ACTIVITIES and EVENTS
 

Fri-Sun 9/5-9/7, (Members Only) Relaxing “Chill Out” weekend in Madison, Fl.  Come join an intimate group of 10 "Sidetrackers Members" on beautiful Cherry Lake in Madison County, FL.  It is a 2 hour drive from Jacksonville and 20 minutes from Wild Adventures Theme Park (http://wildadventures.net) The crystal clear lake is ideal for swimming, any water sport, boating or fishing. There is a lot of land to explore plus a campfire area for the evening time. The house sleeps 10 people comfortably with 2 king-size bedrooms and a bunk room that has 2 Queen size bunk beds and a 1 Queen size regular bed. The bedrooms sleep 2 and are $25.00 per night per person. The bunks are $20.00 per night per person.  There is a sleeper couch in the den that can sleep 1 for $15.00 per night. This beautiful house has a full kitchen, living area, game room and a large front porch with a dock. We will arrange group dinners and other activities as the group desires. Note:  there will also be an additional fee of $10.00 (cash) per person for "clean up" service at the end of the weekend. For photos and additional information, check out the website at: http://www.radloffretreat.com   If you are Sidetrackers member and able to provide full payment no later than Sunday, 7/27/14, please contact Kathy B. ASAP at: kathy_beck 'at' bellsouth.net.  Cell 904 463 3499.

Sun 9/14, at 9:00am, Bayard Conservation Area, Green Cove Springs:    Enjoy a morning hike at Bayard Conservations Area in beautiful Green Cove Springs.  We will meet at 9:00 am at McDonald's at 428 Park Ave (US-17) across from Orange Park Kennel Club. We plan to arrive at the conservation at approximately 10:15am.  The hike will be 7-8 miles, easy to moderate, with some areas being soggy. This area is located on the West bank of the St. Johns River in Green Cove Springs. We will be parking at #1 trailhead off of Leonard C. Taylor Pkwy. There is no parking fee and plenty of parking spaces. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, plenty of water and a few snacks. Please wear proper clothing and shoes for heat and soft wet trails.   We anticipate going for lunch after our hike in the area. Event leader Vic Corrales, 904-517-2321.  For additional information about Bayard Conservation Area:  http://www.sjrwmd.com/recreationguide/bayard/. Please try to arrange for car pooling prior to departure time. As a courtesy to others, please call or text Victor if you are running late or will not be attending the morning of the event. 

Sat 9/20, 9:00am, Nature Hike on Little Talbot Island: Sleep in a bit and then lets enjoy a very pleasant four mile nature hike experiencing a cross-section of ecosystems on Little Talbot Island State Park. This includes maritime hammock, beach dunes, depression marsh, and a stroll on the beautiful white sandy beaches of the island. It will be nearing low tide when we get to the beach portion, so there will be a good opportunity to view wildlife and locate shells or sharks teeth. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a bright smile. Cost: Entry fee of approx. $ 4 or $ 5 per vehicle onto the island, plus lunch if you desire. Please note, this Sidetrackers event is strictly a nature hike on the trail/beach of Little Talbot Island. It does not include swimming in the ocean. In the event one or more wish to divert from the hike and elect to go swimming, then the Sidetrackers activity for those people will end at that time and you will be on your own. The tides and undertow of the ocean can be dangerous and you should exert all caution if you elect to go swimming on the island.  We will meet at the Hardee’s at 9111 Merrill Rd. at 9:10 AM. If you plan to eat breakfast, then please come earlier so you will be finished by 9:10 AM.  Take 295/9A North or Southside Blvd Connector North and exit to the right at Merrill Rd. Proceed east and Hardee’s is immediately on your left. We will depart Hardee’s sharply by 9:20 AM and car-pool and caravan approximately 20 miles to Little Talbot Island State Park off of Heckscher Drive. If you live in north Jax or Ga. then suggest you meet us at the Little Talbot Island parking lot at approx. 9:50 AM near the bathrooms and shelters.   For those interested after the event, some people may desire to get lunch at the nearby Sand Dollar Restaurant that has good food and a wonderful water view. Leader (Mr.) Kim L. (cell 904-610-5029)

