Sweat and Spray 2003

By Marty Ferry

Held on Lake Eustis Florida on August 2^nd & 3^rd. Unfortunately I couldn't run with the rest of the pack due to my ongoing knee surgery recovery but everyone had a blast. Boats that participated included:

Mike Howick and his better half Terry were also there for the weekend. Hopefully sitting on the shoreline at all these events gets Mike busy completing his skiff so he can run with the big dogs too.

The gang stayed at the Inn on The Green and put in at a small ramp found by Tom Wark on Lake Eustis not too far from the hotel. Cliff took my niece Stacey out for her first skiff ride and she was hooked! Stacey informed me that she would love to have a skiff for Christmas! After that ride, Claire and Stacey teamed up with Roger Harris and ran a couple hours before heading to Dead River Vic's for lunch. Seemed all we did was eat our way thru the weekend! While at the restaurant, Tom's friend Chuck Simpson from Independence R/V in Winter Garden, Fla. stopped by to see the Skiffs. After a huge lunch Chuck surprised us all and PICKED UP THE ENTIRE BILL FOR LUNCH! THANKS AGAIN CHUCK! Unable to take a ride also, Chuck was on crutches, the boys met us by the park where they put on a show that was as good as a 4^th of July fireworks display. The shoreline at the park was packed as everyone moved closer to get a better look at all the skiffs as they sped and turned for our enjoyment. Boy, did I wish I were able to be part of it. After a 10-minute demonstration of skiffing at it’s best, the skiffs took off to enjoy the rest of their day.

They cruised through the Dora Canal and when they arrived at Lake Dora, the sky turned black as a daily late day storm was forming and quickly heading our way. Tom Wark opened up and headed home to Lake Beauclair, directly in to the storm. The rest turned and went back through the canal and sped across Lake Eustis to the ramp just before the impending storm hit.

Later that evening we all met at the "Crazy Gator" for yet another feeding. We ate, told stories, lied, and watched videos of St. Mikes and old racing footage. We requested Nicol as our waitress because we initially met her at the Frostbite cruise last December and we are slowly convincing her to get a skiff. If there were a way to have her serve at all our events that would be good.

Sunday morning came and after another feeding we met at the ramp for another morning run. Skip spun more engine bearings and left the boat on the trailer. First time I ever heard an engine let go while turning 2000 rpm. Those who were injured, boatless, and on crutches went on to search a hotel for the Frostbite Show during Christmas week. Skip had an idea about a fishing camp, but after really looking, we decided it might be a little too rough for the ladies.

The weekend was the perfect opportunity to get together with the gang in between shows. Next trip - Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia with another group!