ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

January 16, Saturday: OPEN

January 23, Saturday: GAME DAY, ALACHUA: Meet at Jeff’s around 10 AM for a day of outdoor games in his beautiful back yard. Let us know what you are up for – volleyball, bocce ball, croquet, “survival”! GAME ON! Form teams or play individually. Bring your lunch & beverage of choice. Spend the day or camp overnight – there’s plenty of room on Jeff’s 5 acres to pitch tents! Jeff & Sandy will provide meat for dinner, please bring a dish to share – salad, vegetable, appetizer or dessert. If inclement weather prohibits outdoor games, we’ll play board games and/or poker indoors in front of the fireplace. Bring your favorite board game!  Directions to Jeff’s will be provided upon sign-up. Leaders: Jeff P. 352-538-1938 and Sandy P. 955-4550.

January 30, Saturday, 9:00 AM: HIKING AT BAYARD CONSERVATION AREA:  We will hike and explore the trails at the John P. Hall Sr. Nature Preserve on the St. Johns River part of the Bayard Conservation area.  Bayard conservation area is located just south of Green Cove springs on the banks of the St. Johns River. The diversity of natural systems provides habitat and feeding areas for a wide variety of species, including gopher tortoise, bald eagle, little blue heron, eastern indigo snake, deer and turkey. Woodland birds, such as warblers and woodpeckers, and manatee are found in this reach of the St. Johns River. We will hike and explore the trails. This is a hike as far as you like hike and turn around when you are ready. Or continue to a great view of the St. Johns River. There are several trails with different lengths.  For maps and further information check at the web site  http://www.sjrwmd.com/recreationguide/bayard/ index.html  We will meet at the McDonald's on US 17 across from the Dog Track in Orange Park. Leaders: Diane J. 821-6707 and Judy M. 398-2750

February 6, Saturday, 9:15 AM: NATURE WALK & "SPECIAL" TOUR - FT GEORGE ISLAND STATE PARK:  Ft. George Island State Park has been a site of human occupation for 6,000 years, beginning with the Timucuan Indians. The French Explorer, Jean Ribault claimed the island in 1562. In the 1920's a new resort, the Ribault Club was constructed and became a vacation area for the Smart Set. There is a three mile nature trail, a "special tour" of an old privately owned historic home, and we will visit the Kingsley Plantation grounds.  We will meet at the Jean Ribault visitors center at 9:45 AM, use their rest-rooms and have a tour through this historic building. We will then walk to the Kingsley Plantation and have a tour of the grounds, including the plantation house, a kitchen, barn, remains of cabins from the 1800's and the waterfront. We will then walk back near the visitors center and take a "special" tour of a privately owned home known as the Admiral Blue House (Nelmar House). Our co-leader, Andy F., has arranged for this special tour of the 7,000 sq ft home built in 1877. We will then walk to the nearby lake and enjoy the various wild life and birds on the island.  We should finish by 12:45 PM. For those interested, we can then go back to Hecksher and meet for lunch at the Sand Dollar restaurant which is only one mile south of Ft. George Island and has a beautiful view of the St. Johns River. If anyone desires more walking, then after lunch, those interested can take the short return trip to the island and walk some trails in the afternoon.        
Those wanting to car-pool or caravan, meet at the Hardees, 9111 Merrill Rd., just East of 9A at 9:15 AM. Those driving directly to the island, proceed north on 9A over the Broward Bridge and go east at the first exit which is Hecksher Blvd (AIA). Go approximately 9 miles on Hecksher Blvd, pass the Ferry terminal, and then within one mile the marked entrance will be on the left. Proceed slowly on the island road, bear right at the fork, and follow directions for the Jean Ribault visitors center. Entrance to the island and the tour is free. Bring a bottle of water, a snack, proper clothing for the weather, money for lunch if you desire, and a bright smile. Leader - (Mr.) Kim L - 904-645-5112, Please call so Andy and I know to expect you. My cell phone for the day of the event is 904-610-5029.

February 13, Saturday 10:30 AM: OLUSTEE BATTLEFIELD RE-ENACTMENT:  Every year thousands of re-enactors come to Olustee to re-enact the Civil War battle.  We will see military personnel and civilians in period clothing, walk through Union and Confederate camps, and talk to merchants selling their civil war era merchandise.  We can listen to period music, watch medical demonstrations, and attend informational talks.  At 3:30 we’ll watch a battle re-enactment.  Although there will be refreshments available for purchase, I don’t know the details and suggest we bring our lunches or snacks, plus plenty of water and/or sports drinks.  Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, and bring sunscreen.  Meet off I-10 at the Hardee’s at 873 S Lane Ave, to carpool.  Admission is $7, parking shuttle is $1 each way.  Please let me know if you are coming.  Leader: Marsha C. 744-6322

February 20, Saturday, 7:30 AM: PADDLE AROUND HONTOON ISLAND AND HOPEFULLY SEE SOME MANATEE AT BLUE SPRINGS: Hontoon Island State Park is a state park outside of Deland and is an island accessible only by ferry or private boat. We are planning on putting in at the parking lot and paddle around the island which part of it will be in the narrow area of the St. Johns River. We will pass Blue Springs State Park which this time of the year has manatee keeping warm in the spring. So hopefully we can paddle with some manatee there. Aluminum canoes or tandem kayaks can be rented for day use on a first come first serve basis. Paddles and floatation devices are included. Contact the park for rental prices, 386-736-5309.  When we finish our paddle, we will have lunch on the island and explore the park. Bring sun screen, bug spray, plenty of water, snacks for the boat and lunch. There is a small park store on the island. THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER’S TRIP. We will meet at the McDonald's on Phillips Hwy. across from the Avenues Mall. It is about two hour drive to get to the island. http://www.floridastateparks.org/hontoonisland/default.cfm Leader: Diane J. 821-6707, cell 955-1779.

