Classic AquaSport
General Aquasport Forums => Rendezvous/Gatherings => Topic started by: RickK on February 13, 2013, 09:50:43 PM
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Hi all,
Time to start planning. The next gathering spot will be in Crystal River and the dates will be 2-5 May2013.
We chose this place so it's not too far from our northern FL members and our central members - about the same haul.
Figure for the members that can camp on their boats or are willing to pull up an air matress on the decks of one of our Explorers, we'll arrive sometime on the 2nd and then camp and fish and :drunken: until Saturday noonish when we'll meet up with the local members (who haven't already found us) to officially have our gathering, make new friends, have a hoot of a time and take all the required pics so we don't get bashed here.
I need to find a place to secure our trucks and trailers in that area. Any input on this is greatly appreciated.
If there are reasonable accommodations for members that want to tow in that can't camp, that info is appreciated too.
Let's have some fun - water temp there is always the same (chilly) so we can't use that as an excuse not to attend.
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water temp there is always the same (chilly) so we can't use that as an excuse not to attend.
I don't go outside when it's 72 degrees, never mind on the water. :shock:
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For accommodations check out the Plantation Inn.
http://plantationoncrystalriver.com/ (http://plantationoncrystalriver.com/)
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A good boat ramp may be Pete's Pier, I looked at it on google earth and it looks like a pretty decent ramp.
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We really need a place to store our trucks & trailers - secure
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Well guys, seeing as I spent 4 years at PL, I know pretty much all there is to know about CR. The Plantation is about as good as it gets regarding accomodations. Pete's is where we pretty much launched about everything except for the 35, we put her in at Fort Island Trail park. But Pete's is the deal for all Aquasports. Barely a mile off 19 in almost downtown CR...if there is such a thing! Right at the terminus of the Crystal River in King's Bay, all no wake for quite a ways during the winter due to the "speed bumps" (read that Manatees)...
All fuel is a bit more pricey in Citrus County than elsewhere, so keep that into consideration. And keep in mind rocks...lotsa rocks!! Th gulf is very shallow up there, and there are considerable sized limestone boulders just outside the channels, so unless you are privy to local knowledge (and even that may not help you sometimes!)...STAY IN THE CHANNEL!!! For those who haven't been out to the gulf via Crystal River, it is very odd. Get to the gulf, and the channel markers keep going for like 3 miles! DO NOT venture outside the markers and expect to have some fun! Those rocks will take out an LU in a heartbeat!!
Other than that, piece of cake...
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Rick,
That's gonna be iffy. Pete's is the best place to launch from, can launch at the Plantation as well...but you would probably have to be a paying guest to store your rig. Why don't you give the folks at the Plantation and at Pete's and ask them what they would recommend?
Fort Island Trail is an excellent ramp, and put's you that much closer to the gulf, but there is really nothing out there, plus it's a county park...
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I'll give them a call and see whatz up. Thanks.
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Wow, this sounds like a good time. What can you expect to catch and is this a family thing or just hard core fishing? In other words, wife and kids or just my dad?
James
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It is usually just guys with all the boats tied into a barge for camping. We had some wives attend in the early days but it seems they figured out it was just a guy thing and didn't want to attend later ones.
Not trying to discourage any wives that want to attend - we'll curb our manliness for the occasion :oops:
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Not to get it closer to my place, but have you considered the Bayport Inn? And the Bayport ramp? 22 miles S, excellent ramp, excellent Inn, excellent food, no rocks, out to the gulf MUCH quicker, nd still within reach of the northern brethren, as it's just another 20 miles.
Plus, we have all the good stuff close at hand... :thumright: :thumright:
http://www.bayportinnrestaurant.com/history.htm (http://www.bayportinnrestaurant.com/history.htm)
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Not to get it closer to my place, but have you considered the Bayport Inn? And the Bayport ramp? 22 miles S, excellent ramp, excellent Inn, excellent food, no rocks, out to the gulf MUCH quicker, nd still within reach of the northern brethren, as it's just another 20 miles.
I think that's a good idea, plus its a lot safer with no rocks and all.
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Chilly, Rocks and Seacows oh my! :o
Sounds like a bad Frances Ethel Gumm song.
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Not to get it closer to my place, but have you considered the Bayport Inn? And the Bayport ramp? 22 miles S, excellent ramp, excellent Inn, excellent food, no rocks, out to the gulf MUCH quicker, nd still within reach of the northern brethren, as it's just another 20 miles.
Plus, we have all the good stuff close at hand... :thumright: :thumright:
http://www.bayportinnrestaurant.com/history.htm (http://www.bayportinnrestaurant.com/history.htm)
Agreed the Bayport ramp is much closer to the Gulf, but there are rocks. Make sure and stay in channel markers.
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Hey guys,
What's the current status of the gathering? I've stayed at Port Paradise all the way back into the mid 70's and never had a problem navigating the river or gulf. Beth just called the hotel for rates and availability. $90 night and free slip for the boat if you stay there, although I thought there was a slip fee back in day. Anyway, we're considering it with a hotel stay. Not a bad pull for me from the east coast. I think Chrystal River would be great if we're taking a vote.
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I'm still looking for a secure place for vehicle. I'm also scouring up as far as Yankee town and just south of Crystal River.
We don't have to go to the gulf, we can mass up just about anywhere.
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Lewis called today and suggested Cedar Key, as it has some islands that can shelter an overnight on the boat. I will say this, fuel prices aren't helping things... :x
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Lewis are you coming down ?
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Just wondering because it's been bugging me, if you have to stay in the channel up there to avoid the rocks then where will there be to have a gathering that isn't dangerous for people and boats?
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I'm not sure where all these treacherous rocks are but I've never hit anything over there. I assume the same rocks were there 35 years ago. I've nosed the boat up on those big shell islands before, drifted out of the channel on the flats in the gulf for trout, ran up and down the river many times, never hit a thing....
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You're just good, Farley... :wink:
Coming over Sat morn?
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I'm not sure where all these treacherous rocks are but I've never hit anything over there.
One down,
Two to go.
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I will say this, fuel prices aren't helping things... :x
They sure aren't, that will be a large factor in me making it or not this go around for sure.
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Crystal River sounds cool to me. Free slip is sweet.
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Lewis are you coming down ?
I will try! Problem is I really want to come down for the "christening of Miss D" (hmmmmmm, sounds like a movie title doesn't it?) If that occurs in mid April it would make it hard to come right back down in 2 weeks. Decisions, decisions!!!! Of course I would love to do both but at this time I don't know if that would fly or not.
The reason I mentioned Cedar Key there are quite a few islands out in front to anchor up near and hide from the wind if need be. Crystal River other than the river itself once you are out thats it.
