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May 2015 / June 2015 Newsletter


A condensed events and activities list can be found on our Activities and Events page.
Membership information can be found on our Membership page.
 

General Participation Guidelines
Always sign up ("pre-register") for an event by using our Meetup.com site or by contacting the leader so you can be reached if there is a change or an event cancellation.  Trip leaders generally make all reservations and arrangements and may set group size limits on some trips and activities.  If you are not pre-registered you may be turned away at some events.  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 our activities and events may be announced at monthly meetings, on our Meetup.com site, and by Meetup.com email messages.  If you did not sign up for an event or activity at the last club meeting and would like to do so, you may add your name to the list at our Meetup.com site.  If you have additional questions, please contact the trip or activity leader directly.




ACTIVITIES and EVENTS
 

Sat 5/2, 9:15am, Mountain Biking at Nocatee Preserve: Come spend a fun morning at Nocatee Preserve. This Preserve is located off Davis Park Road behind the Ponte Vedra High School.  Take Davis Park Rd. straight past the high school & athletic fields, road turns to gravel and dead ends into parking area. Meet between 9:15 - 9:30 am at the Preserve parking lot. Intermediate ride on the off road trails begins at 9:45 am. Bring sunscreen, bug spray and plenty of water for the ride. Helmets are required. Ride at own risk. Leader: Steve D. 561.602.8613 ste_dor 'at' bellsouth.net

Tue 5/5, 6:45pm, Urban Hike, Wonderwood/Timucan Trail, Jacksonville:

It's time for a 6 mile,  urban hike. We plan on meeting at the B-BQ Barn, 14025 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Jacksonville 32225 at 6:45.We will be leaving promptly at 7:00 pm. Please bring typical hiking items, water, bug spray and a flashlight/head lamp. Yes, it might be dark when we complete our hike.

If you are not a dues paying Sidetrackers Member, you will need to print out the Sidetrackers Release Waiver and bring it, fully completed, to the leader, Victor Corrales. If you are lost, running late or will not be able to attend, it is imperative to text Victor at 904 517 2321. Be advised that "No Shows" will be documented. Hiking details to follow on Meetup.com.

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

Fri 5/8, 6:45pm, Walk the Vilano Bridge: Here is a challenging walk in the Vilano/St. Augustine area. We will park at Publix at the corner of A1A and Coastal Hwy at the (east) base of bridge.  We will head west over the bridge towards the carousel and back. After our vigorous walk, we will get a bite to eat at a restaurant nearby in Vilano. Please call or text if you cancel or are running late. Leader: Victor, 904-517-2321.  

Wed 5/13, 6:45pm, Riverside and The Landing Walk:  Come out for a 6 to 7 mile walk thru Riverside and The Landing area. We will meet at Riverside Park, 753 Park St. Jacksonville, FL 32204. Riverside Park is on the corner of Park and Post. There is parking around Park and across the street at M Shack Restaurant on corner of Post and Margaret St. Those folks who are non members, meaning you have not paid the $15 yearly Sidetrackers membership fee, must sign a liability waiver which can be downloaded from http://www.sidetrackers.com /current newsletter /available here.  These walks are fairly brisk and fast, so dress accordingly and wear good walking shoes and bring water if you need it. Any questions txt or call me 904-517-2321. Vic.  For more park information: http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/riverside-park.aspx

Sat 5/16, 8:00am, Butterfly Rainforest Exhibit in Gainesville: Come join us for a lovely day in Gainesville. Tour the beautiful Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida. The exhibit is a four-story, outdoor screened enclosure with waterfalls, a walking trail and hundreds of live butterflies“. Cost for the butterfly exhibit: $10.50 for non-residents or $9 for seniors (62+) and FL residents. If you have AAA and bring your card or use mine, you should save about four dollars. We’ll go to lunch afterward at the Ale House. Wear comfortable shoes, bring $$$ for lunch and your bright smile. For those of you that would like to meet to carpool, I plan to meet behind the McDonald’s on Old St Augustine Rd. and 295 in Mandarin. Please arrive by 7:45 AM. We will be departing for Gainesville by 8:00 AM.  There is a lot of parking in this area and there will be no problem leaving our cars there.  Please be sure to eat breakfast. We will be having lunch around 1:00 pm. Directions from Jacksonville: Take I-10 west to US 301 South (exit 343) towards Starke staying on 301 to Waldo - 37.6 miles. From Waldo veer right (Gainesville sign) and drive 10 miles southwest on SR 24 (becomes Waldo Road in Gainesville) to the junction of SR 222/NE 39th Avenue. Turn west (right) onto SR 222/NE 39th Avenue. Cross over Main Street and then US 441/NW 13th Street. Continue to NW 34th Street. Turn south (left) and travel 3.5 miles to the traffic signal at Hull Road. Turn east (left) onto Hull Road. The entrance to the University of Florida Cultural Plaza is on the south (right) side of Hull Road. Your host is Sue R. (904)349-3619 Link to the museum website:  http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu  We will meet at the front entrance to the museum.

