Classic AquaSport
General Aquasport Forums => Rendezvous/Gatherings => Topic started by: RickK on February 23, 2014, 06:22:49 PM
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It's time to get together again and plan the semi annual Gathering again. This time it will be in Buncee pass which has very clean water and strong current. The ramps are plentiful at Ft Desoto and plenty of secure parking. Cost to launch/ stay last time I was there was $5 a day.
The date will be May 3rd and will start when you show up and will end when you leave <!-- s8) -->8)<!-- s8) --> (Based on history the first weekend in May seems to be the best for kids and sports, etc)
A few of us will be there the day before if you want to boat camp with us or tent camp in Ft Desoto. It's always a hoot if you camp with us. Ft Desoto is about 1/2 mile from where the gathering can be held and has bathroom facilities (maybe showers too). We can shuttle members that don't have their boat completed yet from the ramps to the gathering - no reason to not attend. Let us know. If you want to camp with us and don't have a boat you can sleep on our boats which are Explorers (we have air mattress's just bring a blanket) - we all have full biminis and even side curtains to keep everything dry.
Lunch is BYOF and BYOB. We'll have plenty of grills to cook on and have had some really kick butt meals at previous gatherings.
We can shift the gathering to Egmont key, which is a mile south from Buncee, but by noon it will be packed and depending on the weather/wind could be a challenge to get there (past gatherings have proven this) - we can play it by ear.
Google Desoto Park to find directions.
Desoto ramp has like 10 ramps
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/68Google_Earth_of_Ft_Desoto.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2012&title=google-earth-of-ft-desoto&cat=500)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/68Mapsource_of_Ft_Desoto2.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2013&title=mapsource-of-ft-desoto2&cat=500)
Here is a pic from the 4th gathering we had and it was in Buncee (my 170 in the foreground) (I think we did the first 4 or 5 at Buncee before we started moving to different locations).
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//589/68T_CIMG0265.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=4153&title=t-cimg0265&cat=589)
The largest gathering we've had in FL is 9 boats. It is a target to beat :cheering2: :dancing:
EDIT: I somehow lost the first paragraphs.
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Are we picking a date?
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Somehow I lost the first part of the post - see above.
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Where do you camp? Inside the lee of shell island?
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The channel runs E-W and we can hide anywhere. You want a little breeze when you're camping anyway.
Especially in this year's boat that I'm bringing
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//587/68S_CIMG0051.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=3833&title=s-cimg0051&cat=587)
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Nice..... :roll:
Hopefully you won't hit your head so much. :drunken:
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You still have some lumps too :roll:
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I am def in.. sounds like fun! BTW - I love that area. There are a ton of options for smooth water no matter the wind conditions. One of my favorites is the little cove on the south side of Bunces pass on the north tip of Ft. Desoto. That place is always sheltered. Anyway, I am looking forward to meeting you all in person. I would be willing to help shuttle people from Ft. Desoto ramp or beach if we decided Egmont or Shell Key. Just let me know.
B
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You still have some lumps too :roll:
A Phrenologist's dream I'm sure.
A hard hat might be in order. :idea:
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I'll bring one for both of us (Dave has a hard head so he has his own :lol:).
We have a HUGE membership in the Tampa area - hopefully even the "lurkers" will come out - we're nice people so come on out even if it's for a short time.
Any time on the water is better than time sitting at home.
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We've been in the process of planning an Egmont Gathering on my site today also
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We have pretty much the same membership so dual advertising is nice.
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We have pretty much the same membership so dual advertising is nice.
Pretty much, some seem to pick sides but most realize we are all after a common goal, so I would be up for the same date if everyone else is.
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You still have some lumps too :roll:
A Phrenologist's dream I'm sure.
A hard hat might be in order. :idea:
There may be members from the Carolinas in attendance :thumright:
But before we commit...is this head-banging rassilin' match restricted to moderators only? :mrgreen:
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There may be members from the Carolinas in attendance :thumright:
But before we commit...is this head-banging rassilin' match restricted to moderators only? :mrgreen:
Nope, anyone and everyone is welcome, as always. I have a buddy coming in from England and he will attend this gathering too.
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is this head-banging rassilin' match restricted to moderators only?
Hardly.
Rather poor naval architecture. :scratch:
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Gotcha!!
Figured something like that, but hey, always trying for a laugh :lol: :lol:
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Question - Can we make this topic it's own Forum until the event? It would help to track and stay on top of developments and discussions. Just a thought.
Plus, we could subdivide into other topics if necessary like Dates, locations, needs, etc.. :cheers:
Please advise,
B
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Historically,
Topic is "pinned".