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Seems like Kings Bay in CR might be the best place to meet
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/rkins/Spring%202013%20Gathering/CropofCrystalRiver.png)
If some want to take a run to the gulf they can, if others want to dive they can, etc.
At Pete's it's free launch and $10/day to store truck and trailer - secure. Hard to beat that.
If you just want to hang it won't cost much boat gas. 7 miles to the gulf - shouldn't burn much there and back either.
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Are those little white things, the rocks or maybe....
Manatees?
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Go to google maps and zoom in... they are boats!
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:shock:
Well I guess that will make it easier to navigate through cause you can see them, unlike the rocks or say the manatees if they start sounding on ya. :scratch:
Still, it's the chilly thing that would give me shivers.
Good luck.
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:shock:
Well I guess that will make it easier to navigate through cause you can see them, unlike the rocks or say the manatees if they start sounding on ya. :scratch:
Still, it's the chilly thing that would give me shivers.
Good luck.
Captain Bob.... your wit reminds me of my Dad...good on you bud.
Lew, guys...It matters not as to the christening date of Miss D. If it occurs in conjunction with the gathering...that would be great, and so much the better :thumright:
Whatever shakes out. Will post back when SB advises a completion date.
Thanks
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Well I guess that will make it easier to navigate through cause you can see them, unlike the rocks or say the manatees if they start sounding on ya. :scratch:
(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z96/circlehooked/smily/horse.gif)
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A Crystal River getaway! Cool!
Sorry I didn't see this thread until now. Let me weigh in on a few things:
1. Navigation in the Crystal River is not difficult. There are no rocks to contend with in the main part of the river or in the bay (King's Bay). Where you need to worry about rocks and oyster bars is at the mouth of the river and outside the channel once you enter the gulf. But if you stay in the channel, you will be fine.
2. Common places to raft up are the shallows, which are about a hundred yards or so west of the plantation, the main spring, which is about a hundred yards or so southwest of the plantation, and shell island, which is at the mouth of the river.
3. Everyone should also plan on spending some time at 3 Sisters Spring (beautiful crystal clear (and cold) water). Only problem is that boat space is limited. Probably want to do this before the weekend, and may want to "boatpool". Also, there is a fairly low fixed bridge on the way to this spring, so depending on tides, boats with T-tops may have a problem.
4. There are a couple of islands at the mouth of the river that are frequently used as camping sites (tents), if anyone wants to rough it.
If there is anything you want to know or need me to do, let me know. This is where I call home (at least for now).
Craig
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A Crystal River getaway! Cool!
Sorry I didn't see this thread until now. Let me weigh in on a few things:
1. Navigation in the Crystal River is not difficult. There are no rocks to contend with in the main part of the river or in the bay (King's Bay). Where you need to worry about rocks and oyster bars is at the mouth of the river and outside the channel once you enter the gulf. But if you stay in the channel, you will be fine.
2. Common places to raft up are the shallows, which are about a hundred yards or so west of the plantation, the main spring, which is about a hundred yards or so southwest of the plantation, and shell island, which is at the mouth of the river.
3. Everyone should also plan on spending some time at 3 Sisters Spring (beautiful crystal clear (and cold) water). Only problem is that boat space is limited. Probably want to do this before the weekend, and may want to "boatpool". Also, there is a fairly low fixed bridge on the way to this spring, so depending on tides, boats with T-tops may have a problem.
4. There are a couple of islands at the mouth of the river that are frequently used as camping sites (tents), if anyone wants to rough it.
If there is anything you want to know or need me to do, let me know. This is where I call home (at least for now).
Craig
Hi Craig,
How is the depth around Kings bay, like behind buzzard island and toward Banana Island? Looks like a good place to raft up. Maybe even behind Banana, there's a cove. Is there usually a breeze in that bay?
Where is 3 Sisters Spring - have a Google Earth Capture to show us? I only see one bridge crossing and that's around Coon Gap - in that area?
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Time-wise, from Sarasota would it be better to go up I-75 to 44 and head west or go up 275 and then take 589 to 19?
Edit: Measured it with Google Earth and it seems to be 15 miles closer via 275/589. Now it comes up to time. Is 589 a city road, lots of lights, etc?
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Sooo...
Are we pulling the pin on Chrystal River?
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Rick,
I'm having a little trouble editing a google map. I will try my best with just words....
The depth around Kings Bay is generally 3'-7', except through some of the narrow passes between islands and close to shore. Hard to say on the breeze in the spring. We get some breezy days, as well as some that are dead calm. I'd say more are breezy though.
The area to the west of Buzzard Island has good depth, but may not be the best place to raft up, especially if people want to float in the water. That cove just south of Banana Island is the main spring - it is roped off, but you can raft up outside the barrier. Not a bad location, especially if people want to dive the main spring. Just north of Banana Island is another island with what looks like a sandy beach on the west side. That area is called the shallows and is the most popular socializing spot in the CR area. If you travel a short distance past the lower right corner of your google picture on page 2 you will find the Plantation Inn.
3 Sisters Spring is off the right side of your picture. If you head south from Pete's Pier you would turn into the first canal on your left. The bridge is where the "Y" is in "SW Kings Bay Dr" steet name on the map.
I think 275/589 is the better route from Sarasota. 589 is a toll road - no lights, but 2 tolls that you need to slow down for, and 3 that have the high speed bypasses for Sunpass. 589 dumps out on 98, and you have normal roads from there. But not too bad - nothing like traffic in a big city.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I've thoroughly confused you now.
Craig
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Not to get it closer to my place, but have you considered the Bayport Inn? And the Bayport ramp? 22 miles S, excellent ramp, excellent Inn, excellent food, no rocks, out to the gulf MUCH quicker, nd still within reach of the northern brethren, as it's just another 20 miles.
Plus, we have all the good stuff close at hand... :thumright: :thumright:
http://www.bayportinnrestaurant.com/history.htm (http://www.bayportinnrestaurant.com/history.htm)
Bob,
Do you eat at the resturant at the Bayport Inn often? My sister-in-law and neice both work there. You aren't the guy that leaves bad tips, are you? :lol: just kidding!
Craig
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Here's some help - what I do is get the area to be captured in Google Earth just the way I want it and then press "alt and print scrn". That gets it in memory and then I open paintbrush and then right-click and paste.
From there you select the area you want to show in your topic and click "crop" and it selects that area and gets rid of the other areas. Then save it and upload it to CAS or your photobucket acct. Then follow the topic posted at the top of each forum on how to post in your topics.
So here is the area SE of Petes
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/668/cropofareaSEofPetes.PNG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18430&title=cropofareaseofpetes&cat=668)
The area showing the shallows
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/668/cropofbananaarea.PNG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18431&title=cropofbananaarea&cat=668)
The roped off area S of Banana
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/668/cropofropedoffspring.PNG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18432&title=cropofropedoffspring&cat=668)
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Sooo...
