WalkingBuddies.com

Hope we will see you at all our November walks on 11/3, 11/10 and 11/17.

Jacksonville - Atlantic Beach 11/3, 8:45 AM
Distance and Trail Rating: 5K & 10K 1+
Start Point Address / Driving Directions: Sea Turtle Inn, 1 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 904-249-7402 From the SOUTH – take I-95 north to J. Turner Butler Blvd, SR 202. Proceed east (right) on Butler to Kernan Blvd. Go north (left) on Kernan to Atlantic Blvd, SR 10. Turn right on Atlantic Blvd. Go approx. 5.8 miles. Free parking is available in a parking lot on the south side of Atlantic Blvd. between East Coast Dr. and 1st St. and in diagonal parking spaces along 1st St. and several other streets in the general area. From the NORTH – take I-95 south to State Road 9A. Proceed east on 9A to the Atlantic Blvd, SR 10 exit. Go east (left) for approx. 9 miles. Free parking is available in a parking lot on the south side of Atlantic Blvd. between East Coast Dr. and 1st St. and in diagonal parking spaces along 1st St. and several other streets in the general area.
Event Description: Daily dawn to dusk. Trail is rated 1+ on paved sidewalks/streets and sandy beach. Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Pets not allowed on the beach. Both the 5K and 10K walks will begin at the oceanfront Sea Turtle Inn. Ask for the special First Coast Trail Forgers room rate. The walk goes through charming residential areas of Atlantic Beach. Five K walkers will then stoll on the beach for the rest of the walk. The 10K walkers will go through the Atlantic Beach Selva Marina area before moving onto the beach,. This area is a delightful change of pace from much of coastal FL. There are hills and massive old trees. Restrooms, restaurants and shops are located in the Town Centre area where the walk begins and ends.

Gainesville, FL 11/10, 9:45 AM
Distance and Trail Rating: 5K & 10km 1
Start Point Address / Driving Directions: University Hotel (Holiday Inn), Gainesville, 1250 West University Ave, 352-376-1661. From I-75 take exit 384 east onto FL 24 (Archer Rd). Stay on Archer Rd to SW 13th St. (Note the VA Hospital on the right of Archer Rd as you approach town). Left onto SW 13th St. Holiday Inn is located on the right at the corner of West University Ave and SW 13th St. Pick up start box at front desk, register and drive to VA Hospital on Archer Rd. Park in visitor’s parking lot off of SW 16th Ave. Lot is accessible from Archer Rd. Start walk at the hospital picnic pavilion. City is crowded on Gator home game weekends. Please call ahead to check.
Event Description: Daily, dawn to dusk. Trail is rated 1 and is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs but extreme caution must be exercised at busy street crossings. Pets must be leashed, under control. Part of this trail is on a boardwalk path to Lake Alice and is not recommended to be done alone or at near dusk. The walk is around the beautiful University of Florida campus, home of the Florida Gators. The University is the oldest in the state of Florida. The northeast quadrant of the campus is on the Register of Historic Places. This walk qualifies for the College Campus walking program.

Jacksonville - Riverwalk 11/17, 8:45 AM
Distance and Trail Rating: 5K & 11K 1+
Start Point Address / Driving Directions: Omni Hotel, 245 Water St,Jacksnville, FL 904-355-6664 Jacksonville Riverwalk FROM I-95 NORTHBOUND - take exit 352B (Forsyth St). Go about .9 mi to Pearl St. Turn right. Go two blocks to Water St. Turn left. Hotel on left. FROM I-95 SOUTHBOUND - take left lane exit 353B (West Union St.) Go left toward Riverfront/Sports complex. Go about .6 mile to Pearl St. Turn right. Go 9 blocks to Water St. Turn left. Hotel on left. Start box at front desk. Parking: Metered parking is free on weekends; the least expense weekday parking is at “The Jacksonville Landing” parking lot on Water St.
Event Description: Daily dawn to dusk. Trail is rated 1+ and is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. This event covers both shores of the Jacksonvlle riverfront. You will experience the Jacksonville Landing with its many shops and restaurants. You will go through the city with its tall buildings and see the sports complex with the Alltel Stadium (home of the Jaguars), the Jacksonville Baseball Grounds and the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. You will witness Friendship Fountain and the centuries old Treaty Oak. This event qualifies for the RiverWalk America, Railroad Heritage and Courthouses walking program.