Cliff and Kathy's Black Creek Run
August 2008
Story by Wayne Turner
Brenda and I were delighted when we received our invitation to participate in this years Black Creek Run, which was sponsored by Cliff and Kathy Ennis. I guess we were invited because Cliff knows that Brenda and I are both SCABS (Seriously Crazy A-Bout Skiffs). So I pulled the cover off the Chris Craft Speedster and got her ready to go boating.
Friday evening the skiffers began to arrive at camp Ennis resort and R.V. Park. Three big R.V.s were parked in the back yard with plenty of room to spare. Cliff and Kathy were the perfect hosts and had set up a dinning area in a sheltered open air building. Then the feast of Bar B. Q. with all the trimmings was presented. I sat with Marty and Terry, and Marty described in detail the maneuvers needed when racing skiffs. Terry filled me in on the job of copilot, after hearing all that I think I will stay safely on the shore and watch the race. After the meal a desert table was set up, this included my favorite, banana pudding.
The next morning Brenda and I arrived at the Knight's Boat Ramp, which is located at the mouth of Black Creek where it joins the St. Johns River. Several skiffers were already there waiting to put in. Freddie Zeigler, Ted & Susan Parkhurst, Rick & Linda Forum, Doug Apy, Roger Harris and Bruce & Lori & McKennzie Smith. The ramps were wide and had a gentle slope. Brenda and I proceeded west on Black Creek to join up with Cliff and Kathy along with Mike & Terry Howick, Marty & Claire Ferry, and Terry Ross & Roseanne at Cliffs se
cret boat ramp, (basically in his back yard),
We had the pleasure of sharing the ride in our boat with Tom and Fran Wark. Their boat was still undergoing a face lift and was not ready in time for the event. Tom has a military background and I was with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office for 30+ years. Needles to say we had a great time swapping war stories. The weather could not be better. Blue skies' and smooth water made our excursion to the beach on Black Creek a very enjoyable ride. Black Creek is a tributary of the St. Johns River and is a beautiful winding water way with over hanging trees and islands. We were the first to land at the beach area, a white sand gently slopping beach which is shaded most of the day by oak trees. This is a popular spot the locals.
We did not have long to wait before the sound of thunder could be heard coming up the river. It was an impressive sight to see that many skiffs in formation making the turn towards the beach. All the skiffs lined up along the beach and of course it was not long before the locals came over and wanted more information on these strange looking boats. One thing I have always admired about the skiffers is the enthusiasm for their sport and never ending willingness to share information about their beloved boats to strangers.
When Cliff and Kathy sponsor an event they think of every detail that will add to the enjoyment and comfort of the club, but I was impressed when they arranged for the on water hot dog and hamburger vendor, River Dog who arrived at the beach to serve lunch.
The locals were all cheering when the skiffers put on a demonstration of the awesome power and maneuverability of the crafts. Cliff offered rides to some who had never had the pleasure of a skiff ride. One of these newbie's was my wife Brenda. She returned from the ride very impressed and a little dizzy for the almost 90 degree turns.
All too soon it was time to head back and prepare for the nights dinner. Everyone was to meet up at Whitey's Fish Camp, a local favorite restaurant which over looks Swimming Pen Creek. Brenda and I arrived at the same time as Susan and Ted Parkhurst, we were a little early so our job was to entertain the bar tender until the others arrived. I think we did a good job.
Soon the guests arrived and we were escorted to an area of the restaurant that had been reserved for the skiff club. A good time was had by all and the food was excellent. Brenda, Fran and Sue Vezzosi became the ya ya cosmo sisters before the night was over. The dinner was a perfect ending to a perfect day on the water and as we all filed out the band was playing a hot tune complete with a brass section. We all said our good byes in the parking lot and looked forward to the next gathering.
Cliff and Kathy wanted to thank everyone who attended and made this years BLACK RIVER RUN a success.
Roster of those in attendance along with boat names:
Mike & Terry Howick Rerun
Cliff & Kathy Ennis Sun Dog
Rick & Linda Forum Outrage
Marty & Claire Ferry Glory Days
Terry Ross & Roseanne Jitterbug
Roger Harris Breakin Water
Freddie Zeigler Have No Fear
Doug Apy Jo Carol Too
Bruce & Lori & McKennzie Smith Jersey Floosey
Tom & Sue Vezzosi Senti-Mental Value
Ted & Susan Parkhurst Flatbottom
Wayne & Brenda Turner Chris Craft
Pictures supplied in the story by Roseann
The first link is individual pictures of the event.
The second link is a photo show with music.
Enjoy
http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/gb9Bk6Fz
