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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.
Sandy and Jeff
will be hosting a campout at Parker Place Saturday, with a visit to the
Kanapaha Spring Plant Sale on Sunday. If you wish to camp at Jeff’s
Saturday night, please arrive after 2 pm. We’ll throw something on the
grill, bring a dish to share and your beverage of choice. PLEASE LET US KNOW
IN ADVANCE IF YOU WILL BE CAMPING!
If you wish to
only attend the Kanapaha Garden Spring Festival and Plant Sale, please meet
us at Kanapaha Gardens in Gainesville between 9:45 – 10 AM Sunday, March 21.
The festival starts at 10 and I understand parking is at a premium. There is
parking on site & we hope we will be early enough to park there. If not,
there are off site parking areas & shuttle buses. The entrance to Kanapaha
in Gainesville is on S.W. Archer Rd. (S.R. 24), 1 miles west of I-75 (Exit
384).
In addition to
seeing the gardens & having an opportunity to purchase plants & garden
related products, there will be booths staffed by local gardening and
environmental organizations. Jeff and I have attended the fall plant sales
at Kanapaha twice and have found many of the vendors to be well informed and
willing to share information.
Greathouse
Butterfly Farm will have a large screened tent with native butterflies.
There are also arts & crafts booths, food vendors and live entertainment.
Well worth the $7 admittance fee! Here are two web sites that you can visit
that will provide additional information, directions and off site parking
locations
http://www.gardenfestival.org/
and http://www.kanapaha.org/
We plan to do
lunch at the Gardens, so plan on $7 for admittance and your cost for lunch.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hats and be ready to have fun!
Even if you do not plan to buy any plants, just seeing all of the beautiful
displays is a wonderful experience! REMINDER: PLEASE LET YOUR TRIP LEADERS
KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND! Leaders: Sandra P. 996-9206 and Jeff P.
386-462-4918
March 27,
Saturday, 7:30 AM: HIKING AT
CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GA: We
will hike the trails and explore the Cumberland Island National Seashore
after taking a ferry over from the dock at St. Mary’s waterfront. This is an
all day event due to the distance and ferry rides involved. If you wish to
participate, you will need to call the St. Mary’s Ferry and reserve your
space for the 9 AM departure time and 4:45 PM trip back by calling the ferry
terminal at 877-860-6787. The ferry cost is $17 and the park entrance is $4.
There are no stores on the island so plan to pack a lunch and snacks as well
as plenty of water. Dress appropriately for the weather and a long day of
walking. Sunscreen, bug spray and hat are recommended. We will have a picnic
on one of the beaches or trails along the way.
Cumberland Island is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Walk
in the footsteps of early natives, explorers, and wealthy industrialists. A
total of 50 miles of hiking trails meander through maritime forests,
interior wetlands, historic districts, marsh ecosystems, and the beautiful
beaches. Numerous species of wildlife call Cumberland Island home. From
threatened and endangered manatees and sea turtles to over 300 species of
birds, the sights are endless on Cumberland Island. Often on a single trip,
visitors may see wild turkeys, armadillos, feral horses, vultures, dolphins,
and lizards all in the same day. There is a Visitor Center, the Dungeness
ruins and Plum Orchard mansion to visit.
If
you want to carpool or caravan to St. Mary’s, we will meet at the River City
shopping center off I-95 north near the airport at 7:30 AM in order to
arrive at the ferry with ample time to board.. Take I-95 north and turn at
the exit for Duval Rd. (East) which is the opposite direction from the
airport. We will meet at the Ross's parking lot and carpool from there.
Please contact leader if you are planning to go so we can get an accurate
count and reach you if any plans change. Remember that you will be
responsible for making your own reservations for the ferry by calling
877-860-6787. Leader: Paula S. 904-886-0404 (H) or 904-588-2707 For more
info on the web: http://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm
April 3,
Saturday, 8:00 AM, HIKE/NATURE WALK AT PAYNES PRAIRIE PRESERVE STATE PARK
AND AT DEVIL'S MILLHOPPER:
(both near Gainesville). Paynes Prairie was Florida's first state preserve
and is designated a National Natural Landmark. It has over 20 distinct
biological communities providing a rich array of habitats for wildlife,
including alligators, bison, wild horses, and over 270 species of birds. We
plan to hike the 2.5 or 3 mile round trip trail including either the
observation tower or wildlife viewing deck. We will then visit the nearby
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park which is a bowl shaped cavity 120
feet deep leading to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the
steep slops of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the
ground. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls throughout the
year.
We
will meet at Hardees on Lane Ave at 8:00 AM and then caravan/carpool to the
Gainesville area for this beautiful activity. Please bring water, snacks,
bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, money for lunch, and a bright smile.
We plan to go out for lunch after the event at a nearby Gainesville eatery
prior to returning to Jax. Please contact the leader, (Mr.) Kim L. so I know
to expect you (904-645-5112 or my cell phone at 904-610-5029). For more
info on the web http://www.floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie/ and http://www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper/
April 9-11,
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: CAMPING/HIKING AT O'LENO STATE PARK:
We will be heading to O’Leno State Park - planning to leave the Hardee’s on
Lane Avenue at 6 PM on Friday night. We will caravan. It’s about a 1.5 hour
drive, which should give us plenty of time to set up camp and eat dinner.
