ACTIVITIES and EVENTS
 

Wed 2/3, 6:30pm, Sidetrackers Monthly Meeting: R.E.I., Town Center Shopping, Jacksonville, FL 32246.     

Sat 2/6, 8:00am, Hiking Florida Trails at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park:  Come join us for a full day of hiking. This will be a rugged 8 mile hike up and back going west from the state park. We anticipate taking 2.5 - 3 hours to complete the hike. Part of this trail is not for beginners, so it is best to have some hiking miles behind you and wear good hiking shoes. Bring a walking stick, proper clothing for weather, cap, sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen and a few bottles of water. It is also suggested to pack a few snacks for the hike. We will meet at the Winn-Dixie off (705) Chaffee Rd. and Interstate I-10. Plan on parking at the Stephen Foster Cultural Center Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs, Fl. 32096.  In order to save on excessive parking fees, we plan on parking a few cars by Heritage and Tourism center by the old bath house then load up to enter the park . This hike will have bluffs, ravines, sinkholes, wild azaleas and the beautiful Suwannee River.  Leader: Victor, 904-517-2321. For additional information, see their website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Stephen-Foster.  We can either eat lunch in White Springs or do a picnic.  Send comments to the Meetup.com/Sidetrackers discussion board.

Sat 2/06, 10:00am, Frisbee Golf (Disc Golf) Ed Austin Regional Park: Come join us for a fun day of golf 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 2/13, 9:45 am, Jacksonville Arboretum Hike: Come join us for a fun morning at the Arboretum. This hiking tour will leave the Arboretum parking lot at 10 am sharp.  It will be limited to 20 participants.  The length of the hike will be one and a half miles or more, to be determined on the day of the hike.  It will be an easy to moderate walk because of slight trail inclines and the roots of trees in the path.  We will end the hike by walking around the lake, with potential critter sightings.  The Arboretum is located at: 1445 Millcoe Rd. is off Monument; if taking 295-S turn left off  295-N then a right and drive slowly as the Millcoe Rd. sign isn’t easily visible from Monument Rd. and is within 2 blocks of getting off  295.   Group Leader: Charlotte 904 502 0899. For additional information or directions, see: http://www.jacksonvillearboretum.org/

Sat 2/20, 7:45am, Paintball Event at GTF Paintball in Yulee, FL:  How about a morning of sneaking around 12 acres of wooded area, hiding and crawling behind big trees, and knowing that 6 other folks are doing the same as you are and you're all holding a paintball gun. Here's your chance to see how you and 5 others on one team can advance against 6 others shooting paintballs at each other. You can hide, ambush, run up and attack until only one team is left. We will reserve a time slot of 9am to 12 noon for 12 folks for $25 plus tax per player. This fee includes your field pass, gun, face mask and 500 rounds of ammo.  That’s paintball's in a nutshell!  When you RSVP for this event I will set the limit higher than the 12 folks needed for event. The first folks that send me money (check or money orders only) regardless of the order of the Rsvp list, you will be guaranteed to participate in the event. For this event I would consider wearing pants, long sleeve shirts that are thick and you don't mind if the paintball marks don't completely wash out.  Please mail checks (no cash) to the Leader of this event: Victor Corrales, 1321 Gately Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225. My cell is: 904-517-2321.   We will meet at McDonalds off Airport Road (go east) by Interstate 95, 14030 Hubbell Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32218. We will meet at 7:45 am and leave promptly at 8:15 am. We are required to be at the facility by 8:40am. For anyone planning to carpool, please park your car across from McDonalds at the shopping plaza. For more information, please click on: http://www.gtfpaintball.com/ Note:  If you don’t have personal check, a money order can be purchased, for a nominal fee, at Walmart, Publix or Winn-Dixie.