Are we pulling the pin on Chrystal River?
Is that like pulling the trigger on something? Sounds much more dramatic though.
I am looking for places to camp right now, we show up 1-2 days early and kick back. We can hold the gathering anywhere in here on Saturday.
I think we've narrowed it down to Crystal river though. :thumright:
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Thanks for the tips Rick. I edited one of your pics to show where 3 Sisters Spring is located. The text isn't very clear, but it is the red text towards the bottom of the photo.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/3_sisters_google.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6657&title=3-sisters-google&cat=500)
If you want to camp on land, the only place I can think of is the mouth of the river. There are two islands that frequently have campers. If you are just planning to sleep on the boat, you have many more options.
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Sorry, when I say camping, I mean on our Explorers - will be a few there early - possibly 4 that I can think of, plus whoever else decides to join in the party. So we need a place to drop a hook that has a good breeze preferably, in an out of the way place.
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OK, gotcha. You can pretty much pick your spot in the bay. The shallows might be good, or maybe west of Banana Island. Those spots are pretty secluded from houses, so you won't need to worry about volume too much.
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Just curious in where in that area is freshwater?
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I'm betting it's all fresh until you hit the Gulf and then some.
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It's all spring fed fresh water that is crystal clear and averages 72 degrees year round. I'm sure it is brackish at some point and then salt depending on the tides etc.
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Well, it is fresh water up by the springs and the bay, becoming brackish as you head out the river, and pretty much salt once you get to the mouth. When the tide comes in, the direction of water flow is from the gulf towards the bay, so that prevents the river from being truly fresh. As far as water clarity, I hear it used to be crystal clear. I've been here since 95, and really can't say that I've seen it crystal clear, except in the springs.
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Back in the 70's it was crystal clear almost to the gulf before it became salty. There was a lot more spring flow back then as evidenced by the river being heavily infested with hydrilla half way down to the gulf which have no tolerance for salinity. But as I've seen in just about all the springs I've been to; mankind is putting a real burden on the aquifer and 50 years from now our springs are going to be a mere trickle compared to what they once were.
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Manatee chit in King's Bay doesn't help either...damn speed bumps!! :x :x
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Are their any alligators in the river?
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Are their any alligators in the river?
Yep Josh, lots of them...
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Are their any alligators in the river?
Absolutely
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I wouldn't think it would be safe to swim then would it?
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At least with it being pretty clear you can see them coming Josh :shock:
We were thinking about doing some diving there too, but in the bay only. Maybe we have to drag a big seacow raft close by? Lots of people dive there.
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Well I guess I did see a 10ft shark coming to see me out in the gulf lol, I guess if you went swimming there you'd need a wet suit.
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I wouldn't think it would be safe to swim then would it?
Josh, them gators ain't gonna get anywhere near you. As soon as they find out you're a Dickson...they'll throw their tails between their legs and skedaddle :wink:
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Well I guess I did see a 10ft shark coming to see me out in the gulf lol, I guess if you went swimming there you'd need a wet suit.
You'll need a suit unless you're from "up north". I'll be wearing one. A 3mm shorty should be fine. Go to Sams, cheap there.
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I wouldn't think it would be safe to swim then would it?
Josh, them gators ain't gonna get anywhere near you. As soon as they find out you're a Dickson...they'll throw their tails between their legs and skedaddle :wink:
Especially when they see how he bulked up with all that weight lifting :thumleft: I'll be hanging with him in the water.
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I don't need a wet suit unless it's below 70 degrees, when it's above just don't think and jump in although some may think it's crazy.
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Just my 2 cents but I think this whole thing should be farther south around Tampa for a better turnout, who are we really going to get to come from farther North :scratch:
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I'll add 3 cents.
I think it should be held in St. Marks but then I don't want to put it all together. I'm not the type. I just like showin' up.... Maybe.
I enjoy reading these reunion threads. I remember the one where there was a lot of "planning" but then guys started backing out. Then more guys got flustered and even one member got angry.
Still, I'm impressed with the time and effort that goes into making something like this happen. I can see why people might get angry, frustrated and after so many years of doing it, just say F--k it.
Then again..................
Maybe it's where he wants to go. :scratch:
Just thinkin' out loud. :mrgreen:
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CB :roll:
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Just my 2 cents but I think this whole thing should be farther south around Tampa for a better turnout, who are we really going to get to come from farther North :scratch:
Yeah it's going to be a little haul for us but this spot should be cool - no pun intended. :P It'll probably be the farthest north I haul the 230 but it is an equal distance from the north side of FL and Sarasota and some of the East coast spots too. I don't know about you but I've never been, Dave has never been either. I've alway wanted to see it, play in it, dive it, relax over it.
All we can do is hope, as usual. I think this spot will help bring the members out. We shouldn't need much boat gas either - a trade off for the truck gas.
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I have never been there, it does sound very nice, for some reason most of my boating trips are south, I'm a Keys guy at heart :wink:
I'm still going to have a wait and see approach, thats going to be at min $150 trip just to tow up and back for me and I have alot of expenses coming up in May so we will see.
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I have never been there, it does sound very nice, for some reason most of my boating trips are south, I'm a Keys guy at heart :wink:
That's another place I would like to go with my boat - been there but not in my boat.
Up north on the Ichnatucknee (probably butchered that) river, I think a little more north - dumps into the Suwannee, we went tubing and it was chilly - got a red chest and a blue bottom at the same time. Water was crystal clear and almost spooky, like you were in the area of the "Creature of the Black Lagoon". I'm hoping that the water at CR is clear.
These gatherings are another way to see America :D
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I just wanna hop in the water up their, I got my dive gear and it would be fun to use it in fresh water plus we could say we had a gathering on freshwater. :wink:
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Can a newbie come to these gatherings? :) I'm not to far from there, Largo/Palm Harbor area. Sounds like fun, can I bring my girlfriend? she is a boat fanatic and loves fishin. When she has 2 beers she starts dancing and singing "Dr Hook" songs (she knows them all) after 4, clothing starts going away :shock: Love the Crystal River area, just haven't had my boat up there yet. Wonder if you can camp on the islands up there like we do here at St Joesph Sound.
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I'm not to far from there, Largo/Palm Harbor area.
Sorry, too far north. :roll:
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Can a newbie come to these gatherings? :) I'm not to far from there, Largo/Palm Harbor area. Sounds like fun, can I bring my girlfriend? she is a boat fanatic and loves fishin. When she has 2 beers she starts dancing and singing "Dr Hook" songs (she knows them all) after 4, clothing starts going away :shock: Love the Crystal River area, just haven't had my boat up there yet. Wonder if you can camp on the islands up there like we do here at St Joesph Sound.
Wow!
