ACTIVITIES and EVENTS
 

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

Fri 9/11, 8:30am, Paddle the Santa Fe River: Let’s meet at 8:30am at the McDonalds on Chafee Road (off I-10) for the 1½ hour trip; Carpooling is highly recommended. We are heading down the Santa Fe River. It is a beautiful 7 mile easy paddle and you will pass multiple springs along the way. We will carpool from Mc Donald’s at 8:30am. McDonald’s is located on Chaffee road off I-10. We plan on meeting at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost by 10:00am. Jim Wood runs the Outpost and is very accommodating. We can rent kayaks from him or your may want to bring your own.  It will take 3 hours to paddle 7 miles but the current helps to carry you. There will be a brief opportunity to get out and swim at Poe Springs and Ginny Springs.  At the end of the paddle, we will be picked up and carried back to our cars by the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost. It will be a great trip!   Bring a lunch and plenty of water for the trip. Don’t forget your sunscreen, water shoes, towel, and a hat. There is a refrigerator on the premises if you need to keep something chilled until you get back to the car. Kayak/canoe rentals are available: Rental Cost: $35 Single Kayak, includes paddle, whistle, life preserver and boat pick-up; $40 Double/Tandem Kayak, includes same as above; $40 Canoe, includes same as above.  If you bring your own kayak there will be a group rate discount of $25 for pick-up. It is normally $35 for the 3 hour paddle. For additional information, see the website: http://santaferiver.com/about/ McDonald’s Meet up location: Chaffee Road, Jacksonville, FL (map) Directions: http://santaferiver.com/directions/  Santa Fe Canoe Outpost 21410 US-441, High Springs, FL 32643, Leader: Vicki A. 904-923-9335

Sat 9/12, 9:15am, Jacksonville Arboretum Themed Hike – The Many Uses of Plants: This hiking tour will leave the Arboretum parking lot at 9.30 sharp. We will learn about Arboretum plants used for medicines, tools and materials for art and recreation.  It will be limited to 15 participants.  The length of the hike will be half a mile or more, to be determined on the day of the hike.  It will be an easy to moderate walk, only because of the roots of trees in the path. Millcoe road is off Monument if taking 295S make a left and off 295 N make a right and drive slowly as the Millcoe St sign isn’t easily visible from Monument Rd. Leader: Charlene W. 904-502-0899.

Sun 9/13, 11:00am, Skeet Shoot at Amelia Island Shot Gun Sports Club, Yulee:  Here's your opportunity to shoot things and destroy them, old-time Florida style. We'll be assembling at the Amelia Island Shot Gun Sports Club, 86300 Hot Shot Trl, Yulee, FL 32097, for a late morning skeet shoot starting at 11:00am. A "round" of skeet consists of 50 shots (rounds) at clay pigeons.  The course consists of 5 stations positioned along a ½ mile semi-circle.  Think of it as “skeet golf” or "target shooting".  The fine folks at Amelia Island Shot Gun Sports will supply everything we need for a safe and fun event.  All you need bring is sunscreen, bug spray and a comfortable pair of sunglasses or safety glasses (eye protection is required). For those of you without eye protection, safety glasses are inexpensive at Home Depot. Based on a turnout of 20 Sidetrackers, the cost is $70 per person, which includes gun rental and shells. The event should take about two hours and we will find a local place for lunch afterward. If more than 20 respond, you will be notified of being waitlisted. Carpooling from the Regal Cinema Parking lot at Regency Square Mall at 10:15am. Leader: Jim Nackley 904-382-7734 cell: Please RSVP by 8/31/2015.  http://www.ameliashotgunsports.com/

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.

Sat 9/19, 9:30am, Indoor Rock Climbing in Jacksonville: Ever climb a rock, or a wall? Here is your chance to a try it with the club. We will meet at The Edge Rock Gym located at 3563 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32207, 904-683-2512. Orientation and getting geared up will be first on the agenda beginning about 9:40am. 9:30-11:30am is the gym's slack time so be on time so we can time to do the climb several times before the crowds show up .The cost will be $16.05 per person. Climbing shoes are $4 and a bag of chalk $3 which is good for 3-4 folks .There are a few snacks and a coke machine available on site. We will have lunch nearby afterwards. Attire: Suggested as ‘yoga’ type, including tennis shoes, no cargo pants/shorts and no open toe shoes. For additional information, please view their web page at: http://www.theedgerockgym.com   Leader: Maria V.

