CYPRESS GARDENS 2003

BY NAT CHURCH

Although the Gardens were closed, the Skiffers and the ACBS proceeded with the annual event.  We arrived at the Lake Roy Beach Inn, located right on the beach...a fantastic location!  The weather was gorgeous.
 

We had new participants at this event, Rick and Linda Forum, from Ft. Lauderdale with (JS-44) Outrage and Paul and Rebecca Krause from Ft. Pierce Fl. who ran skiffs in the 60's and 70's.  Presently Paul is boatless, but I doubt it will be long before he owns another, particularly after Skip gave them a ride!  Kevin Cree from Stone Mountain, Georgia, came to watch and he loved the rides and boats.  It won't be long before he appears with a skiff, but before he does, he promised his wife bedroom furnishings first.

Two regulars, Paul Nowack and Mark Breeze, came with River Rat, (JS-97).  They stayed just a day, but felt the ride was worth it.  Newcomers, Cagney and Tami Stevens, from Loxahatchee Fl. came with Fred Ziegler (JS-99) and had a blast.  Cliff and Kathy Ennis (JS-3), had Sun Dog, and now he is REALLY an "official skiff", since he did some work and added wood to the interior.  Good job, Cliff, it looks great!!

 

Doug Apy (JS-1) with Jo Carol too was there, and I thank him for the great pleasure of riding with him all day Saturday. 

 

Also there were: Garth and his dad Dave Hoaglin (JS-55) and Dave Reese with Hog Wild, Tom and Fran Ward (JS-8) Jersey Girl, Skip and Esther Gillam (JS-11) with Sir Alter Ego, Roger Harris (JS-2) with Breaking Water, Bill and Joan Oakley in Wo Jo, and Phil and Jeanie Jordan from Barberville joined us with their ski boat "Back Again".  Jeanie had a ride with Marty on Sunday and came back with a big grin.  Does this mean Phil needs to get a skiff? 

 

Dave Yeager gave Marty a bull dog hat, and, of course, Roger had to ham it up in front of our sign.  Mike Howick and Terry came to join in the fun, and Mike assured us he'd be there with his boat for the next event.  In addition, Paul and Timmy came to enjoy the weekend.
 

Pete Williams, The President of the ACBS Sunnylands Chapter, came over to observe since he knows we always have a great time and lots of fun.

It appears Dave had a slight problem with water.  I went for a ride on Sunday with him and all I can say is WOW!  The new boat is great!  Thanks again, Dave.

Rick Forum came prepared for Halloween and started celebrating early with his costume.

 

Puppy Love is strong as Claire gave Marty a kiss before his ride.  Ain't love grand?!!!
 

 

When we all got hungry we stopped at Harbor Side for Lunch.

 

 

 

Friday night some folks had barbecue at poolside at the Lake Roy Inn while others went ahead to represent the Skiffers at the ACBS party at the Admiral's Inn for hot dogs, hamburgers and assorted salads.  After dinner, we all met at the Admiral's Inn to share in the festivities.  The Skiffers then moved the party back to the Lake Roy enjoying Tom Wark's great Pina Coladas poolside for the rest of the evening while we watched videos of old races.

Esther and I took Timmy trick or treating and should have brought Marty along, since he had his costume.

Saturday was the Poker Run.  Tom Donnelly and his sister, Jean Ann, came to the rescue with their boat Retrospect.  There was little dock space for the distribution of the first card, and Claire handed them all out to the Skiffers from his boat.  It was great fun going from lake to lake and following the map picking up the cards.  Everyone at the designated pick-up spot did an excellent job.  It took a lot of time, effort and manpower to make the Poker Run go smoothly.  Once again, all the Skiffers thank the ACBS for all their hard work and dedication.

Saturday night's dinner was at the beautiful Ashton Country Club.  The food was superb.  Then came the moment we  all were anticipating...the announcement of the poker card winner.  We checked our cards and discovered it was won by one of our Skiffers, Linda & Dr Rick Forum!  She also won the 50/50 drawing, which the skiffers held earlier, plus won the centerpiece from the table.  WOW-can't do any better than that, huh?  Second place for the Poker Run was also won by Skiffers, Terry Howick, (she and Mike are putting their skiff "Rascal" together now), and third place was won by an ACBS member.

Sunday started out well however it was short-lived.  Some simply got wet, while others were drenched from the rain that came up suddenly.  We all headed for Harbor Side till lunch was served.  After a leisurely lunch, we all said our goodbyes.

The weekend was tremendous fun shared with great people.  The best part is that we get to do it again real soon!  Keep open the following dates for more fun in the sun. November 29th "The Turkey Derby", and December 27, "Frost Bite", both events will be at Lake Eustis and are just around the corner, so until then... Keep an eye on the upcoming events, and as always...

"Sea Ya"

Nat