FL Aquasport Gathering - Spring 2011

[RickK]

Yep - ONE DAY TO GO    

I'm 2/3 packed before itstarted sprinkling here, got the first layer of ice on the refreshments and will pick up the 2nd layer in the AM.
Scott I'll call you in the morning around 10ish and we can arrange the caravan?

Can't wait, been a year since I've been to a gathering - all you waivering on what to do, hope you decide on coming out- it's a nice 6 hours with some nice people, new friends and old.

[Circle Hooked]

Rick that rain screwed me up alittle but i can't complain we need it,i have it all packed but the cooler,i think i'm going to leave alittle early and stop at the walmart in osprey on the way,maybe we can meet up from there,when you call me we'll figure it out.

[Circle Hooked]

Mike that small island might even be better,might get more of a breeze,anyway we'll be down there waiting for ya,my plan as of now is to leave around noon,that should put me on the water by 2.

Yep, and plan B will be to simply sleep on the deck of my boat.  (I rigged up an extension to my casting platform.)  No rain is expected, I have tarp to keep the dew off me, and some netting in case the mosquitoes are out.

You might find that you would rather sleep on the boat,me Rick and Dave raft up for the night and thats part of the fun.

[Glock Diver]

Got the gas tank filled up, the batteries charged up, and I should be ready to go!
What's for dinner on Friday, fellas?  

[RickK]

I've got ribs for Saturday night  :rambo:
Don't know what to have tonight yet - I'll find something at the store this morning.

Seeya down there  

[DOCREED]

Saturday

Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s near the coast and around 90 inland. North winds 5 to 10 mph becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.


Lookin good

see you all around 0900

[Glock Diver]

Here's a pic of the two diehards, RickK and Circle Hooked. The first 2 boats there, and probably the last 2 to leave!





After a dicey Friday afternoon with some rain, we had a beautiful weekend for the Aquasport Gathering.  I'm sure more pics will follow.  All told, I believe we had 7 boats, unless someone else showed up after I left on Saturday. In addition to the 2 pictured, we had Woody, Treefish, sc170, DOCREED, and yours truly.  Great meeting all of you guys!!  



Here's one more.  For those fortunate enough to stay Friday night, here's the sunset we saw.  The smaller island is in the background.

[DOCREED]

I left my dock at 0705 and was on a plane by 0725.  Except for few  unforecast rain cells i saw, it was a nice ride.




I would have been on time but for an emergency hat overboard exersize. (Which was successful)
When I did arrive at about 0910, I was greeted by a host of familiar and smiling faces and a hot breakfast of bacon, scrambled eggs, home fries and biscuits. I was out of coffee by then, so a cold chocolate milk seemed like the appropiate choice to accompany breakfast.

The raft-up broke up about 0930 and we moved in behind the sandspit.  The adult beverages were broken out and swimming and fishing were squeezed in between cold beers.   As experienced yachtsmen, we knew the dangers of dehydration under the Florida sun, and brought plenty of cold beverages.  Not a soul became dehydrated.

Even out guests of honor enjoyed a swim in 84 degree water.



RickK's swim ladder was a focal point of activity.



...and a good time was had by all

Good Time....Good People.... Good boats

The ride back home was easier then the ride up.  The 10-15 out of the west that were forecast for the afternoon were more like 5mph.  Smooth ride and i had my last ice cold beer while i was entering my canal.


I arrived home about 7PM (without incident)

[RickK]

The gathering started out a little rough but what a wonderful time after we got through the storm. I have a lot of pics and will upload them soon- my main PC seems to be having a video card issue and that is where my card readers are and graphic software is.
Stay tuned.

[pete]

no mention of the ladies in the photos?or did they get invited by Mr. Photoshop?

[Circle Hooked]

More pics.

After the storm Friday we were treated to this.



Later that night,Rick trying to get a pic of the orange moon.



Some of the group.





Sc170 on the way out.



GlockDiver headed for home.




I have a few more i still have to dig of my phone later.

[Aswaff400]

although i couldnt be there, i did take the AS out, drove her to work so she'll be ready to go tomorrow morning, goin fishing @ 0700

[feeling2damgood]

guys that looked like a wonderful time.
looks like a great gathering of guys and a good time.
sounds like yall had to make a trip to the recycleing center to get rid of the cans.
now that the price of gas is getting ready go down im hoping for just as good of a turn out for the gulf coast gathering.
im glad you guys had such a good time.    

[Glock Diver]

Once again, I would like to thank DOC for being our official event photographer!   (and for being a killer with the ladies... I don't know how he does it, but he has this following of gorgeous babes...)  

[gran398]

Looks like a hoot! Glad you guys had a great weekend

DOC, you did a MAGNANIMOUS job with the photography! And looks like the Hooters Girls musta been "off duty"....(they came on their own volition)

Great job guys. Great turnout too