Sat 9/26, 9:30am, Indoor Rock Climbing in Jacksonville: Ever climb a rock, or a wall? Here is your chance to a try it with the club. We will meet at The Edge Rock Gym located at 3563 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32207, 904-683-2512. Orientation and getting geared up will be first on the agenda beginning about 9:40am. 9:30-11:30am is the gym's slack time so be on time so we can time to do the climb several times before the crowds show up .The cost will be $16.05 per person. Climbing shoes are $4 and a bag of chalk $3 which is good for 3-4 folks .There are a few snacks and a coke machine available on site. We will have lunch nearby afterwards. Attire: Suggested as ‘yoga’ type, including tennis shoes, no cargo pants/shorts and no open toe shoes. For additional information, please view their web page at: http://www.theedgerockgym.com   Leader: Maria V.

Sun 9/27, 9:45am, Otttis Castle Tour in Vilano Beach:  Come join us for a non denominational service followed by fun exploring the Otttis Castle. Castle Otttis is an impression of an Irish castle of 1,000 years ago. The interior was created under guidance of historians from the Catholic Diocese of Northeast Florida.  Enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean, Vilano Beach and St Augustine from the roof top of its towers. This is a free tour, however, donations are encouraged. Donations should go to the group leader on site for transfer to the tour guide. The Castle is located 103 3rd St, St Augustine, FL 32084 on highway A1A three miles north of St. Augustine, Florida. There are NO bathrooms on site and parking is limited. For those who want to car pool, depart at 9:00am from the Jacksonville Southeast Regional Library at 10599 Deerwood Park Boulevard near JTB and Gate Parkway. The tour will begin promptly at 12:00 Noon, or earlier, following the service. For additional information:  http://www.castleotttis.com/.  After the tour some members will go out to eat. Hosted by Jim Nackley 904-382-7734.

Fri-Sat 10/2-10/3, Pensacola Red Snapper Fishing Charter:  Come join us for an exciting fishing trip in beautiful Pensacola. This will be a fishing charter for red snapper then redfish, speckled trout etc. The charter would most likely be in Pensacola Bay depending on where the fish are biting. If we need to fish offshore it would probably 1 -2 miles out. The fishing is with Double Hookup Fishing Charters The price for 5 hours, 3 fisherman is $175.00 per person; gear, license, water, and sandwich included. We will head out Friday afternoon for a 6 hour drive. We plan on getting accommodations Friday night and either drive back Saturday afternoon or staying another night. If we have enough confirmed folks, I will charter a second boat. Please, only serious folks commit with cash in hand. I must have a solid commitment to go by Saturday September 26 so I can cancel 2nd boat. Please txt me or call 904-517-2321, Vic. For more information: http://www.pensacolabeachmarina.com/doubledup

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

Thur 10/8, 5:45pm, Frisbee Golf (Disc Golf) Ed Austin Regional Park: Come join us for a fun evening of gold Frisbee. Even if you aren't great at throwing a Frisbee, if you've ever wanted to try playing a round of Disc Golf on a real Disc Golf course, this is your opportunity! We'll need at first to limit the number of players and then as our members learn the basic rules we can form additional 4-8somes and have a larger number of members on the course the next time. If you have your own discs you can bring them, otherwise discs will be provided. You might want to bring a hand towel to wipe your disc before you throw, something to drink and some bug spray. Wear sneakers or light hiking shoes and NOT sandals, flip flops or high heels.  There is a limit of 8 people, so please sign-up only if you are planning on attending and update your RSVP if your plans change.  Afterwards we will get a bite to eat; location to be determined later.  Leader Chris G., cell 904-536-3822.  For more information: http://www.pdga.com/course-directory/course/ed-austin-park-fore-palms-disc-golf-course.