Sure you can come :lol:
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I'm not to far from there, Largo/Palm Harbor area.
Sorry, too far north. :roll:
Something is to far alright
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I'm not to far from there, Largo/Palm Harbor area.
Sorry, too far north. :roll:
Something is to far alright
Just looked Palm Harbor up....Ooops :mrgreen:
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The water gets cold after being in it for a while so a wet suit is not a bad idea. Scuba gear is fun in the springs. Of course newbies are welcome Pzart! we all started that way! I'll bring a six pack for your girl! :roll:
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Karaoke and nudity. :idea:
I don't recall that as a selling point for these boondoggles before. :scratch:
Maybe moving north isn't that bad an idea after all? :wink:
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Karaoke and nudity. :idea:
I don't recall that as a selling point for these boondoggles before. :scratch:
Maybe moving north isn't that bad an idea after all? :wink:
You might ought to consider actually showing up toting a case of Pabst :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
:thumright:
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Been a LOOOOONG time since I've been to the keys. I think we need to put a keys trip together too!
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Can a newbie come to these gatherings? :) I'm not to far from there, Largo/Palm Harbor area. Sounds like fun, can I bring my girlfriend? she is a boat fanatic and loves fishin. When she has 2 beers she starts dancing and singing "Dr Hook" songs (she knows them all) after 4, clothing starts going away :shock: Love the Crystal River area, just haven't had my boat up there yet. Wonder if you can camp on the islands up there like we do here at St Joesph Sound.
Wow!
Sure you can come :lol:
I cant wait to see her after a 6 pack.
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Been a LOOOOONG time since I've been to the keys. I think we need to put a keys trip together too!
I like that idea. :!: :D
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Just my 2 cents but I think this whole thing should be farther south around Tampa for a better turnout, who are we really going to get to come from farther North :scratch:
Yeah it's going to be a little haul for us but this spot should be cool - no pun intended. :P It'll probably be the farthest north I haul the 230 but it is an equal distance from the north side of FL and Sarasota and some of the East coast spots too. I don't know about you but I've never been, Dave has never been either. I've alway wanted to see it, play in it, dive it, relax over it.
All we can do is hope, as usual. I think this spot will help bring the members out. We shouldn't need much boat gas either - a trade off for the truck gas.
I agree, this is a great area to have a gathering. But wouldn't it be better to have the gathering coincide with the scallop season. :idea:
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I agree, this is a great area to have a gathering. But wouldn't it be better to have the gathering coincide with the scallop season. :idea:
[/b]
I like that idea, yum Scallops.
Rick I mentioned the gathering to Doc Reed on Facebook so maybe he will chin in, would really be a haul for him but he has surprised us before.
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Been a LOOOOONG time since I've been to the keys. I think we need to put a keys trip together too!
ditto ^^
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Rick I mentioned the gathering to Doc Reed on Facebook so maybe he will chin in, would really be a haul for him but he has surprised us before.
With no trailer, that will be a haul :shock: :shock:
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I agree, this is a great area to have a gathering. But wouldn't it be better to have the gathering coincide with the scallop season. :idea:
When is the season and we can plan another around those dates at a later time. I love scallops.
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I agree, this is a great area to have a gathering. But wouldn't it be better to have the gathering coincide with the scallop season. :idea:
When is the season and we can plan another around those dates at a later time. I love scallops.
I believe it is July 1 thru September 24. If is anything like last year, you don't want to miss it!
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The scallop season is typically July 1st thru Sept. 10th. The state will sometimes open the season early and or extend the season. In 2012 the season went thru Sept. 24th.
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Where is the best area to get them yummy mollusk?
The reason, historically, that we've done the gatherings the first week in May and the last week in Oct is because of the feedback from members with kids that wanted to attend around but couldn't work around sports stuff. My kids are all grown so any date works for me, but I try to think of the membership in general so we have a good showing. This year we can certainly try something in that date window.
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Since Crystal River is my home port, that is where I do my scalloping. The actual area is between the Crystal River and the Homosassa River, out in the grass flats. If you go during the first week or two of the season, you will see hundreds of boats out there. It thins out as the season goes on, especially during the week days. Weekends tend to stay pretty crowded till late in the season. If you want to do this early in the season, I suggest looking into hotels early. I imagine they get booked up quickly.
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Just curious, I've heard that their are more flounder the further north you go, is their a good number of them up there?
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Just curious, I've heard that their are more flounder the further north you go, is their a good number of them up there?
I've caught a few here, but purely by accident. I've never targeted them. And the few I've caught were rather small. If this is a really good flounder hotspot, I'm sure I would have heard about it, so I think the answer to your question is no.
On the brighter side, snook fishing has really improved over the last couple of years. As long as we don't get any big freezes up here for the remainder of the year, I think that will continue.
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we do all of our scalloping out of horseshoe beach, north of the mouth of the Suwanee, water is crystal clear... our place is about 45 minutes down the highway to horseshoe beach and about 5 minutes from the suwannee river, we have just under 6 acres, plenty of room for several trailers
heres pics from last year
http://s10.beta.photobucket.com/user/re ... ee%20river (http://s10.beta.photobucket.com/user/recklesabandon727/library/suwannee%20river)
im hoping to have one of the boats useable mid july
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I've caught a few here, but purely by accident. I've never targeted them. And the few I've caught were rather small. If this is a really good flounder hotspot, I'm sure I would have heard about it, so I think the answer to your question is no.
Ok thanks, I do like the idea of scallops though. :lol:
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http://www.floridacaves.com/crystalriver.htm
I found this site it's got some good info on it.
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Good stuff there Josh. Looks like you'll be busy :wink:
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Good stuff there Josh. Looks like you'll be busy :wink:
I don't think I can swim that deep.
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Speaking of swimming in cold water, I jumped into a deep drop off at siesta beach when the water was in the mid 60's. :shock:
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Almost that time, only one month to go. :cheers:
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Did we ever find a secure ramp yet ?
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If you guys want I can call around. There's really not many ramps to choose from. Are you looking for a place to put in and leave your rigs for 2-3 days? I don't think anyone has "security", but Pete's Pier has some live aboards next to the ramp, so it is probably the closest to secure as you will find. Of course, if you are staying at the Plantation Inn (as someone mentioned in an earlier thread), you should be fine - they probably have security also.
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Seems like Kings Bay in CR might be the best place to meet
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/668/CropofCrystalRiver.PNG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18429&title=cropofcrystalriver&cat=668)
If some want to take a run to the gulf they can, if others want to dive they can, etc.
At Pete's it's free launch and $10/day to store truck and trailer - secure. Hard to beat that.
If you just want to hang it won't cost much boat gas. 7 miles to the gulf - shouldn't burn much there and back either.
Best we can do in that area.
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Rick do you plan to bring dive gear?