Tue 9/23, 6:15pm, Evening walk thru Riverside & The Landing: Enjoy a brisk evening walk from the Riverside to the Landing. We will meet at Memorial Park located near the corner of Riverside and Margaret Road. Look for Publix and Al's Pizza for nearby parking. There will also be parallel parking adjacent to Memorial Park. Plus, if you go down Margaret Street to Park, there is parking along side Riverside Park.  We will all congregate by the statue in Memorial Park. The walk will be close to 4.4 miles to The Landing and back. Afterwards we will have a bite to eat in the area. This will be a warm up to a longer walk of about 6.6 miles for a later date and hopefully a few walks at the beaches or Theodore Roosevelt Park.  Call or text leader Vic Corrales 904-517-2321 email: corralesvictor6969 'at' gmail.com.

Sat 9/27, at 9:00am, Suwannee River Park Canoe/Hike:  Come enjoy a day of canoeing on the Suwannee River and hiking the Big Oak Trail. We will meet at McDonalds at 705 Chaffee Road off I-10, exit 351, on the West side of Jacksonville at 9:00am. We will be leaving promptly at 9:30am. Canoe rental must be reserved with Suwannee River Outpost (386) 364-4185 and ask for Lucas. The canoe is $40/day including Portage to “put-in” place. I’m looking to have 3 people in each canoe.  There are a few kayak rentals available and you may also bring your own kayak. This trip will be limited due to number of canoes available. Please bring plenty of water/Gatorade and a bag lunch and/or snacks.  Dress for the heat, water environment (river) and footwear for hike (4.5 to 3miles). .  The event is located 83 miles or a 75 minute from Jacksonville.  For more information about the State Park, check out: http://www.floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver. Event leader: Vic Corrales, 904-517-2321.  Please call or text Victor if you are running late or need to cancel on the day of the event. Always check www.meetup.com/Sidetrackers for current comments or to cancel your reservation.

Sun 9/28, 8:30am, Jekyll Island Bike Ride: We will meet at McDonalds on Duval Rd by the airport in the Riverplace Market and leave promptly at 8:45am. Arrive early if you plan on having breakfast. Carpooling is recommended, but you may want to arrange it ahead of time as there is planning involved when transporting bikes. We will be parking in the Historic District on the island nearest the Sea Turtle Center if you want to meet us there. It takes about 65 minutes to get there from our meeting spot.  We will ride the bike path through the center of the island to the ocean and around the north end, stopping at driftwood beach/pier for a stroll and quick snack then finishing the ride and touring the historic district on foot and having lunch at a nearby restaurant. Any type of bike is welcome but beach cruisers are most appropriate. The ride is about 9 miles long with stops to enjoy the sites. This is a very scenic ride with intracoastal and ocean water views on paved trails and a lot of island history. There is a limit of 25 people, so please sign-up ONLY if you are planning on attending. And update your RSVP if your plans change. Please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and a light snack if you desire.  We will get a bite to eat on the island. Location to be announced. There is a toll bridge before crossing over to the island with $6.00 fee per car so bring cash. Leader: Paula S. 904-588-2707. As a courtesy, please call Paula if your plans change and you are unable to attend or you will be marked as a no show. http://www.jekyllisland.com/resources/visitors-guide/

Wed, 10/01 5:45pm, St. Johns River Redfish/Trout Weekday Charter Fishing Adventure: If you ever wanted to go and fish for redfish/trout and possibly a trophy red, this is your event. This is a Paid Members) Sidetrackers event only, with this being the first of 2 fishing Charters and Wednesday October 22 is the next scheduled charter. We will meet at 5:45pm, Hardee's 9111 Merrill Road, off I-295, then go Browns Creek Fish Camp to meet up with Capt. Mike Darveau of Top Water Action Charters.  The cost of charter is 3 fishermen/$375 or 4 fishermen/$425, bring without tip, tipping is encouraged especially if you have a good time and you wish him to clean your fish. Bring your refreshments, snacks, sunscreen, hat and cooler for your catch. The charter captain will inform us the night before if we may have to reschedule due to weather. Event leader Victor Corrales 904-517-2321. Call for more details.