Therefore it stays at the top of the Chum forum. All posting to the thread includes time and dates, photo location/charts, after gathering photos and comments plus the usual derail, attempted humor and general tomfoolery associated with all threads in the Chum forum. Also, it's been SOP for the Forum since inception of the "gatherings". It's Rick's thread so he can make any changes he likes but it seems to work this way. His call really.
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Hope the weather cooperates
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Question - Can we make this topic it's own Forum until the event? It would help to track and stay on top of developments and discussions. Just a thought.
Plus, we could subdivide into other topics if necessary like Dates, locations, needs, etc.. :cheers:
Please advise,
B
That idea has already been copyrighted by the abc but can be borrowed for the right beer :D
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Hope the weather cooperates
Historically the weather has been on our side and the water temps were always perfect. Even had a few members test out the water temp mistakedly. :shock:
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Even had a few members test out the water temp mistakedly. :shock:
I think Doc is still cold from that little dip :wink:
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Nope, it was someone's wife. Was before you joined Scott.
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That's right, you weren't there for Doc's little leap, that was a Nov gathering in Boca you couldn't make and a few of us still meet up.
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I think you were there when he drove his 250 up to one of the gatherings at Longboat pass and jumped in the water not realizing it was 8ft deep where he was at. I think that caught him off guard. Might have been the first time we met him.
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I remember that, that was the first time we met him, I believe that was my second gathering
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im thinking bout taking the saturday after next off(the 15th) yall want to do a mini meet?
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went out to egmont this past monday... water was like glass and crystal clear...
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/recklesabandon727/egmont4.jpg) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/recklesabandon727/media/egmont4.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/recklesabandon727/IMG_20140303_114326.jpg) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/recklesabandon727/media/IMG_20140303_114326.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/recklesabandon727/IMG_20140303_114333.jpg) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/recklesabandon727/media/IMG_20140303_114333.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/recklesabandon727/IMG_20140303_114610.jpg) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/recklesabandon727/media/IMG_20140303_114610.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/recklesabandon727/IMG_20140303_114719.jpg) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/recklesabandon727/media/IMG_20140303_114719.jpg.html)
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If I bring a 1987 Wellcraft to the party :oops: will I be cast aside like two week old leftovers?.... will I still be able to post on the site??
The admiral and I would promise to stay on the beach and only visit others when asked. :eye:
Visited DeSoto last time we left a friends house in Tampa and had a blast! Looks like a great place to spend a weekend!
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We've had members show up in all kinds of different boats over the years. Showing up is the main part, hanging out with new and old friends is the best part. :thumleft:
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If I bring a 1987 Wellcraft to the party :oops: will I be cast aside like two week old leftovers?.... will I still be able to post on the site??
The admiral and I would promise to stay on the beach and only visit others when asked. :eye:
Visited DeSoto last time we left a friends house in Tampa and had a blast! Looks like a great place to spend a weekend!
i'll probably show up in either a 20 angler bay, 21 seaboss bay, or 36 contender(in my pic from last page) so you wont be the only non-aquasport outcast :thumleft: :cheers:
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Ryan, one of my buddies at WC (he rigged 200 and 175 Ospreys) had an 18 Fish just like yours, 130 Yam. Excellent boat, we would take her out 30 miles regularly.
So I guess if a guy who was building Aquasports can own one, you should be OK... :wink:
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perfect place. count me in!!
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Holy Moly Woody, where ya been?
Hey if you want to stay the night with us again you know what you need to bring now, and I would recommend climbing into the back of my 230 under the cover/glass so you stay dry - you're always welcome and I have room.
Guys, we're slowly getting closer to the date and it's going to be a great time. Time to start enrolling your better half and any friends that know AS owners. There are some rules for Shell Island that were put in place 6 or so years ago that we need to be aware of, which I'll get a link to. One thing for sure I remember is that you can't let your dog run free or you'll get a ticket (one non member that was with a member got snagged a few years ago).
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here ya go rick https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/man ... _Rules.pdf (https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/managedlands/pdf/SKP/Shell_Key_Preserve_Rules.pdf)
https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/man ... seLand.pdf (https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/managedlands/pdf/SKP/SKP_PublicUseLand.pdf)
from what i understood, the rules apply everywhere within the boundary(idle speed) pilings. my parents used to stay on thier boat alot with another boat or 2 a few years ago, one friend got a ticket for having a dog(Yorkie) on the boat and the other boat got a ticket for having alcohol on the boat... my parents keep the cooler in the cabin with the cabin door shut so they where spared the search, just had to show the usual safety stuff... guess it all depends on the officers mood...