Sat 10/10, 8:30 am, Ropes and Zip Lines at Zoom Air Daytona Beach: Enjoy a treetop adventure at Zoom Air Adventure Park Daytona Beach, up in the trees of Tuscawilla Park! Zoom Air’s aerial adventure courses are deftly woven into the forest of this easily accessible City of Daytona Beach Park.  Go arboreal, as you swing, climb, balance, and zip from tree to tree. Get a bird’s-eye view of the land below as you travel in the trees over dancing logs and tight wires, across rope bridges, nets, and suspended disks. Feel your adrenaline pump as you conquer abundant treetop challenges, including exhilarating rides on our zip lines. Meanwhile, your perches in the trees offer an opportunity to see flora and fauna not found on the ground, and a brand-new perspective on the park’s well-known disc golf course. During a briefing on the ground, you are taught to use the equipment and games safely. Once you and we are confident that you understand how to proceed safely, you head for the trees and adventure! Our qualified operators, on the ground, monitor your progress through the games and are available for any questions or concerns you may have along the way. You will precede independently, your safety ensured by the two slings from your harness that are always attached to a red life line.  Enjoy nature from a new perspective. Experience The Lagoon/The Reef and Point Break - both courses are included in one admission – that’s over 30 treetop games, including 8 zip lines, and a chance to play Tarzan! The challenge and height of the games gradually increases, to give you a chance to get your “tree legs.” (Minimum height 54”)  Higher and more difficult than the preceding two courses, Point Break adds 16 more games, including 4 more zip lines – one of them around 500 feet long! Cost is $26.95 for the Lagoon & Reef or $36.95 for all three courses.  ZOOM Air offers a 10% discount on the admission price for groups of 15 or more, provided all admissions are purchased in a single transaction. Adults will leave Photo ID as deposit for harnesses. It will be returned when all harnesses for the group are returned.  There is a 54" minimum height requirement for the adult courses and an approximate 275-pound weight limit - maximum waist size for harnesses is 48"; maximum thigh size is 26". Total time to complete both courses is approximately 2 - 3 hours depending on breaks. Due to the large number of participants, we will not collect waivers at McDonalds.  The sign-in and collection of waivers will take place at Tuscawilla Park.  For those that would like to carpool to Zoom Air, please meet at McDonalds no later than 8:30 and be prepared to leave at 8:45 am for the 80 minute drive to Zoom Air.  If you are leaving a car in Jacksonville, please park in the bank parking area next to McDonalds. For those that wish to meet at Zoom Air, we will meet at 10 am at the covered pavilion at the northwest corner of the Tuscawilla Park grounds.  There is a parking area next to the pavilion on Magnolia Ave.  This parking is outside Tuscawilla Park behind Bank of America and an office building (located at the southeast corner of W International Speedway Blvd/U.S. 92 and S Senaca Blvd). Wear comfortable outdoor clothing; secure, closed footwear ("sneakers"); Remove jewelry and scarves that could get caught; Tie back your hair and secure your eyeglasses. Bring a water bottle with clip, camera and a bandana to wipe your brow on the course. Leader: Maria V. 904.419.3361 & Steve D. 561.602. For more information:  http://www.zoomair.us/daytonabeach/

Sun 10/11, 9:15 am, Palm Coast Bike Ride: Come join us for a fun day in Palm Coast. We will meet at McDonalds on Old St. Augustine Road (by I-95 in Bartram Park area) at 9:15 am and leave promptly at 9:30 am.  Arrive early if you plan on having breakfast. Carpooling is available, but you may want to arrange it ahead of time as there is planning involved when transporting bikes. We will be parking at 5875 Colbert Lane in Palm Coast to begin the ride. We will bike the paved trails of Lehigh Trail and bike approximately 16 miles (round trip) of abandoned railroad corridor, comprising of 195 acres.  Any type of bike is welcome. The trail parallels the Lehigh Canal for much of its length and extends from U.S. 1 North of Bunnell through the town center of Palm Coast and through Graham Swamp. This is a very scenic trip with water views, wildlife, swamps, and paved trails as well as some wooded boardwalks. There is a limit of 30 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. Afterwards we will get a bite to eat at the European Village by the bridge. Leader Julie H. cell 904-424-1548.  As a courtesy, please call Julie if your plans change and you are unable to attend or you will be marked as a no show.  For more information: http://www.traillink.com/trail/lehigh-greenway-rail-trail.aspx

Thur 10/22, 5:45pm, Frisbee Golf (Disc Golf) Ed Austin Regional Park: Come join us for a fun evening of gold Frisbee. Even if you aren't great at throwing a Frisbee, if you've ever wanted to try playing a round of Disc Golf on a real Disc Golf course, this is your opportunity! We'll need at first to limit the number of players and then as our members learn the basic rules we can form additional 4-8somes and have a larger number of members on the course the next time. If you have your own discs you can bring them, otherwise discs will be provided. You might want to bring a hand towel to wipe your disc before you throw, something to drink and some bug spray. Wear sneakers or light hiking shoes and NOT sandals, flip flops or high heels.  There is a limit of 8 people, so please sign-up only if you are planning on attending and update your RSVP if your plans change.  Afterwards we will get a bite to eat; location to be determined later.  Leader Chris G., cell 904-536-3822. For more information: http://www.pdga.com/course-directory/course/ed-austin-park-fore-palms-disc-golf-course.