Wed 10/1, 6:30 PM, Monthly Members Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256   

Sat 10/11 10:00am, Zip Lining at The Canyons in Ocala, FL: We will meet at McDonalds on Old St. Augustine Rd. (by I-95) at 10:00am. This is absolutely the best zip lining in the state. There are 9 zip lines, some over 130 feet in the air, many over the water where there once were deep rock quarries. There are also a long rope bridge to cross and a 60ft. rappel down a tree. We went to The Canyons last year and it is a trip you won't forget. The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to The Canyons which is outside of Ocala. To sign up you have to go to: http://www.zipthecanyons.com and book a tour for yourself (and a guest if you wish). Book the time as 10/11/14 at 12:00pm so that we can go as a group. If that time slot is booked, take the next available one. You have to pay by credit card at the time of booking. The cost is $96.00 per person.  Please also reply on the Sidetrackers Meetup site. This is a long weekend and it will get booked up quickly, so don’t delay if you are interested. The morning of 10/11 is already getting booked, so that’s why we will hope to start the course together at noon. The entire course takes about 3 hours. We go off in groups of 8. You will select your time slot when you book & pay for the tour online.  When you select your time slot, post it as a comment on http://www.Meetup.com/Sidetrackers  so that other Sidetrackers can try to join your group!! We probably won’t be finished until around 3:30pm. Once you are on the course, you keep moving and there is little time to eat, so you might want to bring a power bar or cookies to sustain yourself.  This is real exercise! We will go the The Yearling in Cross Creek afterward. Everyone agreed that this is one of the best restaurants we have ever been to. The food is fabulous! Leader: Tim Scott, cell 904-705-3335.The website for The Canyons is: http://www.zipthecanyons.com. Please click website link to review cancellation policy. Please check with Meetup,com/Sidetrackers for up-to-the-minute changes.

Fri-Mon 10/10-13, Crystal Isle Camping in Crystal River, FL:   Meet up details to follow on http://www.Meetup.com/Sidetrackers. It’s Columbus Day weekend! Come join us for a 3 day weekend in Crystal River. Crystal Isles is a rustic camp ground with hot and cold running showers. You may choose to kayak, fish, sight see and hike or bike on Saturday.  Sunday we will be going to Devils Den where we can snorkel or scuba dive. Rentals for everything you need are available. After Devils den we may hike the gardens next door and/or go to Elephants & Co. This is where we can learn about elephants and ride them.  Depending on participants, we are planning to rent a pontoon boat at approximately twenty dollars per person.   Saturday and Sunday will have pot luck dinners, so bring a dish to share. We will also be grilling so bring a main course to throw on the grill. If you are grilling please bring coal. We will also be lighting a campfire so plan to bring wood.  We will be renting three campsites where eight people per campsite are allowed. Each campsite cost eighty two dollars for Saturday and Sunday nights. Depending on how many people are on a campsite determines the cost of the sites.  Any questions please call Sue M. at 215-939-8523.  Additional information available: http://www.trails.com/list_30316_river-fl-camping-rv-parks.html; and http://www.devilsden.com/ 

Mon 10/13, 6:30pm, Jax Beach Bike Ride: Join us on the beach for a casual evening bike ride and enjoy the ocean breeze while we ride about five miles on the sand. This is an easy ride for all levels. We will meet at Oceanfront Park on 1st Street South between 5th & 6th Avenues South at 6:30pm. There is plenty of parking at the east end of 5th Ave. Bring water and any bike appropriate for the sand. We will leave for the beach at 6:40pm so if you are running late, just head south on the beach. Those people interested can go out for a bite to eat somewhere at the beach afterwards. If you have any questions call the Leader: Kathy D. 908-433-5974