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guess it all depends on the officers mood...
....and the boater that is being boarded attitude!
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Buncee Pass - lowest part of the map in the link.
The cops were usually thick on the Saturdays that we held the gatherings. The alcohol rules were always a touchy subject it seems, at least going back 8 years. We just made sure we stayed in the water when we were drinking a beer. Glass bottles is a no-no and was back then too. Dogs are a no-no, both there and on Egmont.
Just have to be smart about it for the few hours that the gathering is held. We'll be camping on the north side of Desoto, which is in the south side of Buncee Pass. Always a nice current and a breeze.
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So Rick you going to camp on the beach on the north end of Ft Desoto? They allow that?
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Nope, we'll be camping on our boats in Buncee pass. We'll find a niche, out of the channel drop an anchor and let the party begin.
If the wind is too stiff we can idle up into the Desoto park to the spot where you can't go any farther (no motorized vessels), drop anchor and let it rip. We held the first 6 gatherings in Buncee, if I remember right, so we've found some good spots to boat camp.
I think some of the more seasoned boaters in that area always keep their refreshments in a plastic cup to avoid hassle from the po po.
Hey we have a member or two in that area that are po po, maybe they can get us a free pass that day?
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I think some of the more seasoned boaters in that area always keep their refreshments in a plastic cup to avoid hassle from the po po.
Hey we have a member or two in that area that are po po, maybe they can get us a free pass that day?
Camouflage.... At an age that I shouldn't have, I used to put Myers Dark in a diet coke can with just enough diet Sprite to give it fiz.. At the Winter Harbor Lobster boat races I got busted :oops: by one of the Old Boys that was getting ready to race. He was "parched" and needed a little soda before his run. Albert had quite a surprise as he hauled on that can. After he finished choking all he said was "JeeezzzuuussssKAAArrrist does your Mother know your drinking that????" I said yes, Albert knew the answer and I got the can back empty.... Yes, he won his heat :thumright:
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Rick, out of curiosity, why do you call it Buncee Pass? It's Bunces Pass...
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I guess I type it the way I say it. Must be a Sarasota thing :scratch:
(Shoot, now I need to go back and correct the last 6 years of posts - THANKS SB)
Hey, so I noticed on one of the links (maybe both) that Aaron posted that they now have pilings along the north side of Bunces pass? Those were not there the last time I was there (a few years ago). If so, they are really going out of their way to define that preserve.
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The Club is planning on meeting at Egmont, Rick are you towing up or driving the boat up, I plan on driving my boat, only 23 miles by water and if the gulf is flat it will be faster then towing, right now the plan is I'm bringing the whole family so unless things change camping is out for me.
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I think I'll tow up. It's about 45min to an hour tow if we take our time and I'll get better gas mileage in the truck than the boat.
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I guess I type it the way I say it. Must be a Sarasota thing :scratch:
(Shoot, now I need to go back and correct the last 6 years of posts - THANKS SB)
Hey, so I noticed on one of the links (maybe both) that Aaron posted that they now have pilings along the north side of Bunces pass? Those were not there the last time I was there (a few years ago). If so, they are really going out of their way to define that preserve.
i was gonna go visit that area when i was out on the contender but i couldnt remember if i had to fold the antennas and outriggers down due to the height under the bridge to FT D....i DO know along the entire west and north side of shell key there are pilings at the boundary of the "preserve"
i just zoomed way in on google earth, i can see pilings dotted along the beach on the south end of shell key(north side of bunces pass)... if the weather is nice next week i can run out there to confirm...
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We'd appreciate it Aaron. If they have posts along the beach we should change the place of the gathering to across the channel, on the Ft Desoto side. Either way look for Aquasports tied together and either floating off an anchor or all backed into the beach.
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Have fun and post pictures.
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Have fun and post pictures.
Bring the Cheoy!!! :salut: :salut:
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I'll be in Denver then Seattle until May 1st so take good pics.
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Getting closer. :D
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I'm hoping to make the gathering but there is a family B-Day. Hope I can swing both events.
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i have put in for the 3rd off
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I'm hoping to make the gathering but there is a family B-Day. Hope I can swing both events.
You back in beautiful Tampa? :thumright:
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Getting really close!
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I'm hoping to make the gathering but there is a family B-Day. Hope I can swing both events.
You back in beautiful Tampa? :thumright:
Indeed I am, been back for approximately a week and a half and I still can't sleep at night.