Plan on hiking on Saturday. O'Leno has two
scenic walking trails, the River Trail and the Limestone Trail. The River
Trail takes you along the river to the " river sink" where the river
disappears underground. Alligators and turtles should be seen. The Limestone
Trail passes through a hardwood hammock, past a limestone outcrop and then
by a pine forest. There are an additional 13 miles of hiking and biking
trails available. These trails are well maintained and marked. Saturday
night will be MORE food, fun etc. around the campfire. I have reserved three
campsites for two nights, so the cost will depend on the number of people
going. We can have two tents and two cars per site. We will camp in the
Dogwood Area campground, sites 41, 42 and 43. Bring plenty of food for the
weekend. Please let us know as soon as possible if you're interested.
Leaders: Jennifer N. 904-563-1809 and Judy M. 904-398-2750. For more info
on the web http://www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/
April 17,
Saturday, 8:00 AM, PADDLE CLINIC:
We will leave McDonalds on Philips Highway across from the Avenues promptly
at 8:00 so if you want to eat there, please arrive early enough to get your
food and be ready to leave at 8. We will caravan to Anastasia Island. Wear
your bathing suit, bring a picnic lunch and a change of clothes. And don’t
forget the sunscreen and bug spray. This will be a fun time and a great
learning experience. There will be demonstrations of paddle strokes as well
as how to get into your boat in the middle of the lake and on shore. We
will also show how to tie some convenient knots. Don’t miss this
informative and fun day. Be sure to let me know if you will be able to
attend - and bring your boat if you have one.
If you have never
paddled, that’s OK – that’s why we have these clinics so come and learn.
We all had to learn from the beginning. There will be plenty of boats there
for everyone to give it a try and rentals are available.
Leader: Earline V. 614-8629
e.veltman(at)comcast.net
April 23-25, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 6:00
PM Camping Friday, 10:00 AM Paddling Saturday, RODMAN DAM CAMPING, OKLAWAHA
PADDLE: Rodman Dam Campground is
a part of the Cross Florida Greenways and Trails Division of the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection. It is located off of State Road 19
just west of Palatka. The campsite is located on the banks of the Rodman
Reservoir. We will camp here on Friday and Saturday nights. Saturday
morning we will meet at the dam and put the boats in on the Ocklawaha River
and do a beautiful 3-4 hour paddle down the river. The bird life is
abundant on this trip. A portion of Florida Trail goes though the Park.
The plan is to paddle the River and hike on the Florida Trail.
Those wishing to camp should meet at the
Campground on Friday, April 23rd. Cost- Campsite is $11/night per
person/tent. The gates are open until 8:00 PM. Those coming down only to
paddle should meet at 10:00 AM on Saturday April 24th. There is a short
shuttle required to have our vehicles waiting for us at the end of the
paddle. Lunch and water are needed for the paddle. Canoe/Kayak rentals are
not available at the Park.
Directions to the Park: Take US 17 south out
of Orange Park, Florida. Stay on US 17 for approximately 35 miles until you
are just north of Palatka, Florida. Make a right hand turn onto SR 19 and
drive 11.8 miles. Stay on SR 19 until you go over the Cross Florida Barge
Canal Bridge and then turn right on Rodman Dam Road at the bottom of the
bridge. The campground and the dam are approximately 3 miles down this road.
The drive is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Leader: Judy M. 398-2750(H)
May 1, Saturday: JACKSONVILLE ARBORETUM AND
GARDENS HIKE: Leaders: Judy Mc and Kim L.
May 7, Saturday: GOFFINSVILLE/NASSAU RIVER
PARK PICNIC AND PADDLE: Leaders: Sandy P. and Earline V.
May 14-16,
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: CAMPING, PADDLING, HIKING AND BIKING AT
WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK:
Come down Friday
afternoon, set up camp and hang out, bike or hike. The park is about two
hours from Jacksonville near Sanford, Fl. Saturday those that want to
paddle, we will do the canoe/kayak run from King’s landing to the state park
which is a 5 hour paddle downstream. Canoe and kayak rentals are available
at the concessions or through the outfitter. Friday afternoon, depending on
when you get there or Sunday morning there is a 9 miles bike trail or 13.5
miles of hiking trails(you don’t have to do it all). There is also
snorkeling and swimming in the spring if you want get in the cold water.
Plenty of fun things to do. Campsites are $12.00 for half a site/one tent
per night, $24.00 for the weekend. http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/default.cfm
Leader: Diane J. 821-6707.
May 22,
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
May 29-31 Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday,
Sunday, Monday: ST. MARY'S RIVER PRIMITIVE CAMP AND PADDLE Leaders: Earline
V. and Andy F.
June 1, Wednesday, 7:30 PM: PLANNING
MEETING: This quarter’s planning meeting is being held at the Southeast
Regional Library, right after the June monthly meeting. We will be planning
for July, August, and September. 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.
June 4, Saturday, SANTA FE PADDLE: Leader:
Erica S.
June 12, Saturday, HAWTHORNE BIKE RIDE:
Leaders: Judy M. and Paula S.
June 19, Saturday: OPEN
June 26, Saturday: OPEN
July 4, Sunday
morning/afternoon, ANNUAL JULY 4TH HANNA PARK PICNIC:
We have reserved shelter # 1 in parking lot
8 this year which is the best location at Hanna Park. It has a beautiful
view of the ocean and gets a pleasant breeze. There is a $3.00 fee per car
to get into Hanna Park (less if you arrive before 10:00 AM). The club will
provide oven roasters and fried chicken. Bring a side dish to share and what
you desire to drink. Bring bathing suits, sunscreen, and beach toys if you
desire. I plan to arrive at 9:30 AM, however, you can arrive at any time. We
will eat at 11:30 - 12:00. Please contact (Mr.) Kim L at 645-5112
(610-5029 cell) to let me know you plan to attend so I know how much chicken
to pick up. For more info on the web click
here.
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