Sat 2/20, 10:00am, Frisbee Golf (Disc Golf) Ed Austin Regional Park: Come join us for a fun day of golf 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 2/27, 9:45am, Hike at Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve, Jacksonville: Come join us for 6-7 mile morning hike beautiful Bartram Springs. Since parking is limited at the Preserve, let's meet at Publix on Old St. Augustine and Bartram Park Blvd. at 9:15. We can leave a few cars in the parking lot and carpool. Also, since there are no bathroom facilities at the Preserve, it is suggested to use the facilities at Publix before the hike. The Preserve is on a peninsular between Julington and Durbin Creek. The area contains sandhills, flat wood, floodplain swamps and marshes. Dress in typical hiking gear. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, etc. The address of The Preserve is 13210 Bartram Park Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223. It's near I-95 and Old St. Augustine Road.  For more trail information:  http://floridaswater.com/recreationguide/julington-durbin/  Leader: Linda D. 904-673-8096.

Wed 3/2, 6:30pm, Sidetrackers Monthly Meeting: LOCATION CHANGE - THIS MEETING ONLY
Sticky Fingers: (Baymeadows & I295 area) 8129 Point Meadows Way, Jax. 32256 

Sat 3/5, 10:00am, Frisbee Golf (Disc Golf) Ed Austin Regional Park: Come join us for a fun day of golf 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 3/12, 9:00am, Ocala ATV Adventure Tour in Ocala National Forest:  Looking for something different to do on a Saturday?  Let’s go for a guided 2.5 hour tour on an ATV thru the Ocala National Forest! The tour is $99.00 per driver or $45.00 if you want to be a backseat rider. The tour is for 8 ATV drivers. Two of the ATV'S can carry 2 riders. What’s included in the price? We will have two guides, goggles, gloves, helmets, lunch and water. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and will run on the Longleaf Trail which is about 15-16 miles. This area has a lot of wildlife to be encountered, black bear, snakes, deer, Foxbat and squirrels.

For this event you will need long pants, closed toe shoes, like hiking boots and long socks. Leader for this Sidetrackers event is Victor Corrales 904-5172321; txt or call.  Meeting area is Winn Dixie on 1900 Park Ave (US 17) on the corner of Kingsley Ave and Park Ave in Orange Park, FL by 9:00 am. I plan on leaving by 9:30 am for a one hour drive to ATV trailhead.  Mail a check to: Victor Corrales, 1321 Gately Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225. Or come to the March 2^nd, Sidetrackers Monthly Meeting at Sticky Fingers BBQ, with a check or money order. Sorry, but cash will not be accepted. For more information, check out their website. http://atvoffroadadventuretours.com/rates.html.

Thur 3/17, TBD pm, Frisbee Golf (Disc Golf) Ed Austin Regional Park:

Sat 3/26, 8:30am, (Easter w/e); Jekyll Island Bike Ride, Jekyll Island, GA with a limit of 30 people. Due to the limit, dues paying members for 2015 and 2016 will get first priority to be confirmed prior to confirming non dues paying members during the last week or two. Attend an enjoyable 10-12 mile bike ride around portions of Jekyll Island with beautiful views of the ocean, historic district, and other areas.  Visitors are taken back to eras gone by and uncover the heritage that makes this island unique. Pulitzer, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt and other prestigious families found respite on this island in its gilded era, developing the club that became their own private world for more than four decades. Our attendees will meet at 8:30AM at Panera Bread in north Jacksonville at the Rivercity Marketplace which is directly east of the airport and I95. Panera is next to Ross’s and Michael’s in the marketplace with the address of 13271 City Station Dr. If you desire breakfast, please arrive by 8:10. We depart sharply by 8:45 AM and will carpool or caravan to the island where we will park at the bike rental/mini golf parking lot located at 60 S. Beachview Dr. (912-635-9801), You can bring your own bike or plan to rent one which costs approx. $ 8 for four hours and $ 11 for over four hours.  We will use the rest rooms and then begin our ride walking the bikes across S. Beachview Dr. and proceeding left (north) on the bicycle path with beautiful views of the ocean and then the island.  After approx. 4 miles we will come to a turnoff for Driftwood Beach at the north tip of the island where we turn right and shortly experience the beauty of the marsh and Driftwood Beach where we will stop, take photos, and relax. You may see a diversity of bird life that thrives in this natural setting with the beautiful driftwood. We then continue along the marsh for a while to the fishing pier area where we take a short jaunt back to the bike path that precedes south next to Riverview Dr. We will stop briefly around Horton House and Dubignon Cemetery to view the old area and signs prior to continuing on southward for approx. 4 miles until we reach the Historic District (next to the Wharf and the Jekyll Island Club Hotel). The Sidetrackers activity will stop for approx. 1.5 hours allowing attendees to lock their bikes, visit the local shops, eat lunch if they desire, and relax at the wharf viewing the Intracoastal.  I will provide a map for everyone just in case you want to skip the shops/lunch and return the mile and a half east back to the parking lot.   Cost of the event is approximately $ 6 per car to go over the bridge to reach the island, $ 8 - $ 11 if you plan to rent a bike, and whatever money you desire to purchase lunch or items at the shops. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a bike with a bike lock, a helmet, a hat, and a bright smile. Feel free to car pool, caravan, etc. and ensure your fellow riders have the same desire as you do with lunch, return time, etc. Trip Leaders: Mr. Kim Luffberry -904-610-5029 and Jan B. – 904-994-2094. For more info on the web http://www.jekyllisland.com/

