a wet suit jacket at least makes it more comfortable but is
not really necessary. It is fun to have a larger raft to float on while you
peer down into the water. There is a $5 per person entrance fee to Park.
Bring water to drink, a mask, fins and snorkel or you can just come along
and swim. We will meet at the McDonalds across from the dog track on Hwy. 17
in
Orange
Park.
We will probably have a late lunch or dinner picnic, so
contact the leader for what to contribute for a picnic. Leader:
Bob H. 866-1375.
June 23rd, Saturday, 7:00 am,
HIKING THEODORE
ROOSEVELT PRESERVE:
Our
hike will start at the trail head along the Willie Brown trail to the bird
watching tower in Round Marsh. We will continue along the Timucan trail to
Alligator Pond then east on the Spanish Pond trail back to the Willie Brown
trail. There is no cost for the hike. Bring water, bug spray and binoculars.
Wear comfortable shoes. We will meet at Hardees on north side of
Merrill Rd. just east of
the 9A overpass. Leader: Sam K. 625-1097.
June 30th, 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 events
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 swap meet is geared for
members and potential members of our club, not the general public. It will
be held in Stephanie's front yard. Call 268-5569 or 209-1742 for directions.
All calls will be returned if no answer.
July 1st,
Sunday, 9;00 am, HIKING AT BLACK ROCK ON BIG
TALBOT
ISLAND:
We will walk through the
woods to Black Rock Beach where you will see fallen trees along the beach
which appear like sterling silver -- if the tide is high that day, we may
have to climb over a few, but it is not difficult -- just fun and a wonder
of nature. Watch for a Yahoo group announcement about possible fee to go to
the beach and the meeting location. Leader:
Marta 725-9521.
July 4th, Wednesday, 9:00, ANNUAL 4TH
OF JULY COOKOUT at Hanna Park:
It is
time again for the Sidetracker’s annual 4th of July cookout.
We are going to start early with volleyball at 9:00-9:30 before it
gets hot and crowded followed by several games/activities that are being
planned including a water gun fight. BYO water gun. We are going to have
hamburgers and hot dogs this year cooked by Stephanie, Sandy and Jeff. Ray
will be cooking his famous onion rings between 10am to 11am. Lunch will
start about noon. We will be at shelter #3 which is at the south end of the
park. Park ranger can direct you and provide a map of the park. Bring a
covered dish to share and your own beverage. Please let Diane (821-6707) or
Heike (998-2312) know that you are coming and what you
are bringing or for suggestion. PLEASE RSVP BY
JULY 1.
This is one of the two events that are for Members and their
guest only. The members have paid for the event through membership dues.
July 7th,
Saturday, OPEN:
July 11th, Wednesday 6:30 pm,
MONTHLY MEETING: Not the
first Wednesday of the Month
We will meet at the Southeast Regional Public Library at
Gate Parkway off of
J. Turner Butler Blvd. for
a discussion on past events and highlights of upcoming events. There will be
door prizes, refreshments and a speaker once a quarter.
July 14th, Saturday, 7:30 AM,
KAYAK/CANOE THE PICTURESQUE JUNIPER SPRINGS RUN:
The
scenic & challenging run is a wonderful trip. This is quite a challenging
paddle that may not be suitable for beginners. Bring bug
spray, sun block, water, snacks & lunch. We will meet on US 17 at the
McDonalds across from the Orange Park Dog Track. Please
be on time, since it is about a two hour drive to the river. Canoes are
available for rent at the park.
Leader: Gene M. 998-2312.
July 21st, Saturday, 8:00 AM, BIKING
AT THE BALDWIN TRAIL:
We are
going to bike on the
Jacksonville to
Baldwin bike trail. It is a 30 miles round
trip but you can ride as far as you like and turn around. It is an easy ride
and any type bike can be used on the ride. Directions to the meeting
place/trail head are take I-10 to I-295 north to
Commonwealth Ave. to
Imeson Blvd. turn right.
The trail head is about a half a mile on the left. Bring snacks, water and
you bike. Leader: Judy M. 398-2750.
July 28th,
Saturday, 7:00 AM, STAYING COOL AT
BLUE
SPRING
PARK:
We are going over to the beautiful
Blue
Spring
Park in
High Springs,
Florida and float and play in
the springs. You can rent tubes to float in the springs or rent canoes
paddle into the
Santa Fe
River. You can also
bring your boat and launch from the boat launch. We will meet at Hardee’s on
Lane Ave (just south of I-10) to caravan over together. Bring lunch and
plenty of water and floats or toys if you want to. Last year we brought mask
and snorkels and life jackets and floated from the springs to the river.
Leader Diane J. 821-6707.
August 1st, 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 on past events and highlights of upcoming events. There will be
door prizes and refreshments. Mr. Maynard Cox
will be our speaker this month. He is referred to as "The Snake Man" because
he knows everything about snakes. He is very knowledgeable and also very
entertaining.
August 3rd, 4th and 6th Friday night, Saturday and Sunday,
CAMPING, BIKING, PADDLING AT FT. CLINCH:
Reservations have been made for 2 sites on the shaded riverside
camping area where there is usually a nice breeze blowing. Let the leader
know if you would like to have one of them. At present there are only 2
additional sites available. The last time we camped at
Fort
Clinch we had a
wonderful time, and it was declared a favorite by several of us. Being the
first of the month, there will be a reenactment at the Fort itself; and it
is very interesting -- one of the best presentations that I have seen.
