ACTIVITIES and EVENTS
 

Fri 6/5, 7:15pm, Walk along Jacksonville Beach: It’s summertime! Let’s do a 5 mile stroll along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. We will meet at the Lifeguard Station and walk into the wind first.

Sat 6/6, 8:00 am, Kayak the Salt Springs Run:  We will meet at 8:00 am at the McDonalds on Old St. Augustine Road & I95. Come earlier if you plan to eat breakfast.  We plan to arrive at the Salt Springs Marina & Landing at approximately 9:45 am. The address is 25711 NE 134 Place Salt Springs, FL 32134 (352)685-2255. The trip is very scenic that inspired the famous poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Coleridge when he visited the area in 1774.  We will kayak to spring and part of the run toward Lake George and afterwards maybe hike part of the 1.5 mile hiking loop. This is a beautiful trip and a fairly easy paddle. If you are new to kayaking or canoeing, this is a good trip to try for the first time. Cost: Kayak rentals are $25 per kayak for half day or $40 for the day. If you wish to rent canoes instead they are $15 for half day or $25 for the day.  You are responsible for arranging rental of your boat if you want a specific type.  Otherwise, you can take the chance of getting whatever is available upon arrival.  Bring lunch, snacks, sunscreen and water. Leader: Julie H. cell 904-424-1548

Mon 6/8, 6:45pm, Urban Walk - Riverside Park: Come join us for a lovely 5-6 mile walk from Riverside to The Landings.  Group Leader: Victor C at 904-517 2321.

Fri 6/12, 6:45pm, Walk along Neptune Beach:  Come join us for a 5 mile hike along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean starting at One Ocean Hotel/Bar.

Sat 6/13, 8:00am, Hike at Kanapaha Gardens: Known as the Best of Attractions of Gainesville Florida is a perfect way to spend a day. Come join Sue Rorer on a walk-through of these Botanical Gardens, which are comprised of 24 major collections visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. These include the state's largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Some of Kanapaha's gardens are organized taxonomically; others demonstrate principles of ecology or natural selection. Kanapaha's signature plants include a premier stand of Chinese royal bamboo (Wong Chuk), and--during the warm months--giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums.   We will meet Saturday morning at 8:00 am at the Steak ‘n Shake at 10661 San Jose Boulevard just off I-295.  It is approximately 1 hour & 45 minute drive to Gainesville. It is $7 plus tax per person for admission – if we want a Guided Tour we need to have at least 10 people minimum attend.  Afterwards we can go to get something to eat at a nearby restaurant before heading back to Jacksonville.  The Group Leader: Sue R. 904 349-3619.   http://www.kanapaha.org

Mon 6/15, 6:45pm, Urban Walk - Riverside Park: Come join us for a lovely 5-6 mile walk from Riverside to The Landings. Leader: Group Leader: Victor C. at 904-517 2321.

Wed 6/17, 6:45pm, Wonderwood Bridge Walk.: Time to train for the fall hike! Let’s use those muscles and walk 5-6 mile walk over the Wonderwood Bridge.  Group Leader: Victor C at 904-517 2321

Sat 6/20, 7:30am, Hiking adventure at Rice Creek in Palatka:  We will meet at McDonalds at 7:30 am on US 17(Park Ave.), by 295 across from the Orange Park Kennel Club in Orange Park.  Rice Creek is a conservation area near Palatka and is part of the Florida Trail.  This was an area where the Colonials established fields of rice and indigo using dikes and canals. The trails are very lush with wild Azalea’s and Cypress trees. One of the Cypress trees is the 7th largest in Florida. This hike is moderate and the distance is 5.2 miles.  For those who want a longer hike, the Hoffman Crossing would add 3 miles round trip.  With the warmer weather, this would be a good warm-up for longer hikes later in the year, such as The Big Oak Trail, also part of the Florida Trail.  Please dress accordingly for weather.  Bring bug spray, water, camera and snacks. Please be sure you don't over estimate what you can do with these warmer weather and proper clothing and plenty of water is a must. The drive to the trailhead from McDonalds should be about 50 minutes and the hike should be about 3 hrs.  Leader: Vic C. 904.517.2321 corralesvictor6969 ‘at’ gmail.com . Victor will provide maps and directions, plus arrange carpooling at McDonalds.  http://www.floridahikes.com/ftricecreek

Mon 6/22, 6:45pm, Urban Walk - Riverside Park: Come join us for a lovely 5-6 mile walk from Riverside to The Landings. Group Leader: Victor C. at 904-517 2321.