Sat-Sun 8:00am, 10/18-10/19 Torreya State Park Hike and Wakulla River Paddle:  We will meet at McDonald's on I-10 and Chafee Road. (South of I-10). Come out and hike part of the Florida trail in Torreya State Park along the Apalachicola River and hike along the Bluffs and old civil War gun pits and diverse terrain. The trail is around 7.2 miles but can extend into 15 miles for the diehards. We will come back toward the Wakulla River to spend the night then Sunday morning go out for 4 hours and look for manatee or go fishing. There is excellent fishing in the area. There are motel rooms for 2 folks at the Shell Island Fish Camp just down the river from the kayak rental facility, T.N.T. Hide way; kayak rentals $25/4 hours either sit-in or sit on top 850-925-6412.  Shell Island Fish Camp has tent camping $10 a night or $70 for 2 in motel 850-925-6226. I will post a secondary camping or cabin site since it is a busy time of the month in this area and half of the lodging is already reserved. The event is approximately 200 miles and will take 3 hours to get to the event. Event leader Victor Corrales 904-517-2321 txt, call or email corralesvictor6969 'at' gmail.com. For more information check the following website: http://Floridastateparks.org/torreya. As a courtesy, please advise leader if you are running late or unable to attend. 

Wed 10/22, Redfish/Trout Fishing Adventure Part II:  See 10/1 for details.

Fri-Mon 10/24-10/27, DeSoto State Park Fall Trip in (N/E) Fort Payne, Alabama: We will depart early Friday, October 24 at 6:00 a.m. and return on Monday, October 27 leaving 2pm. The cost of the trip is $92 per person for housing for 3 nights.  We will need a $50 deposit, by August 31st, mailed or handed to Vic Corrales, 1321 Gately Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225 or Kathleen Donato, 113 Seagrave Main St, #102, St. Augustine, FL 32080.  The remainder of the balance is due by September 30, 2014.  The trip is in Desoto State Park in Northeast Alabama in the Lookout Mountain area by Little River Canyon preserve. We should be able to see the change of seasons. It is about 50 miles North from where the trip was last year.  This area provides mountain biking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, caving, and lots of hiking trails from easy to difficult with some steep inclines and descending routes. The hike will calls for proper footwear, water and comfortable attire. There are two chalets reserved for 10 members.. Due to timing, the first to pay gets to stay in a chalet.  If there is a great demand and enough money in advance, there is a chance we could reserve another chalet.  However, the few available chalets will be gone in a couple of weeks. This trip will be offered first to paid Sidetracker members only. This state park has been rated as the best in Alabama It has a restaurant, back country camping, numerous waterfalls, caves, and Little River Canyon for kayaking. There is the possibility of a trip to the #1 rated hiking area near the Tennessee border at the Walls of Jericho state park which has a trail that descends down some 1000 feet. It encompasses some 7 miles of moderate to difficult hiking. The nearby town of Mentone is the highest elevation town in Alabama with some great arts and crafts and some great eateries. http://www.alapark.com/desotoresort/  Resort is located near: 1299 Blalock Drive NE Fort Payne, AL 35967. Please note that this trip is approx. 475 miles and will take nearly. 8 hours to drive. Leader,Vic, 904 517-2321.   As a courtesy, please call Vic if your plans change and you are unable to attend.

Sun 11/2, 8:30am, Gainesville Hawthorne Trail Bike Ride: Come join us for a fun filled day riding the beautiful bike trails in Gainesville. We will meet at the McDonald's on US 17 across from the Dog Track in Orange Park. The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail stretches 16 miles from the city of Gainesville through the Paynes Prairie Preserve and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. This is a paved bike trail with hills and curves. We will ride about 8 miles of the trail and back.  We will begin our ride at the Gainesville/Boulware Springs Trailhead end. This end has rolling hills, the most shaded part of the trail, sink holes to explore, overlooks and boardwalks where we can get off our bikes and explore so bring a lock for your bike if you can. We will stop on the way back to walk out on the La Chua trail and see the alligators and other wildlife. We will leave McDonalds at 8:40 AM for the trip to the trail head. It is approx. a 1.5 hour drive. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, water and snacks for the ride. We will stop for lunch after the ride. Leader: Paula S. (c)904  588-2707  https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=207548190157322121666.0004bef755dcfe9d4e766/  and http://www.floridastateparks.org/gainesville-hawthorne/