Also, at
Fort
Clinch, there are 2
naturalists - one specializing in the environment around the park and the
other specializing on marine life. For those that missed the last paddle on
Lofton Creek we will paddle it on this trip. Leader: Marta 725-9521.
August
11th, Saturday, TRIP TO CHECK OUT WHAT IS NEW AT CATTY SHACK;
Leader Heike M. 998-2312
August 18th, Saturday,
St. AUGUSTINE WALKING TOUR:
Leader:
Marsha C. 744-6322
August 25th, Saturday, CAMPING/FLOATING/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 EAT!
NOTE:
On 5-11-07
Columbia
County banned the use
of charcoal grills or propane stoves for any purpose.
NO
PROPANE – this could make eating a real challenge!!!!
Saturday
a.m., we will take a 3-hr+ float down the
Ichetucknee
River (about $5).
Saturday night will be MORE food, fun etc. around the campfire.
On Sunday, 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. We had a GREAT area back in 2005
but getting reservations in EARLY and not waiting until the last minute is
imperative!!!!! Listed is a link for the park trails and
directions for those wishing to go on their own. The
General
park web site 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 – same sites as last time. 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 and be close together!
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 anyone is interested in sharing a campsite, please let me know
that as well. Leader: Karen B. 226-8364.
September 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturday, Sunday and Monday, LABOR
DAY WEEKEND: OPEN
September 5th, 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 on past events and highlights of upcoming events.
There will be door prizes, refreshments and a speaker once a quarter.
September 8th, Saturday, PADDLE ON HAW CREEK:
Leader: Earline V. 998-4244
September 15th and 16th , Saturday and Sunday,
CAMPING AND SWIMMING AT SALT SPRINGS:
Leader: Kathy B. 772-0790.
September 22nd, Saturday: OPEN.
September 29th, Saturday, 7:30 AM,
MURALS OF PALATKA:
This is a walking tour
featuring murals depicting the city’s cultural and historical resources
painted on historic buildings throughout the town of
Palatka. One
of the attractions featured is City Hall, a 1917 Romanesque Revival building
with hand-painted murals depicting the city's history.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sun block.
We
will meet on US 17 at the McDonalds across from the Orange Park Dog Track.
For more
info visit the website: http://www.conleemurals.org/CMC-NEWTourguide-1.html
Leader Heike M. 998-2312.
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L O N G - R A N G E A C T I V I T I E S
Mark Your Calendar NOW! |
October 5th to October 8th, CAMPING AT
VOGEL
STATE PARK AND HELEN
GEORGIA:
We
will camp for 3 nights at
Vogel
State Park.
Georgia's second oldest
state park, Vogel is located in the shadow of
Blood
Mountain and is in the heart of
Georgia's
Chattahoochee
National Forest. The
centerpiece of the park is 20-acre
Lake
Trahlyta. Access to the
Appalachian Trail
(http://georgiatrails.com/features/apptrail.html) is
from Neel's Gap, just a little higher up
Blood
Mountain
and of course the famous Octoberfest in Helen is not to be missed. Three
campsites have been reserved and like they say, the early bird gets the
worm. After these are gone please contact the park,
telephone 1-800-864-7275 and check it out at:
http://ngeorgia.com/parks/vogel.html.
Leader: Heike M. 998-2312.
January 19th,
20th, 21st
MLK WEEKEND CUMBERLAND ISLAND SEA CAMP CAMPING TRIP:
Make plans to go camping at Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island when the weather will be cool and
the insects will be minimal. Cumberland Island was established as a National Seashore by the National Park Service. This is a beautiful, pristine, secluded island with a lot of history
including the Dungeness home, the First African Baptist
Church, the ruins of a
mansion built by the Andrew Carnegie as well as the Plum Orchard mansion. Cumberland
Island contains four major historic
districts and 87 structures listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, as well as the oldest known ceramics in
North America and shell middens from early
natives. Wild horses live on the island and are amazing to watch.
Hiking on the island is a favorite activity and wildlife is
plentiful. Bicycles can be rented from the ferry boat
staff.
Sea Camp has rest rooms,
cold showers and treated drinking water.
Each campsite has a grill, fire ring, food cage
(to keep those pesky raccoons out of your food) and a picnic table.
As there are no stores or restaurants on the island, you must carry
all your food and gear on the ferry. Hand carts are available for you to
take the gear the short distance to the campsites at Sea Camp.
Coolers can be brought along since we are camping so close to the
ferry dock.
The ferry fee is $17 and
the camping fee is $4 a night. So the total cost for
camping and the ferry is $25. You will be responsible
for your meals. The limiting factor for camping on
Cumberland
Island is the space on
the ferry. The ferry makes two trips a day, one at 9am
and one at 11:45am. We’ll be taking the 9:00 am trip.
I will be making ferry and
camping reservations if you let me know you are coming and will be
collecting money in advance as I will have to pay for this in advance.
If you want to go, you will need to pay in advance (by July 19th).
If we have enough people, we may get the group site, otherwise we’ll
have multiple sites. As
Cumberland is very popular in the
cooler months it fills up very quickly (especially Sea Camp).
Reservations can be made 6 months in advance, so I will be making
these reservations on the morning of July 19th.
Call Diane at (904) 545-5087
to reserve your campsite or for more information. |