Fri 6/26, 10:15 am, Ichetucknee Springs River Tubing, Snorkeling & Float Trip, Fort White, FL: Meet at 9:00am at the McDonalds on Chafee Road (off I-10) for the 1½ hour trip; Carpooling available.  Come swim, snorkel or float down the Ichetucknee River and beat the heat! We’ll try to enter at the State Park’s north entrance so we can experience the full spring run. The park only allows 750 people to float from the north entrance each day, so we need to arrive early to get in. We will rent the tubes from a business outside the park. Our drivers will drop us off at the north entrance, drive to the south entrance, then take the park shuttle back to float with us. We’ll be on the river for about 3.5 hours, and will have the opportunity to float again at the mid-point after lunch.  ​ You can bring your lunch for this all day trip, or plan to eat at the snack bar at the South entrance. Bring plenty of water and/or sports drinks, bathing suit, sunscreen, water shoes, towel, hat if you wear one, clothes to change into for the ride home. Cost: $5 per person at the park, plus tube rental ($5 for a tube, $10 for a raft).  Leader: Terry Cavanaugh, 904-563-0937 cell. tcavanau@unf.edu for additional information, see the website:   http://www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/default.cfm

Sun 6/28, St. Johns River Redfish/Trout Charter: Sidetrackers Members Only-Sun 6/28, 5:45am: St. Johns River Redfish/Trout  Charter:   If you ever wanted to fish for redfish/trout and possibly a trophy red, this is your event. This is a Sidetrackers dues paying members only event. This being the first of 2 fishing Charters. We will meet at 5:45 am at Hardee's 9111 Merrill Rd. off I-295, then go Browns Creek Fish Camp to meet up with Captain Mike Darveau, of Topwater Action Charters  (http://www.topwateraction.com/)  The cost of charter is 3 fishermen/$375 or 4 fishermen/$425, 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.  Group Leader: Victor C. at 904-517 2321

Mon 6/29, 6:45pm, Wonderwood Bridge Walk.: Time to train for the fall hike! Let’s use those muscles and walk 5-6 mile walk over the Wonderwood Bridge. Group Leader: Victor C. at 904-517-2321

Wed 7/1, 6:30pm, Monthly Meeting and Planning Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

Fri 7/3, 6:45pm, Urban Walk - Riverside Park: Come join us for a lovely 5-6 mile walk from Riverside to The Landings. Group Leader: Victor C. at 904-517 2321.

Sat 7/4, Annual Fourth of July Picnic at Hanna Park:  Sidetrackers Members Only.

Sat 7/11, 9:00am, Mountain Biking at Tillie Fowler:                                                                      Meeting Place/Time - Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park, 7000 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville. Meet between 9:00 - 9:15 am at the first parking area inside the entrance. Intermediate ride on the off road trails begins at 9:30 am. The south end of the park contains a small network of off road bike trails varying from beginner to advanced skill levels.  The main loop is Whistling Kitty Chaser aka WKC, this is the beginner trail that is just over a 1.5 miles.  Branching off of WKC are the more advanced trails, these contain features from rollers and berms to steep ladder bridges.  All of the bike trails are signed to indicate the required skill levels, please do not ride over your limits. Bring sunscreen, bug spray and plenty of water for the ride.  Helmets are required. Ride at own risk. Link to WKC Trail Map  For those interested, we will have lunch afterwards at Trent's Seafood. Leader: Steve D. 561.602.8613 ste_dor 'at' bellsouth.net 