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Seems like Kings Bay in CR might be the best place to meet
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/668/CropofCrystalRiver.PNG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18429&title=cropofcrystalriver&cat=668)
If some want to take a run to the gulf they can, if others want to dive they can, etc.
At Pete's it's free launch and $10/day to store truck and trailer - secure. Hard to beat that.
If you just want to hang it won't cost much boat gas. 7 miles to the gulf - shouldn't burn much there and back either.
Best we can do in that area.
I guess I did see that, sorry Rick I've been out of the loop a bit.
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Rick do you plan to bring dive gear?
Yup. Dave is trying to find another wet suit, seems his old ones shrunk :oops: So, both of our boats will be ready to dive.
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Rick do you plan to bring dive gear?
Yup. Dave is trying to find another wet suit, seems his old ones shrunk :oops: So, both of our boats will be ready to dive.
Ever think about a real money saver?
Weight loss. :idea:
Same suit and less groceries. Win Win..... :mrgreen:
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Yup. Dave is trying to find another wet suit, seems his old ones shrunk So, both of our boats will be ready to dive.
I'm just gonna go without a wetsuit, the cold water only stings for like 5 seconds. :lol:
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http://www.underwateroutdoors.com/Underwater/Crystal-River-Manatees-and/26206349_JjSn8H#!i=2180234517&k=DLjWjBF
Found this website of underwater pics in the crystal river.
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Very cool Josh. I wonder what those washed out areas are - the springs? If they are, looks more like a drain instead of a supply :scratch: Didn't see any gators 8)
I'll bring my underwater camera up there too. I'm only bringing one tank so it'll be used only if I can't snorkel deep enough.
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I don't know much about underwater springs so it will definitely be interesting, how deep do you plan to dive?
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All the way :D
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All the way
If I try I may be able to swim 30 feet on a snorkel, I heard it's good spear fishing up there.
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Just called Pete's pier, I asked if the ramp was still all fresh but now it has quite a bit of salt in it.
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Wonder if we can get decent fresh water up there to fill our tanks so we don't have to haul the boats/trucks with a ton of water in them. We'll need them to wash the trailers I guess. My freshwater tank is 40 gallons.... that's a lot of extra weight to tow that far.
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If you want to fill up the boats fresh water tank, why not go up the river a little bit and get some of that crystal clear freshwater. :D
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With this thing right around the corner I just want to ask, who is coming besides Rick and Dave and maybe me and josh?
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Dave rents a mother-in-law suite out above his garage and some people renting there just came back from CR and dove with the manatees. Said the visibility was zero. Wonder what's going on there now?
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I heard the visability has something to do with the flow of fresh water from the springs, certain parts are clear and some are murky from what I've heard. :scratch:
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Visibility has to do with many things, including flow from the springs. I was speaking to a long-time CR resident this morning. He said that there used to be a distinct surface disturbance - almost like boiling - above the main spring due to the high spring flow. Flow is now lower due to less rainfall refilling the aquifer or whatever reason, so there is no longer the "boiling" effect. This means less spring water flushing out the surrounding areas, but I believe the visibility in the springs is still good.
The manatees do not necessarily stay in the springs. In fact, they tend to avoid the springs once divers show up during the day. If Dave's renters encountered the manatees out in the bay, then that would explain the lack of visibility.
Oh, and I plan to join you guys for part of the weekend. Can't spend too much time...I have a rebuild to work on :thumright: .
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Should still be a cool trip either way and a fun gathering. :D
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With this thing right around the corner I just want to ask, who is coming besides Rick and Dave and maybe me and josh?
I'm trying to warm the little woman up to the idea, maybe stay at a local something or another....
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With this thing right around the corner I just want to ask, who is coming besides Rick and Dave and maybe me and josh?
I'm trying to warm the little woman up to the idea, maybe stay at a local something or another....
The Plantation Inn is very close to where Rick & company plan to anchor. They also have their own ramp and places to tie up your boat.
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http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g34162-Crystal_River_Florida-Hotels.html
Here's a list of a bunch of places to stay on the crystal river and there nightly rates, and quite a few of them are by king's bay.
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Plantation is booked that weekend, The Port Hotel and Marina sounds interesting too, seems to be boat friendly and is 150 for 2 nights, That's probably who I will call if Juli agrees. Thanks for the info...
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We're trying to go up there on Thursday. That'll give us a couple days to lounge :cheers:
Gathering will be on Saturday noonish. Spot to be announced soon.
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Plantation is booked that weekend, The Port Hotel and Marina sounds interesting too, seems to be boat friendly and is 150 for 2 nights, That's probably who I will call if Juli agrees. Thanks for the info...
No problem.
We're trying to go up there on Thursday. That'll give us a couple days to lounge
Gathering will be on Saturday noonish. Spot to be announced soon.
What about a shallow spring? :lol:
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That's why we want to go up early - beat the crowd that scares the manatee away and have the place somewhat to ourselves.
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Plantation is booked that weekend, The Port Hotel and Marina sounds interesting too, seems to be boat friendly and is 150 for 2 nights, That's probably who I will call if Juli agrees. Thanks for the info...
Make sure you ask them about boat docking. The marina has slips, but they seem to be mostly filled with rental pontoon boats. I'm not sure how much dock space they have available for guests. And I don't recall seeing a ramp there, but I may be mistaken....
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I looked on google earth, it looks like they have a decent ramp their but i think google maps may have been off a bit.
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the way it stands now, Juli and I will be showing up sometime Friday, hopefully early, I will be staying at the Port Hotel and marina Friday and Saturday night. They have a ramp and plenty of spots to tie up my boat, just no slips :roll: sounds like you tie up at a long dock, which is fine. Mixed reviews on web but we just need a place to crash, and it was cheap enough.
Were in :cheers:
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8)
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:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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hmmmmmm, hit a bump in the road..........blew a head gasket on the 170AS last night on Lake Tarpon, will tear into her today, hopefully minor :(
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hmmmmmm, hit a bump in the road..........blew a head gasket on the 170AS last night on Lake Tarpon, will tear into her today, hopefully minor
Did you find anything bad?
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Did you find anything bad?
here's the thread viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10673 (http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10673)
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It looks like you got a good deal. :thumright:
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thanks, I just hope I can get her back together and running before :pirat: :pirat: THE GATHERING :pirat: :pirat:
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(http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/Josh_Dickson/git_done_zps30910928.jpg)
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Less that 2 weeks to go - getting pumped. Just bought a new brake set to install this Saturday. That'll take my mind off of any problem for the long haul up there.
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You outta find a water tank that'll fit in your truck so you can wash your brakes of after dunking them, they'll last a long time.
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Rick the way it's looking I'm out for this weekend, hate to lose my die hard status but just can't justify the expense of it all with things I have going on right now so you guys have fun.
