Eustis Run

October 21, 2006 

 By Ted Parkhurst

We all arrived at the 441 ramp on Lake Eustis about the same time. There were six skiffs and our flat bottom all in a row. We all were safety inspected by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and passed with flying colors.

Marty was ramp master and got us all in with out incident

We went around Lake Eustis heading east to the city docks at a moderate speed that kept increasing. We were able to run as fast as we wanted for as long as we wanted the water was flat. We headed west back to the Dead River, on the way there was a sail boat regatta for kids in prams. It was a perfect day for it just enough wind to move but not enough to get in trouble.

We turned a few heads as we went by on the north side of Lake Eustis. We were running about as fast as the ladies would allow.  Tom and Fran Wark were hauling you could tell how fast they were going by Fran's pony tail I think at 50 it was straight out.

Cliff and Kathy Ennis in Sun Dog went flying by, Marty was taking pictures, and Phil Jordan in Glory Days was the photo boat driver.

We headed to the Dead River and went to Lake Harris, again we let it run Mike Howick and Broom Jaw were up to speed.  Broom Jaws beard was blowing behind his head my fat cheeks were flapping in the wind.

Ken and Mike Gallop in Holly Crap were out of the water riding on the last inch of the prop. Now I know why the boat is named Holy Crap it sure looks good in the water.

Dick and Linda Daly in Just a Fishing Boat were running flat and fast. This is turning into fun. We were all up to a good speed as we went under the route nineteen bridge to Little Lake Harris. We did a hot lap around the lake as Marty was taking pictures and trying not to fall out of the boat Phil held it steady.

Next stop was lunch at the Hideaway (formerly big John’s) On Little Lake Harris. The food and service were good.

Cliff gave me a hand tying up my boat; it wants to go under the dock not stay up against it. Cliff was able to tie a fender in such away that it did not go under the dock. Thanks Cliff! After lunch we did a quick fly by the restaurant and headed over to Venetian Gardens. The ride was fast the wind was almost nonexistence.

We then headed back to Lake Eustis and made another lap around then went to the ramp to pull the boats out. We were all low on gas when we finished. I was on fumes I used sixteen gallons in a fifteen gallon boat.  The entire event was about 45 - 50 miles long.

We all came back with out a breakdown no one had a problem.

That night we had and impromptu birthday party for Cliff Ennis and Tom Wark at the Crazy Gator. I like this place the food is good the staff is friendly. Good choice Marty & Claire.

This is the kind of day that makes you glad to be alive, good weather, no boat problems and best of all good people.