Toys for Tots Run

Palatka, Florida

December 2, 2006

Our group consisted of four Skiffs

1. Glory Days,

2. Flying Pony,

3.  Electric Popsicle with a new deck by Dave Yeager,

4. Heartbeat and

1 Flat bottom attended.  It was refreshing.

During the Captains meeting, the skiff group was given a special welcome.  This is not
unusual from event sponsors but there were no warnings or bad mouthing.  No
inspectors checking our boats to see if they fit their idea of what we should be.
We were treated like everyone else.  There were about 40 to 50 boats in total.  From 16 ft Jersey Skiffs to 45 ft offshore boats.
 

We all staged on the north side of a bridge and when a green sheet was waved, we were instructed to idle under the bridge before starting the 40+ mile run.  It was a big bridge with lots of openings, and at the start it must have looked like a horse race gate.

We agreed that it would best to hang back if you were not comfortable with a lot of big and coming from all direction boat wakes.  I have over 20 years experience in Heartbeat and when I  emerged from under the bridge I looked to my right and left. There were about 15 plus on my left and about 6 on my right.  All with that gleam in their eye.  As most of them had never seen a Jersey Skiff, it was "SHOW TIME".  For the next 5 or so miles it was catch me if you can.  There was allot of
horsepower trying to catch me and of course some did, but the look in their eyes when they past me was " what is that" and some gave me the thumbs up, well I think is was their thumbs.

The route was approximately 6 miles down the St. Johns River, than seven miles thru twisty Dunn's Creek than a little over 8 miles straight down Crescent Lake. The river and Crescent lake are so wide I wish I had a gps map on board.

We all made it safely to the Toy Drop off point and took a short break.  You could tell that everyone was getting anxious and ready for the run back.

Marty and Phil switched drivers in Glory Days and decided to get a jump on the fast boats. Marty's object was get to Dunns Creek where the powerful boats didn't have the acceleration we had and get to the ramp first. It was a great run back and we all arrived safely. Darn those pesky STV's
Our great escape from the drop area caught the attention of a sports photographer and local newspaper reporter and will be at our Frostbite Event December 30th.

We were all glad we had adjustable cavatation plates because none of our crystal balls could predict the water conditions for over 20 miles each way with overcast conditions. Rob G. must have a special talent to suggest it's even possible only to make one adjustment. Oh I forgot, he only runs in small circles and 5 minutes at a time.

It was a great time, we did a great thing for the Kids and we met some more
great people.  We were publicly invited to attend other Charitable events with our
skiffs.

Paul Nowack