Sun 5/17, 7:30am: Hiking Training at Theodore Roosevelt Park/Timucuan Preserve: Come out and join an energetic, challenging and extremely scenic hike at the Theodore Roosevelt Park in the Ft. Caroline area on Mt. Pleasant Road in Jacksonville (see links below).  Be sure to park in the first parking lot (the Timucuan Preserve). There is no exact address available, but the park entrance is approximately 1 mile off Ft. Caroline Road. The hike will be approximately 3-4 miles with some steep hills, views of the salt marshes, wildlife, and some of the most beautifully manicured wooded trails in Florida.  This is an expansion of the Timucuan Preserve.  The park is located in the Ft. Caroline area close to the Wonderwood Bridges.  There is NO fee to get in.  Parking is limited, but you can park in the grass, per the Park Ranger. Call Leader Vic C. 904 517-2321. Bring plenty of water, bug spray, and typical hiking gear.  Clean bathrooms available at parking lot and also at the main facility. http://www.timucuantrail.com/parks/ft_caroline/ft_caroline.html and http://www.timucuantrail.com/parks/ft_caroline/ft_caroline_map.html

Tue 5/20, 6:45pm, Urban Hike, Wonderwood/Timucan Trail, Jacksonville: It's time for a 6 mile, urban hike. We plan on meeting at the B-BQ Barn, 14025 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Jacksonville 32225 at 6:45.We will be leaving promptly at 7:00 pm. Please bring typical hiking items, water, bug spray and a flashlight/head lamp. Yes, it might be dark when we complete our hike.

If you are not a dues paying Sidetrackers Member, you will need to print out the Sidetrackers Release Waiver and bring it, fully completed, to the leader, Tom Lecato or San-dra S. If you are lost, running late or will not be able to attend, it is imperative to text your leader.  Be advised that "No Shows" will be documented. Hiking details to follow on Meetup.com.

Fri  5/22, 10:00am, Florida Folk Festival - Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, FL:  The Florida Folk Festival is a three day event; YOU CAN COME FOR ONE DAY OR ALLTHREE.  Some of us are staying for the three days.  If you choose to do the same, you will have to make your own lodging reservations.  You will want to bring a chair and/or a blanket, hat, rain gear, suntan lotion, and a cooler for food and drink (no alcohol) if you want your own instead of the great food offered by vendors.  There is a beer garden.  I usually take a cooler to save money. Now, what is the festival about?  "Somewhere between the Seminole fry bread, African crafts, Appalachian folk music and Cuban dance, you'll discover that the state of Florida enjoys one of America's most diverse cultural landscapes.  And the Florida Folk Festival celebrates it all.  Over 300 singers, dancers and storytellers will entertain on 15 stages, and numerous artists, crafters and cooks will share their talents."  You can choose the amount of exercise you get.  You can sit for hours listening to music at one stage or you may wonder back and forth across the park listening to performers at various stages (in doing that you will not lack for exercise.)  Usually the day is hot and you will be tempted to buy some of the best homemade ice cream you have ever tasted. For one day, the festival is $25 in advance and $30 at the gate; and, if you want to buy tickets for the three days it is $50 advance and $60 at the gate.  I will order the tickets for you if you bring the cash to the Sidetrackers meeting on May 6.  I can be contacted for questions via a message through Meetup.com.  You may also order your own ticket by calling:  1-877-635-3655. For further information, check out: http://www.floridafolkfestival.com.  White Springs where the Festival is located 67 miles from Jacksonville.  Take I-10 to Exit 301, U.S. 41 to reach White Springs.  Each day I will have a balloon attached to my chair in front of the Amphitheater which will be the gathering site when not at different venues.  Also, if you are not a paid member of Sidetrackers, please bring a completed Form-Guest Waiver, as I will not have any for your use.   

Sat  5/30, 9:15 am, Nature hike on Little Talbot Island:  This is the Saturday one week after the Memorial Day weekend so hopefully everyone will be back in Jacksonville and looking for a relaxing and pleasant four mile nature hike.  You will be able to get acquainted with many new friends attending this event while catching up with various old friends. We will experience a cross-section of ecosystems on the 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 friendly smile. Cost: Entry fee of approx. $5 per vehicle onto the island, plus going out for lunch if you desire. Please note, 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 we 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 Talbott 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)

Wed 6/3, 6:30pm, Monthly Meeting and Planning Meeting: Regency Square Library, 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256    

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 (Bartram Springs).  We plan on arriving 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 in1774.  We will kayak to the spring and part of the run toward Lake George. Afterwards perhaps 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 

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

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

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

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      

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 30th 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


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.

WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2015 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, July 1, 2015 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, August 5, 2015 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, September 2, 2015 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2015 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, November 4, 2015 – 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, December 2, 2015 – 6:30 PM

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.



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