Thur 3/31, TBD pm, Frisbee Golf (Disc Golf) Ed Austin Regional Park:

Wed 4/6, 6:30pm, Sidetrackers Monthly Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256

Fri-Sun 4/8 thru 4/10, Camping/hiking/paddle/bike at Manatee Springs/Suwannee River:
This event is open to 2016 Sidetrackers (paid) Members Only!  Come join us for a fun filled weekend in beautiful Chiefland, FL. There are plenty of activities to keep one busy.  Let’s see what we can do all weekend!

Hiking: There are 8.5 miles of nature trails that wind through cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds and uplands. Excellent wildlife viewing is available along the boardwalk that winds through the cypress swamp from the spring to the river as well as along the hiking trails.                                                               

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Scuba divers must present their certification upon registration. Open water, cavern and cave diving is available in Manatee Spring or Catfish Hotel Sink. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commercial Dive Permit. All divers are required to register with the office prior to diving.

Canoeing and kayaking: Paddle trips are available year round down the famous Suwannee River. The Park offers rentals and delivery service via contracted Concessionaires. There is a canoe launch into the spring run, portage of canoe or kayak over a distance of about 200 feet from vehicle drop off area to the launch is required. Canoes/kayaks can also launch from two boat ramps on the river, one located on the north end of the park and one on the south end, each is about 1 mile from the park’s main entrance. Both of these are accessible by driving outside the park. Ask for directions at Ranger Station.

Bicycling: Bicycles are welcome on all the park's roads. Mountain bikers can enjoy over eight miles of wooded off road trails within the park.

Fishing: (Freshwater) Fish from the park's boardwalk along the spring run and in the Suwannee River is always popular. Largemouth bass, catfish and a variety of pan-fish will delight the lucky angler.

*Old Florida Celebration & Festival: April 9 and 10 at Cedar Key about 25 minutes away from the Manatee Springs.  There will be music, food and art on the historic Beachfront City on 2^nd Street. This island community is 60 miles SW of Gainesville on Hwy 24

Find your pleasure, grab a friend and let’s have FUN!

*Carpool: to be announced.

*Individuals will be responsible for reserving their own camp site; see first web link below.

*Campsites reserved 055,057 and 053.They permit two tents per site and up to 8 people.

*$50.30 for two nights with water and electric. Seniors 65 and over, reservations are half price

*Check in 11:00am Friday. Check out Sunday 1:00pm.

*Individuals going so far are: Marta A., Kathy P., Mike S. and Vicki A.

 Individuals will be responsible for reserving their own camp spot: http://floridastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/manatee-springs-sp/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=FL&parkId=281053  

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/manatee-springs https://www.floridastateparks.org/things-to-know/frequently-asked-questions

NOTE: THERE ARE WEEKDAY EVENING WALKS IN AVONDDALE/RIVERSIDE, THE WONDERWOOD BRIDGE AND JAX LANDING. BEST TO CHECK MEETUP.COM/SIDETRACKERSTO SEE IF THE EVENT IS ON. MANY WALKS ARE CANCELLED LAST MINUTE DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

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.

2016 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.

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.

In Case You Were Wondering...
Email addresses are slightly obscured with 'at' instead of '@' in an attempt to foil automated spam robots.