Wed 11/5, 6:30pm, Sidetrackers Outdoor Club for Singles will host a Meet & Greet at Seven Bridges Restaurant: Now is your chance to find out what the Sidetrackers are about or get reacquainted with old friends you have shared an event with.  The outdoor heated patio is where we will gather to share stories and enjoy ourselves. Dinner and drinks are optional. The restaurant is located at Tinseltown by the movie theater. The address is 9735 Gate Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32246. See website for directions, menu and prices. http://www.7bridgesgrille.com

Fri-Sun 11/7-9, Paddling and optional camping at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach:  Come join us for the weekend or the day: We will meet at 2:00pm at the McDonalds on 11/7, Friday at Old St. Augustine Road off I-95. Carpooling can be arranged at that time. Please make sure everyone has the same return schedule. The Tomoka Park is on the Halifax River, in Ormond Beach. Trails lead under the large Live Oak trees that have stood the test of time; where early Native Americans once lived off the fish-filled lagoons.  Visit the park museum or go fishing off the dock. Bring your kayak or canoe to explore the river and marshland beauty. Canoes or kayaks can be rented at the Camp Ground Store for 2 hour at $25. The Store’s phone is 386-673-0022. November will be cool so dress accordingly. There are campfire rings at each site to use to warm the chilly nights. Campers are responsible for their own food. Saturday night we will have a joint cook out over the fire. Bring something you want grilled and something to share. Three sites are reserved with electricity and water. They will accommodate 24 people if tents are shared.  Two large tents are recommended for each site.  It could be stretched to 4 tents if two are small tents.  Priced at 4 people per site, the cost is $13.50 per person for two nights and all day Sunday. That cost can be split between shared tent occupants.  Check in begins at 3:00pm. Park gated closes at sunset. For those coming after dark, you can still gain entry. The Ranger Station will stay open until 8:00pm to assist you. Or, notify the Sidetrackers leaders when you get to the park and they can get you in.  Check-out is Sunday by 1:00 pm. We have to be off the site, but we can stay to enjoy the park.  If this event is full you can still join us. You may reserve a site of your own and we may find someone who would like to share your site and cost.  To make reservations go to: http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/tomoka-sp/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=FL&parkId=281076  FYI: Driving time is approximately 90 minutes. Directions: Take 95 South and exit toward Old Dixie Hwy and turn left. Old Dixie Hwy will lead you straight to the park. It will be on your left.  A second carpool can be arranged for 6:30 pm if requested. For those wanting to come for the day, park entry fee is $4 for one person per car and $5 per car for 2 to 5 people. Leader: Vicki A. at 904-923-2335 Contact her for questions and to make arrangements. for your stay and if you need a loaner camping tent. Tomoka State Park is located at: 2099 N Beach St Ormond Beach, FL 32174  

Sat 11/15, Obstacle Course at UNF

Wed 12/3, 6:30 PM, Monthly Members Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256                  

Fri 12/5, TBD Art Walk/Christmas Lights, St. Augustine:

Sat/Sun 12/14 & 12/14, Hike Camp at St. Catherines Island or Cumberland Island, GA

Additional information about these activities and events may be announced at monthly meetings and on our Meetup.com/Sidetrackers trip reservation pages.

2014 Monthly Meeting Schedule.  Locations Will Be Announced.
MONTHLY MEETINGS are always on the first non-holiday Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
and the location may vary.  Subscribers to our Meetup.com group receive an automatic reminder message in their email two days before the meeting.

The Sidetrackers Newsletter
Our newsletter is maintained by Chris who can be reached by email at newsletter 'at' sidetrackers.com.
If you have any comments about the newsletter, or if you have material to submit for inclusion in the
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Members pay a small annual fee to help share the annual cost of maintaining this web site and the small costs of running the club.  Members are not required to submit a Guest Waiver Form at each Sidetrackers trip, activity or event.  Membership applications are accepted throughout the year.  Please visit our Membership page, 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.

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