Looking more and more like I won't make the gathering, family birthday and a first communion. :thumbdown:
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Indeed I am, been back for approximately a week and a half and I still can't sleep at night.
I know that feeling :roll:
Looking more and more like I won't make the gathering, family birthday and a first communion. :thumbdown:
That's a bummer.
The gathering is just around the corner now. :cheers:
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One week!!! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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We're considering coming to the Gathering on Saturday from Clearwater.
Will there be a shallow water problem where you hang out if we bring our 290 Tournament Master??
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We're considering coming to the Gathering on Saturday from Clearwater.
Will there be a shallow water problem where you hang out if we bring our 290 Tournament Master??
ill be in a 36 contender so probably not, the north beach on ft desoto is great for your boat, you can beach right up and water depth is like 8 ft right off the transom. the only tricky part may be the pass itself if running in from the gulf, it has been shoaling up pretty bad, exposed sand bars and the tide rips through there...
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a148/recklesabandon727/buncespass.jpg)
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so whats everyone's plan? its still a little early but weather for the weekend isnt looking so great... im still game for meeting up as long as it isnt raining all day
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If I could figure out a way to sleep aboard my 200 Osprey, I'd be tempted to join you guys on one of these boat camping events. I've considered everything from stringing a hammock between the bow rail and the helm handrail, to finding an inflatable insert of the right width and height to fill-in the space between the casting deck and the steering console to create a level space big enough to lay out a pad and allow a 200-pound six footer to stretch out. Overhead, I do have a portable cover sold by Taylor Made that attaches to the T-top and angles down to attach to the bow rail as a sun and rain shade. Although the sides are open under the rail to let the breeze in, that will also allow the bugs in, and I've spent enough time in SW FLA to know that can be an issue! I could probably just sling a mosquito net over the whole thing and stay bug free.
Anyway, I'm interested in hearing from other owners of 20 foot and under center consoles who have rigged them for boat camping to learn what they did. Any input from you guys is appreciated -- as is the invite for this weekend's Gathering.
Thanks,
Dan
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Because of what looks like a bad weekend weather wise and we have family's wanting to attend, to be on the safe side and make sure it's enjoyable were going to push the ABC gathering at Egmont back another week to the 10th for anyone interested, if you guys still have yours this weekend I'm sorry I'm going to miss it but have fun and be safe.
Daniel get a piece of plywood to span any gap in the bow (making one big deck or bed) tie a rope from the bow eye up to the console, drape a tarp over that, blow up and air mattress to shove in there and your good to go, as long as your not right next to an island the bug should leave you alone
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watching the weather..
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Here is the Weatherunderground.com Marine forecast. Looks like the worst of it'll be gone by the weekend:
Tampa Bay Waters-
Tonight
Southeast winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.
Wednesday
South winds around 10 knots then becoming southwest around 15 knots in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop.
Wednesday Night
South winds 5 to 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.
Thursday
Southwest winds 10 to 15 knots. Bay and inland waters a moderate chop. Isolated showers in the morning.
Thursday Night
Southwest winds around 10 knots then becoming south around 5 knots after midnight. Bay and inland waters a light chop. A chance of showers.
Friday
Southwest winds around 5 knots. Bay and inland waters smooth. Showers likely.
Friday Night
South winds 5 to 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop. A chance of showers.
Saturday
West winds around 10 knots then becoming northwest in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters a light chop. A chance of showers.
Saturday Night
North winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.
Sunday
North winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.
I'll be watching it too Woody. Bunces Pass is nice to hide in. A little wind will make it nice to camp.
Of course it could change in a flash. It's only Tuesday. Stay tuned.
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Here is a capture of the pass and I've marked areas that can be protective depending on the wind.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data//500/Bunces_Pass_gathering_spots.png) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9594&title=bunces-pass-gathering-spots&cat=500)
Of course if it is a gale out there it ain't worth it but a nice 10-15 is a sweet breeze and needed to sleep well and keep the bugs off you.
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I think it is way too early... weather forecasts around here are only good for a day or so out... beyond that its a WAG. The weekend of the 10th is mothers day weekend too.
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Most recent weather update, don't know it will hold true though:
GMZ830-302130-
TAMPA BAY WATERS-
1015 AM EDT WED APR 30 2014
THIS AFTERNOON
SOUTH WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. BAY AND INLAND WATERS
A MODERATE CHOP. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND AND
WAVES HIGHER NEAR THUNDERSTORMS.
TONIGHT
SOUTH WINDS AROUND 10 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTHEAST AROUND
5 KNOTS AFTER MIDNIGHT. BAY AND INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.
ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS IN THE EVENING.