I will try to get up that way when scallop time comes.
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That's too bad Scott.
Yesterday morning I had my boat in the street getting ready to tow it to Dave's house and the lady that lives in the house across the street backed out of her driveway and into the corner of the boat - DOH!! Took a couple chips out of the gel coat and scraped it a little. Crushed her tail light and the area around it. She said she never even saw the boat :shock:
Anyway, I changed out my brakes yesterday with all stainless. The hubs are still the same galvanized ones but eventually I'll swap out the axles for Rolls axles and then buy their stainless hubs - then everything on the tire end will be stainless. Today's plan is clean the boat and make sure everything works.
4 days and we'll be there :cheers:
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I have football practice Saturday. :shock:
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Didn't know you were playing - good for you. That comes first for sure.
We'll say hi to the manatee for you, hopefully they're there.
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I like the idea of scallops up there. :lol:
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I'll be collecting aluminum cans following the MJ wedding.
God knows I could use the coin. :oops:
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I'll be collecting aluminum cans following the MJ wedding.
God knows I could use the coin. :oops:
Pretty sure there's only gonna be expensive bottles of champagne at that party. That would be one sweet wedding to be valeting at though!
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Rick to bad about your boat being run into, that sucks but atleast it wasn't worse.
Rinse those brakes as soon as you dunk it like I do and you will be golden, my brakes aren't all stainless and I use my boat more the you but they still look like new 2 years later.
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WELL this is very interesting, could someone please inform me of what this all entails? Petes Pier is where I normally put in and was thinking about going out this weekend and saw this......I have been watching the weather forecasts and they are calling for right now, about a 40-50% chance of rain, winds at about 15-25 from the east with 3-5 foot seas, but that could change as the weekend gets closer.......does everyone come together and tie up to each other at anchor or what at these things? I would love to come and meet some other Aquasport owners and hang out......let me know the plan.
Todd
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let me know the plan.
Todd
Begin at the beginning.
viewtopic.php?p=93095#p93095 (http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?p=93095#p93095)
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Thanks Capt Bob, I read the whole thing from page 1, but am unclear as to if there will be a meet up where everyone gets together at where you guys are going to be staying or a designated anchor spot is what I was wondering if you know what I mean....going out there and hoping to just run into someone seems like just another day on the water....nothing wrong with that of course.
Todd
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Thanks Capt Bob, I read the whole thing from page 1, but am unclear as to if there will be a meet up where everyone gets together at where you guys are going to be staying or a designated anchor spot is what I was wondering if you know what I mean....going out there and hoping to just run into someone seems like just another day on the water....nothing wrong with that of course.
Todd
4 days and we'll be there :cheers:
Where?....X2....and a head count :mrgreen: Heads and thermostats will be done by Thursday, Juli and I will be at the hotel/dock sometime early Friday afternoon. I believe were all meeting on Saturday around noonish or something, somewhere in Kings Bay, which is close to Petes Pier, somewhere around Crystal River which I believe is in Florida..... :mrgreen: ....or I am sure RICK will chime in here shortly and inform us with gps coordinates :cheers: so stay tuned to this same :batman: channel :cyclops: :drunken: .
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... but am unclear as to if there will be a meet up where everyone gets together at where you guys are going to be staying or a designated anchor spot is what I was wondering if you know what I mean....going out there and hoping to just run into someone seems like just another day on the water....nothing wrong with that of course.
Todd
HI Todd,
As far as I can tell today, we'll be arriving Thursday afternoon with a few boats. We'll launch and putt around looking for a good place to drop anchor and relax :drunken: . I think I pointed out a place or two earlier in the thread that we might try to duck behind to camp but it depends on how close we're to civilization - don't want to pizz off the locals with our racket. As for the gathering we can decide on Friday and post - hope to be near one of the springs - maybe the southern one. It'll still be in the basin though.
As for Friday and Saturday we'll be somewhere in the basin - should be easy to find - a bunch of Explorers rafted up.
The best thing is to call me and we can give you the "gps coords" :lol: The basin ain't that big. If there is a place to beach it, we'll find it. Otherwise we can raft it - biggest raft up we've had at a gathering is 9 boats.
Nine4onefive39twoseven9eight. Name is Rick.
Looking forward to meeting any members up in that neck of the woods.
Craig - how are the skeeters up there now - any?
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Skeeters aren't too bad yet...but the no-see-ums are a beetch. If its breezy though, it should keep them away. And they typically only come out near dusk. I would bring some bug spray just in case.
There really isn't a place to beach your boats in the bay...and it will probably be a bunch of Explorers tied up, and at least one Osprey :thumright: .
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skin so soft.
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Looks like we'll have a great breeze to keep them suckers away - http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/GM/850.html
And Skin so soft is the only thing I've found to keep them at bay - they drown in it :D
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Rick,
My wife just "reminded" me that we have my nephew's graduation from USF on Saturday, so that screws up my plans for the gathering :x . I am heading down to St. Pete Friday morning, but I should be back in time to head out to the bay sometime in the late afternoon/early evening. I will call your cell and try to hook up with you then.
I'm not sure what your dining plans are through the weekend, but there are a couple of restaurants on the water. The Crystal River Ale House is next to the Port Hotel (close to the main spring), and Crackers is a little further east, next to the Best Western. And Charlie's Fish House is close to Crackers. Dock space is limited, so you will either want to get there early or late.
I will definitely find a way of hooking up with you guys - I would like to meet some of the folks I "talk" to on this forum.
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Skin so Soft.....REALLY.....geeeezzzzzzz, now the whole :pirat: :pirat: "GATHERING" :pirat: :pirat: is going to smell like a buch of virgin mermaids :shock: man up you guys, they only bite for a couple hours a day........
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The Crystal River Ale House is next to the Port Hotel (close to the main spring), and Crackers is a little further east, next to the Best Western. And Charlie's Fish House is close to Crackers.
Oh you guys are going to be real hits walking to a fine dining establishment smellin' like a school of virgin (really?) mermaids. :roll:
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The Crystal River Ale House is next to the Port Hotel (close to the main spring), and Crackers is a little further east, next to the Best Western. And Charlie's Fish House is close to Crackers.