Sat 10/24, 9:15am: Nature Hike on Little Talbot Island:  Come join us for a morning stroll/hike in our own backyard.  You will be able to get acquainted with many new friends attending this event while catching up with various old friends. The walk will be approx. 4 miles in length and have a cross-section of ecosystems on the Little Talbot Island State Park. The trail of 2.5 miles will include maritime hammock, beach dunes, and depression marsh. The final 1.5 miles will be a stroll on the beautiful white sandy beach of the island with huge deposits of drift wood. We will take a 15 minute break when reaching the beach to appreciate the true beauty and allow people to take photos of the scenery.  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 friendly smile. Cost: Entry fee of approx. $5 per vehicle onto the island, plus going out for lunch if you desire. Please note, this will be a leisure walk with many people expected. This event is not for someone who strictly likes strenuous long hikes or activities with relatively few people. Also, dogs are not allowed on the beach portion of the walk, so please keep our four legged friends at home. This Sidetrackers event is strictly a nature hike on the wonderful trail and 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 divert from the hike and elect to go swimming on the island.  We will meet in the large parking lot behind the Hardee’s at 9111 Merrill Rd. at 9:15 AM (come earlier if you plan to eat breakfast and to get a head start in arranging car-pools). 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 get everyone signed in promptly and will depart Hardee’s sharply at 9:30 AM for the approximately 20 miles to Little Talbot Island State Park off of Heckscher Blvd. If you live in north Jax or Ga. then suggest you meet us at the Little Talbot Island parking lot at approx. 10:00 AM near the bathrooms and shelters.  For those interested after the event, some of the attendees will probably get lunch at the nearby Sand Dollar Restaurant that has good food and a wonderful water view. Please ensure everyone you carpool with have similar plans for lunch. Leader Mr. Kim L. (cell 904-610-5029) for more information about Little Talbot Island click on:  https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Little-Talbot-Island

Fri-Mon 11/2, 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 904-5172321 Vic.   Additional park information: http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/tablerock

Wed 11/2, 6:30pm, Monthly Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 

Sat 11/14, 8:45am, Scenic Hiking at Mike Roess Gold Head State Park in Keystone Heights:  Come join us for a wonderful hike in nearby Keystone Heights, FL. We will meet at Hardee’s in Middleburg. 2730 Blanding Blvd. From there it is about a 30 min. drive straight down Blanding to Gold Head. This is a Florida State Park, with 2,000 acres of rolling sand hills, marshes, ravines, lakes and scrub. Gold Head is one of the earliest state parks in Florida. We will begin on the Florida scenic trail that follows Gold Head Branch upstream along the shady ravine, and emerges in a sand hill area to circle around the eerie Devil’s Washbasin. This area has diverse wildlife. Among the wildlife found in the park are fox, squirrel, southeastern kestrel, red-tailed hawk, bald eagle, turkey, and gopher tortoise. The park also has pocket gopher, fox, white-tailed deer and variety of water and wading birds. There is a variety of wild flowers here as well. Among them are blazing star, goldenrod, and lopsided Indian grass. This is a 5-7 mile moderate hike. There are some somewhat steep places along the ravine, so you may want to bring a walking stick and wear supportive shoes. It would also be a good idea to bring bug spray, snacks, and water as well. There is a $5 fee for cars with up to 8 people and $4 for a single occupant. Locals in the area recommend McHenry’s Irish Sports Pub for lunch. For those who are interested in having lunch together, it is a short drive from the park. For more information, check out the website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Mike-Roess. Leader:  Cyndi F. 904-716-4783 cyndi.fitcher’at’gmail.com

Wed 12/2, 6:30pm, Monthly Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

Sun, 12/21, Avondale’s Luminaria Parade and Christmas Walk: Details to follow.

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
next monthly newsletter, please send email to newsletter 'at' sidetrackers.com.

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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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