Wed 8/5, 6:30pm, Monthly Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

Wed 9/2, 6:30pm, Monthly Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

Fri-Sun 9/18-9/20, 8:00am, James Island County Park Trip and Charleston, SC: Come join us for a fun long weekend to beautiful Charleston, SC. We will depart early Friday morning, September 18 at 8:00 a.m. and return on Sunday September 20, leaving at 1pm. Meeting location to be decided at a later date. The cost of the trip is $52 per person for housing for 2 nights.  We will need money to hold reservations A.S.A.P. Mail your check to: Vic Corrales, 1321 Gately Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225. The trip will be to James Island County Park, a 500 acre park with cottages and camping, a lake, kayaks, canoes and bike rentals. The park also has a challenge course, climbing wall and a waterpark.  This area provides for $10 shuttle service to Historic Charleston, Foley Beach, as well as Patriots Point where you can tour the U.S.S. Yorktown. The Cottages have 1 bunk bed for 2 and 3 queen beds.  If you don’t wish to double up on the queen bed, plan on bringing an air mattress. We’re looking at 8 folks per cottage. If you wish to camp, then you will be responsible for your own reservations.  Due to timing, the first to pay gets to stay in a cottage. This trip will be offered first to fully paid Sidetrackers members only. On this trip, plan on kayaking, biking and hiking Charleston and Ft Sumter. As a bonus, we plan on eating at wonderful restaurants and eateries.  I have looked into a kayak tour to the Fort as well as kayaking around Foley Beach. There is the Magnolia Plantation and Garden, which have been around since 1678, plus nearby trails to hike as well as ghost tours in the Historic area. We plan on doing a group meeting for arraigning events and to collect money for group discounts for future events.  Expect to leave no later than 8:00am Friday morning. It’s a 3.5 hours to drive to Charleston. Perhaps we can check into an activity along the way.  Leader: Victor, 904 517-2321.   As a courtesy, please call Vic if your plans change and you are unable to attend. For additional information, check out the website: https://www.ccprc.com/68/James-Island-County-Park and http://www.adventuresightseeing.com/tour-e.cfm.

Wed 10/7, 6:30pm, Monthly Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

10/30-11/2, Fri-Mon, Table Rock State Park, South Carolina:  This year our annual fall trip will be to Table Rock State Park in South Carolina. We will be departing on Friday, Oct 30^th and returning late afternoon/early evening, Monday, Nov 2, 2015. It’s a six hour drive so it’s best to be departing by 6:00 a.m. On Monday, we plan on leaving around noon. This trip is open to 2015 confirmed SIDETRACKERS MEMBERS ONLY!  If you respond to a RSVP in Meetup.com, but are not a SIDETRACKERS member, you will be removed from the list. If you are on the RSVP list it will be your responsibility to provide payment to Victor Corrales or Kathy Donato. The cost is $80.00 if you are staying in the cabins. You can find Victor and/or Kathy at an event or at the April 1st members meeting. The other option is by mail. Send a check, payable to: Victor Corrales, 1321 Gatell Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225. Payment is to be received by April 15. We have a long list of Members trying to go on this event. If you are unable to participate, please change your status on Meetup.com. This will allow the next person on the waiting to join in on the trip. If you pay and need to cancel, we'll refund your money as long as someone takes your spot and it's not 2 weeks before we leave on trip. Some of the activities will be:  hiking, kayaking and other fun things.  The kayaking is available in Table Rock,  but we're considering a kayak trip with an outfitter, 30 minutes north in North Carolina on the French Broad river; Class I, and I I Rapids near Roscoe, Nc. There will be a group discount for 8 or more folks; $30 / person for 3hours.  There is also hiking trails in and near state park, most are 1 to 4 miles, easy  to moderate, as well as 2 very severe strenuous long hikes on Pinnacle Mt trail 6 miles, 26 ft elevation gain and Table Rock trail 4 miles, 2433 elevation gain.   The accommodations are 2 cabins: 1 for 6 folks and 1 cabin for 8 folks.  The cabins have wi-fi, linens, cooking equipment, sleeping accommodations for 1 cabin are 2 bedrooms with 2 full beds and sleeper sofa.  1 cabin has 2 sets of bunk beds, sleeper sofa and 1 full bed.  We will plan meals and transportation as we get closer to trip date and plan on a great Italian pasta night by Chef Tom and 1st line cook Vic . As soon as well have everyone paid up, some folks might consider renting a minivan. I have one reserved with a full load. If you're interested in getting a minivan and driving let me know so we can compile a list of how can drive or participate in renting a van. For any other questions call or txt me 904-517 2321 Vic.   Additional park information: http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/tablerock

Non-members and their guests must fill out a liability waiver form, available here, before participating in any Sidetrackers event or activity.  Please note that Meetup group membership alone is not the same as Sidetrackers club membership.  For more information please visit our Membership page.

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

2015 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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To Become a Sidetrackers Member
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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