February 27, Saturday 8:00 AM PADDLE SILVER RIVER:  We should be on the water by 10:30. This will be a DAY TRIP on the beautiful Silver River. See monkeys, gators and maybe some otters too if we’re lucky. We will paddle upriver to Silver Springs. We can’t get out in that area, but it’s fun to paddle there and see the springs and the people and listen to the music. Then it will be an easy paddle back to the put-in. Plan on being gone all day. Bring plenty of water, snacks and your lunch and we’ll “dine” on the riverbank. 8:00 AM is the time we’ll leave McDonald’s on US 17 across from dog track. We will put in at Ray’s Wayside Park the entrance fee is $5. DIRECTIONS TO WAYSIDE PARK - US 17 to FL 19 in Palatka, FL 19 to County Road 314 Just past Salt Springs, CR 314 to US 40. Turn right on 40 – go across the bridge and turn left into Wayside Park. Leader: Earline V. 614-8629 e.veltman(at)comcast.net

March 3, Wednesday 7:30 PM: PLANNING MEETING: This quarter’s planning meeting is being held at the Southeast Regional Library, right after the March monthly meeting.  We will be planning for April, May, and June.  It is the club members who come up with the activities.  Think about what you would like do during the next quarter, and join us at the meeting.  Non-members are welcome to attend.

March 5-7, Fri/Sat/Sun 9:00 AM: MOSQUITO LAGOON PADDLING TRIP AND PRIMITIVE CAMPING:  Sidetrackers is planning their annual paddling trip to Mosquito Lagoon in Canaveral National Seashore near Titusville, Fl. We hope to camp this year on Orange Island which is a short, half mile paddle to the campsite. Once there we can explore the estuaries within Mosquito Lagoon. There is a beautiful canoe trail that can be taken through the area at high tide.

This is a camping trip as well as a paddle. If you do not wish to camp you are welcome to come down for the day and paddle with the group. You will need to transport your equipment via boat to the campsite. On our last to trip we were able to see dolphin as well as many shore birds.

Equipment needed: boat, camping gear- tent, sleeping bag, food, water and clothing. Canoe rentals are available at the Park but you must find your own partner. Cost- Campsite is $10/night divided by the number of people attending. Orange Island camping is limited to 6 people so it will be first come, first serve. This particular campsite is contingent on getting a reservation which can only be made 7 days in advance. Another campsite might be available. Leader: Judy M. 398-2750 Co-Leader: Diane J. 821-6707

March 13, Saturday: OPEN

March 20, 21, Saturday, Sunday, PARKER PLACE CAMPING AND KANAPAHA GARDENS SPRING PLANT SALE:  Every spring, Kanapaha Gardens in Gainesville hosts its Annual Spring Garden Festival, the region's premier horticultural event. The weekend affair features more than 200 booths offering plants, landscape displays, educational materials, arts and crafts, and food. Educational seminars and entertainment are offered throughout and both live and silent auctions offer many bargains on arts, crafts, plants, and gardening supplies. About 10,000 individuals usually attend the event; parking is free and two off-site parking areas are serviced by shuttle buses.  Pets are not allowed at these festivals. For more detailed information, visit the Spring Garden Festival website at www.gardenfestival.org Sandy and Jeff will be hosting a campout at Parker Place Saturday, with a visit to the Kanapaha Spring Plant Sale on Sunday.  Leaders: Sandra P. 996-9206 and Jeff P. 386-462-4918

March 27, Saturday: OPEN
 

LONG-RANGE PLANS

September 3,4,5,6, Friday-Monday: CALLAWAY GARDENS, GEORGIA FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND:  Callaway Gardens is having a Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival on Labor Day Weekend. It looks like a lot of fun! There is camping available at FD Roosevelt State Park (GA). Reservations have all ready been made for 4 campsites (8 tents.) You may also make your own reservations as the sites are filling up quickly.

We also plan on visiting nearby Providence Canyon. Visitors are often amazed when they visit “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.” The massive gullies, as deep as 150 feet, were caused by poor farming practices during the 1800s. Hikers who explore the deepest canyons will usually find a thin layer of water along the trail, indication of the water table below. Colorful wildflowers, as well as the pink, orange, red and purple hues of the soft canyon soil, make a beautiful natural painting at this unique park. The rare Plumleaf Azalea grows only in this region and blooms during July and August when most azaleas have lost their color. Visitors can enjoy views of the canyons from the rim trail, and backpackers can stay overnight along the backcountry trail. Cost- Camping fees and entrance into Callaway Gardens and Providence Canyon. Leader: Judy M. 398-2750 Co- Leader- Diane J. 821-6707 For more information on the web: http://www.callawaygardens.com/callaway/info/calendar/calendar.sky_high.event.aspx 
www.gastateparks.org/info/fdr/

Longer-range activities may be scheduled at our next planning meeting.
Make plans now to attend; everyone is welcome.
 

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

2010 Monthly Meeting Schedule
MONTHLY MEETINGS are always on the first non-holiday 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, February 3, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, March 3, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, April 7, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, May 5, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, June 2, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, July 7, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, August 4, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, September 1, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, October 6, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, November 3, 2010 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, December 1, 2010 – 6:30 PM

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