Oh you guys are going to be real hits walking to a fine dining establishment smellin' like a school of virgin (really?) mermaids. :roll:
I think rode hard look what the cat dragged in mermaids fits better with this group :flower:
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Crackers is AWESOME food and they have the best conch fritters that I have had in a good long while, so I would highly recommend that as a place if someone wants to get some good food....they have a nice big outside deck and bar outside as well as inside and you can see Pete's Pier in the distance.......they have a fantastic blackened grouper and the sweet tea is delicious as well........can't rave enough about that place.............the other places I am not aware of..........if anyone needs any boat items for whatever reason, there is a west marine at the corner of highway 19 and Kings Bay Drive in that strip mall there, which is right around the corner from Pete's Pier.........hmmmmm, what else......oh mind your p's and Q's as citrus county sheriff can be a pain in the butt and watch highway 19 closely.......the weather is looking pretty crappy at this point up here, but just have to see what comes later, but right now, they are calling for 4-6 foot seas and strong winds, so getting out into the gulf, while easy enough, will be rough.......I would also recommend that if you go out into the gulf, after you pass that last channel marker, keep on that heading for about 10-15 minutes before turning simply because there is a lot of buried crap and old dump sites off shore, so just be safe and go a little further before turning off that heading..........if there is anything else I can think of I will let you know on this thread.
Todd
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The Crystal River Ale House is next to the Port Hotel (close to the main spring), and Crackers is a little further east, next to the Best Western. And Charlie's Fish House is close to Crackers.
Oh you guys are going to be real hits walking to a fine dining establishment smellin' like a school of virgin (really?) mermaids. :roll:
I did a lot of research on mermaids a few weeks back but neglected to ask what they smelled like.
Will get back to ya before the soiree.
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I did a lot of research on mermaids a few weeks back but neglected to ask what they smelled like.
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: Here we go.....
From a human perspective we obviously couldn’t smell them underwater. If one came ashore still in their mermaid form they’d give off a unique indescribable alluring floral scent(Skin so Soft). It’s apart of their supernatural mystique. It most likely includes various paranormal pheromones since human males are easily beguiled by the bosom baring oceanic beauties.
When they take human form on the night of the full moon the aroma and pheromones are less noticeable but still apparent.
:cheers: :cheers:
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That is some good thinking right there :salut:
I don't know about being able to lure in a wild-caught one, especially since the moon isn't full, but they had some farm-raised ones for rent at the Weeki Wachee mermaid park. You didn't get to pick the one you wanted out of the tank, like at the aquarium store, but the one we had lined up was certainly beguiling.
They aren't cheap to rent though, two hundred bucks an hour...And you had to pay them first. You had to pay them first because the male mermaid guy didn't want the mermaids having to run around chasing money. Mainly because they can't walk.
PS...They don't do bachelor parties
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/Ariel-Friends-the-little-mermaid-223086_800_6001.jpg) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7038&title=ariel-friends-the-little-mermaid-223086-800-6001&cat=500)
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I think these are the only mermaids that will be showing up, they smell like leather conditioner :lol:
(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z96/circlehooked/manatee_zpsad43dd7f.jpg) (http://s194.photobucket.com/user/circlehooked/media/manatee_zpsad43dd7f.jpg.html)
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Nice tail. :wink:
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Weather seems to be clearing out for the time being, especially in the CR area :cheers:
Heading out the door now - see ya'll up there :cheers: :cheers:
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Weather seems to be clearing out for the time being, especially in the CR area :cheers:
Heading out the door now - see ya'll up there :cheers: :cheers:
:cheers: :cheers: Save me a COOL spot, so my motor wont overheat, see ya there :cheers: :cheers: `
and it begins........ :pirat: :pirat: GATHERING (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m-zhD8Qh9w) :pirat: :pirat:
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I think these are the only mermaids that will be showing up, they smell like leather conditioner :lol:
(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z96/circlehooked/manatee_zpsad43dd7f.jpg) (http://s194.photobucket.com/user/circlehooked/media/manatee_zpsad43dd7f.jpg.html)
:shock: :shock: Oh No..... I hope not, as soon as Juli smells leather she breaks out SINGING (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRRjXDVIHzE).....oh no, this is going to be a long weekend :) :)
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Woohoo! My nephew decided he doesn't want to go to his graduation ceremony Saturday, so my day has opened up! I'll be out there looking for the group mid day tomorrow :cheers: .
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Woohoo! My nephew decided he doesn't want to go to his graduation ceremony Saturday, so my day has opened up! I'll be out there looking for the group mid day tomorrow :cheers: .
:cheers: :cheers: Juli and i are all settled in at the Port Hotel, its beautiful here
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Wow 1:30 and no updates, hope you guy aren't getting blown away, it's blowing 25 steady here.
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Hope you're having fun!
First pic posted wins a prize :cheers:
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8) BREAK A LEG BOYS!!!!! :mrgreen: :cheers:
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Hey all, I gotta admit I failed miserably. Spent the afternoon at the gathering...and didn't take one picture :oops: . Had a great time though - and met some really great people :thumleft: . The weather today was actually pretty good - warm and breezy, and quite a few manatees stopped by to check us out. I'm glad I was able to make it - thanks guys for picking Crystal River as the location!
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Picture time yet? :lol:
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Come on with the pics, it doesn't take that long to photo shop a smile onto CB's face :mrgreen:
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Come on with the pics, it doesn't take that long to photo shop a smile onto CB's face :mrgreen:
No need to Photoshop a smile on an ol' drunk.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/20130503_2045232067124374.jpg) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7199&title=20130503-2045232067124374&cat=500)
This guy's a hoot and I thought Bloody Marys were just for breakfast. :mrgreen:
Dave with RTM in the background.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/Thumbs_up_Dave.jpg) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7200&title=thumbs-up-dave&cat=500)
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:thumright: :thumright:
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you da man CB :salut:
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Rick your boats on the wrong side, Dave is always on the outside, man how things fall apart when Josh doesn't come :D
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Before CB tied up Dave was on the correct side. :wink:
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Rick your boats on the wrong side, Dave is always on the outside, man how things fall apart when Josh doesn't come :D
Hey their is always the November gathering. :lol:
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Before CB tied up Dave was on the correct side. :wink:
Oh well,
I have to admit to a fender fetish and when I spotted Dave's pendulous, bountiful bumpers lying sensually across the gunnel of his port side, I was smitten as a drunk sailor on liberty. Couple that with his taut rode and as they say.......
The rest was history. :wink:
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What model boat is that in the middle with the curved windshield?
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I think that is Dave's 250 Explorer.