THURSDAY
SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTHWEST AROUND
15 KNOTS IN THE AFTERNOON. BAY AND INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP.
THURSDAY NIGHT
SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND 5 KNOTS BECOMING SOUTH
AROUND 10 KNOTS AFTER MIDNIGHT. BAY AND INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP.
ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.
FRIDAY
SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND 10 KNOTS. BAY AND INLAND WATERS A
LIGHT CHOP. NUMEROUS SHOWERS IN THE MORNING. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.
SCATTERED SHOWERS IN THE AFTERNOON.
FRIDAY NIGHT
NORTH WINDS AROUND 10 KNOTS BECOMING EAST AROUND
5 KNOTS AFTER MIDNIGHT. BAY AND INLAND WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. A CHANCE
OF SHOWERS.
SATURDAY
EAST WINDS AROUND 5 KNOTS BECOMING NORTHEAST IN THE
AFTERNOON. BAY AND INLAND WATERS SMOOTH. SHOWERS LIKELY.
SATURDAY NIGHT
NORTHEAST WINDS AROUND 10 KNOTS. BAY AND INLAND
WATERS A LIGHT CHOP. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS.
SUNDAY
NORTHEAST WINDS AROUND 10 KNOTS. BAY AND INLAND WATERS A
LIGHT CHOP. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS.
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my boss is cool with me taking next saturday off so ill wait till the last second and see how the weather looks for saturday... forecast for saturday is still all over the place...
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I'm still on go for now. Don't mind a bit of rain if it's not blowing stink out of the west. I'm staying tuned Rick.
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Looks like it could be a soaker unfortunately - maybe it's time to look for another weekend :cry:
Friday
South winds around 10 knots becoming southwest in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Friday Night
Southwest winds around 5 knots then becoming south 5 to 10 knots after midnight. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Saturday
Variable winds around 10 knots then becoming north in the afternoon. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Saturday Night
North winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop. Isolated showers.
Sunday
North winds around 10 knots. Bay and inland waters a light chop.
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I'm with ya on another weekend, Rick. What does everybody else think?
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If something changes today I'm still game but it has to move through sometime.
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I talked to my buddy Dave and we're still a go and will know for sure in the morning - a little rain ain't gonna scare us off.
The full canvas and eisenglass will be up and music and drinks will be plenty.
Woody, the invite to climb into the back of my boat is still open.
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Rick you and Dave are diehards :salut: please say Hi to Dave for me, I haven't seen him in awhile
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If the weather is alright Ill be there, but not in my Aquasport, but my Actioncraft. If it's snotty, I might have to reconsider due to no free-board on that boat. When will the final decision be made and posted here?
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We're going to decide in the morning and I'll let you all know. If you put in at Ft Desoto (as we will) you can almost paddle to the gathering spot.
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Things change too much with Florida weather to make a definite call on a Wednesday or Thursday for a Saturday event for sure.
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Rick you and Dave are diehards :salut: please say Hi to Dave for me, I haven't seen him in awhile
Tell Dave i said hello too Rick.
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Well, it looks like this weekend is not what we hoped it would be. Weather guys say it's already raining at Ft Desoto and worse weather to come today and tomorrow so I'm throwing in the towel on this weekend. :cry:
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Well, it looks like this weekend is not what we hoped it would be. Weather guys say it's already raining at Ft Desoto and worse weather to come today and tomorrow so I'm throwing in the towel on this weekend. :cry:
I'd say that's a good call Rick. Although it's only Friday, raining here at a pretty good clip, lightning and thunder in the mix, 70% predicted for tomorrow...
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I'm loading the boat and the cooler, still waiting on a yea or nay. I appreciate the offer on the enclosed quarters, Rick. let's see what the weather does.
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I see the nay, now..ok ,
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Rick good call for both of us, pouring here now with thunder and lightning, saw the news and parts of Tampa are already under water with much more rain to come.
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I vote for 2 weekends from this one. Next one is Mothers Day :queen: and I have to work. :roll: The other Im off and no holiday
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Well it's been perfect weather today, for a duck :D
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yup, today was a wash, we didnt even put the first boat in till 2pm
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Yup, we needed 24-30 more hours - oh well. Sticking a pin in a calendar doesn't always coincide with mother nature's goals. :cry:
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The weather is looking real good for the ABC Gathering at Egmont Key this Sat, Member or not, Aquasport or not ALL are invited to join us, the plan is to meet up around noon either on the North West side or the North East side, if anyone needs more info just PM me here.
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I could make next weekend - working this weekend. :(