The Frostbite Cruise took place on December 28, 2002 in Tavares, Florida. Eight JSS's showed up, not ready for the frigid Florida weather - it was in the high 50's to low 60's, for some mid-winter fun. Most of the group arrived on Friday and stayed at the Inn on the Green. The boats that came included:
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Puppy Love - Marty and Claire Ferry |
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Sir Alter Ego - Skip and Esther, Timmy and Paul |
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Breakin Water - Roger Harris |
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Sun Dog - Cliff Ennis |
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Wo - Jo - Bill Oakley |
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Jersey Girl - Tom Wark |
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Have No Fear - Fred Ziegler |
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Jo-Carol Too - Doug Apy |
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Sun Puppy (Not a skiff, but word has it that Sun Dog and Puppy Love got together and left Sun Puppy in the trailer) |
There were a few people who showed up without boats (Mike and Terry, and Bill Fierkert), but they wanted to be there to enjoy the fun.
Friday night we headed out to dinner, upon arrival at the Outback, we were told there was a 1 hour 45 minute wait. Forget that - let's go back to the hotel and eat the ham (Bud Bender sent a ham down with Marty and Claire for the group to enjoy). We picked up some drinks and chicken and chips and had a little party back at the hotel.
Saturday morning the wind was blowing! Thanks to Dave for bringing his trailer and parking it strategically to block the wind. We were looking for gloves and thanks to Paul and Timmy they found a couple sets at the local Wal-Mart (Claire's hands thank them). The plan was to meet at the launch area at 10:00 a.m. with an 11:00 a.m. departure. One by one, the skiffs arrived and kept on coming. By 10:30 the boats were being launched and warmed up. At 10:55 a.m. Doug Apy and Moose finally arrived, and now we were set to go. Before we could officially leave, we had a Skipper's meeting where Tom Wark laid out the plans for the day; first we'll cruise to Lake Harris, stop off at Dead River Vic's for lunch, head up the Dora Canal and play on Dora Lake for the remainder of the day.
We left the launch area and headed for the first canal to get us to Lake Harris. Once the boats got running, you really couldn't feel the cold (maybe we were all numb by now). We did a few fly bys and got some shots (not enough though). By 12:30 we were all ready for some lunch and stop by Dead River Vic's, sitting outside baking in the sun. We actually had to take off a few layers of clothes.
After lunch, we headed over to Dora Lake and got the video camera. I have to say, Claire did quite a good job filming the skiffs flying by! (We're going to try to get some video clips on the web) By 4:30 p.m. we were back at the launch packing the boats up. We had a 5:00 p.m. date with Bill Fiekert at his shop for a little party. Bill showed us his hot rods, old cars and trucks, and his Skiff which will be ready for Mt. Dora.
Dick Daly's 1950 wooden Foresburg which is called "Jersey Wood" was in the process of being refurbished by Dick and Bill at the shop. Dick will be sending photo's of her for her page. Thanks to Bill for all the generosity and hospitality he provided to us! Later that evening, the remaining group members headed over to the Crazy Gator for dinner.
Below are a few of the pictures we took during the event.
Double click on a picture to enlarge.