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Thats what I was wondering.... as in the delta conic 250 explorer
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Stopped by the 8) 8) GATHERING 8) 8) , wish I could have spent more time, but the girls wanted to see all :shock: the springs and other sites, they had never been there before. They did see their first up close manatee at the 8) 8) GATHERING 8) 8) ....here is the Pic
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/Manateesm.jpg)
Had a great time meeting everyone, next time maybe I will leave a few people home :lol:
That Manatee fell in love with the Twin Mercs there, hope he didn't do any damage to them after we left :mrgreen:
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Come on with the pics, it doesn't take that long to photo shop a smile onto CB's face :mrgreen:
I think rode hard look what the cat dragged in mermaids fits better with this group :flower:
No need to Photoshop a smile on an ol' drunk.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/20130503_2045232067124374.jpg) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7199&title=20130503-2045232067124374&cat=500)
This guy's a hoot and I thought Bloody Marys were just for breakfast. :mrgreen:
Dave with RTM in the background.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/Thumbs_up_Dave.jpg) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7200&title=thumbs-up-dave&cat=500)
:mrgreen: :mrgreen:
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Yep,
A good time seemed to be had by all. My expression speaks for itself. Met with Craig (ol' cut and paste) :wink: and Paul and counting Rick and Dave, that brings the "met member" count to seven. Weather was great for sleeping but not real nice to go in the Gulf. Craig's 205 is a deep gunnel boat for sure and Paul's brought back some old memories. Paul had a full crew so 8 attendees in 5 Aquas at the peak. :cheers:
Got the straight skinny on the Crystal River nuke plant and watched sea cows act like dogs in heat.
Had pizza on the grill, corn in the husk on the grill, chilled Captain Morgan and Moosehead beer.
Pleasant weather for the return trip and a gut fillin' breakfast at a place called Grannies. The menu shows they make four 3 egg omelets but two are the same :scratch:. Never figured that one out, still.........
Thanks to everyone for a very nice three days. :thumright:
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We arrived at Pete's Pier around 3pm on Thursday and after paying and launching and finding a good place to tie up, CB arrived and after the initial greeting, he launched and away we went. Daves's 250 and CB taking up the rear.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/CIMG0699.JPG)
We idled out to a place out of the wind, dropped the hook and started settling in.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/CIMG0700.JPG)
We started getting to know each other immediately, talking, joking and laughing from the beginning and throughout the whole trip - very therapeutic.
We even took a break to try to rid crystal river of ther catfish - CB won that prize
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/CIMG0702.JPG)
Over the next few days we probably saw a majority of the pontoon boats in the area and at the very least , all the "Dive with the manatees" boats for hire.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/CIMG0701.JPG)
We took a little detour Friday, piled into CB's boat and took a cruise to the main spring - it was then that I realized I forgot my camera. Sorry.
We had partly cloudy skies and strong breezes pretty much the whole trip - which was fine with us - cool and keeps the bugs away. Wind was out of the E-NE and about 20mph steady. Friday night we got some rain and it turned cold and we huddled in my boat with most of the eisenglass up and again we sat there laughing and partying into the wee hours. Friday nights sunset - a little blurry (maybe it was me :wink: ).
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/CIMG0704.JPG)
The next day the wind started to shift and then swung out of the NW and kicked up a bit slowly over the day - again great for sleeping and keeping the bugs away.
Craig (clm65) was the first boat to arrive and I must admit that his boat has some very deep gunnels - pretty safe looking.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/CIMG0707.JPG)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/CIMG0708.JPG)
Craig stayed with us for quite a few hours and we talked about everything under the sun too - great guy. I learned a lot about his industry. Pleasure meeting you Craig.
Then Paul (pzart) arrived with his boat full of fun and while I forgot to take pics, we hung out for a while and talked aquasport 170 "stuff", which is right up my alley. His crew stayed with us about an hour and Julie wanted to go ride a manatee or something - wait - that was on the list of DO NOTS - no riding manatees :( but anyway, off they went to 3 sisters springs. Paul, it was great meeting you, your missus, and friends.
We had a visitor after Paul left and before Craig did - made you think how great it is to have good friends and a great country to live in.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/CIMG0709.JPG)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/crop_of_eagle1.png)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/crop_of_eagle.png)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/crop_of_eagle2.png)
So it was back to shooting the breeze among the dastardly crew of the 3 amigos. We woke up early Sunday to this beautiful sunrise.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/CIMG0711.JPG)
Packed up and was eating breakfast at Grannies by 930a. A perfect end to another great gathering.
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Friday nights sunset - a little blurry (maybe it was me :wink: ).
Ya think?
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/20130503_204500.jpg) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7226&title=20130503-204500&cat=500)
Dave and yet another Bloody Mary.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/20130503_204452.jpg) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7225&title=20130503-204452&cat=500)
Come to think about it, most of that evening was somewhat out of focus. :roll:
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Looks like you guys had a time for sure, Rick how does the wee hours and Dave fit together :scratch:
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For us if the hour has a 1 in it, it's the wee hours :lol:
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Were you guys in fresh water?
For us if the hour has a 1 in it, it's the wee hours :lol:
I thought you normally ritire to your cabin around 10:30-11:00, all the interesting things happen when I'm not there. :scratch:
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Were you guys in fresh water?
Fresh in the sense that manatees (and some humans) use it as a septic discharge :roll: and it is influenced by the Gulf tidal change by a couple/3 feet. Brackish would be a good description.
Which leads to the question... Is the City of Crystal River on a centralized sewer system/ :scratch:
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Which leads to the question... Is the City of Crystal River on a centralized sewer system/
I think the bottom of the river probably is for manatees, all that doody has to go somewhere. :shock:
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... Is the City of Crystal River on a centralized sewer system/ :scratch:
Yes, since the mid-90's I believe.
There was an interesting article in the local Sunday paper regarding the salinity of the bay...
http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/salt-bay (http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/salt-bay)
Anyway, thanks again for a great time Saturday!
And Paul...how was 3 sisters? Cold?
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And Paul...how was 3 sisters? Cold?
It was great, bikinis galore :shock: Cold?....... still trying to coax my manhood back out :mrgreen:
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There was an interesting article in the local Sunday paper regarding the salinity of the bay...
http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/salt-bay (http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/salt-bay)
Looks like I'll flush the motor tonight. :idea:
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Were you guys in fresh water?
Well, we saw alligators, manatee and porpoise all within a few feet of the boats.
For us if the hour has a 1 in it, it's the wee hours :lol:
I thought you normally ritire to your cabin around 10:30-11:00, all the interesting things happen when I'm not there. :scratch:
Those have ones in them :wink: We made it up to those times easily, well I think we did anyway :D :drunken:
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we caught a Red on sunday morn about 300 yards east of where they were anchored
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/red.jpg)
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Well, we saw alligators, manatee and porpoise all within a few feet of the boats.
Need to do an all fresh gathering, say Okeechobee when it get cooler. :wink:
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Well, we saw alligators, manatee and porpoise all within a few feet of the boats.
Don't forget this one.......that is so cool.......
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//668/crop_of_eagle.png)
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we caught a Red on sunday morn about 300 yards east of where they were anchored
With a name like that, I knew he was a fisherman. :thumleft:
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I wish i could have attended. Sounds like you all had fun.
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I wish i could have attended. Sounds like you all had fun.
That would be a long boat ride Doc. :shock:
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It sure would be a long ride....and expensive.
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It sure would be a long ride....and expensive.
You'd probably get to see alot of interesting sites though. :D