Frostbite 2006

Frostbite Video 

Frostbite Slideshow

The 2006 Frostbite proved to be another event well titled. We arrived at the ramp around 10 and waited for the rest of the boats to gather. The wind was blowing between 10 & 12 miles per hour and promised to build thru the morning. Did I mention it was 38 degrees at that time! A might bit cold for Florida, but this was the Frostbite.

By 11am our "Skiffheads start your skiffs" command was said, we had 13 skiffs and our tow boat. We had a new rider, Dave Grant from Hot Ticket JS-25 join us for the day. Dave was down from Grand Island, N.Y. and we were glad he was able to join us. Remember, we don't leave our dirty laundry on the beach, we take it. Dave was 15 minutes late, but assured us he would be on time for the next event.

It was good to see Doc Forum and Linda "Outrageous" join us for the day. Rick just got his boat back with a new engine and not all the bugs were quite gone yet. Doug Whichello brought his new / refurbished "Redneck Yacht" JS-62 and I guess the water pump needs to be wired red to red. Dave Yeager's Swamp Rat needs another trip to Charlotte for a treated rocker bolt. Paul Messick driving Skip Gilliam's "What was I thinking" found the pounding and the spray to be just a little much, with some input by Nicole.

Now on the other hand, you had that Crazy man Dick Daly in his WOODEN skiff "Wild Goose" testing his craftsmanship as he pounded his way thru the surf. Dick was scooting right along on top of the swells and all of a sudden came to a splashing halt. Something let loose, either a spun prop or snapped a shaft. Either case, the Goose was dead in the water. Dick was so upset, some of the phrases he used the computer keeps underlining! Kathy Schuler in "Whizzbang" offered to tow the Goose back to a nearby ramp to be picked up later.

The rest of us were back on course heading towards our destination 10 miles down the lake. We didn't take any pictures of the run because it was hold on for dear life in the rough swells. Cliff Ennis "Sun Dog" was riding with me while Claire stayed home and prepped for our after the Holiday, Holiday party. This gave me an opportunity to demonstrate to the gang what the Puppy has. We sheepishly were riding about 30 miles per hour and watched Billy & Betty Russell in "Flyin Pony" really crash some waves. At one point we thought either their boat would break in half or he would spin it and come straight at us. I made the decision to power up to 55 miles per hour and you should have seen the look on Cliffs face. "What are you doing!" everyone is pounding and your going faster? Yes, ride the tops of the swells and the ride will get smoother.  The rest of the skiffs had no option but to follow my lead or get lost. I asked Cliff to look back and check, and he said they all powered up also. We were on our way once more.

We rounded a bend and we were on the leeward side of the hill and the water suddenly became smooth and boy did the group come alive. Dancing and jumping was the order of business. We swiftly approached our destination, Paradise Cove Marina, did a couple hot laps for the 15 or so people gazing from the dock then tied up.

We were comparing stories when all of a sudden we heard the familiar Rumm! Rumm! Rumm! In the background that could only be from skiffs. We looked up the lake and could see two boats splashing their way towards us. Who were these two boats? As they approached, we could see it was Kathy in "Whizzbang" and the "Wild Goose". They were sparing no time getting to us. From where I was standing, it appeared as if the gas petal foot was stuck. They were cooking, and as they approached us, they did their fly by with all of us cheering them on. Just something about a skiff romping around in the water that's hypnotic. When they tied up, we asked Dick if he found his prop, and he replied, "Just a rookie mistake". While Kathy was towing Dick in, he opened the engine hatch and noticed the coupler and shaft were turning. Dick put the transmission BACK IN GEAR and the problem was solved. Dick will now use a strap to keep the shifter in gear while the boat jumps out of the water.

We finally settled in for some refreshments and to warm up a bit before we headed out for more fun. It was pretty flat where we were so we decided to frolic a bit and put it on video. I'm not the video person in the family, and sure hear about it, but at least I try. My feelings are if anyone can do it better or at least equal, we would appreciate the help. This goes to anyone reading this. If you can take great pictures while underway and can operate a video camera, I have a boat for you to ride in. ANY TAKERS can contact us.

The Goose led the way back thru Little & Big Lake Harris, thru Dead River Canal and rounded it out with a ride around Lake Eustis. Every now and than it seemed as if the Goose would catch a tail wind and force us to peddle a little quicker to catch her. Mike & Terry were pushing "Rerun" a little harder than I noticed before. I guess their starting to feel as one. Phil Jordan had Terry Lewis riding with him because Jean was helping Claire prepare for the evening. Terry wants her own skiff so her and husband Skip are actively looking. Mark Van Winkle was to my right all afternoon in "Starship". I love playing with these guys especially in the rough water with my hydraulics. Mark said he was hanging on, getting bounced all around while watching me glide over the swells. Mark seems to have the Starship dialed in.

On a sad note, Dave Rees with the old "Hog Wild" slipped off a wet trailer and split his head open. He spent his day with nurse Nat tending the battle scar. Hope all is well. Skip & Esther Gillam brought their tow boat for us and put it to use helping Doug & Janet get their boat back to the ramp.

After about 4 hours on the water and a tank of fuel we were done for the day. The weather steadily improved thru the day and topped out at 62 degrees. We made sure all the skiffers were accounted for back at the ramp. We assisted each other in putting the boats back on their trailers. Later that evening we all met at our home for our annual party. All in all, it was another great day of skiffing and socializing with our other family. Isn't this what it's supposed to be all about?