Turkey Run 2006
The 2006 Turkey Run was a huge success with the weather in
the mid 70’s and a slight breeze for the November 25th run. We ran
the event from Hickory Point State park this year to see if it would work for
us. That was a fantastic move, the park and dockage arrangements were perfect.
There were 14 skiffs and 2 flat bottoms that took part in the picnic then the
leap frog poker run. The host of the event was once again Jean & Phil Jordan.
They were late getting to the event because Jean insisted they have ALL the
supplies for the event. It was a spread that none walked away hungry from. Mike
Howick made his traditional smoked ham, and at the end there wasn’t much left of
it.
Jon Hoaglin's wife sent him with some delicious homemade dessert (we need the
recipe), Doug brought some apple pie, Ted and Susan brought along some
appetizers, we brought stuffing and antipasto. I can't remember what
everyone brought... but we certainly had plenty! Thanks to everyone!
Boats started arriving at the park by 10:30 and it wasn’t long before the questions were being asked about the boats. It’s always fun getting others involved with how we play. I noticed a few unfamiliar faces in the crowd and simply asked how they knew we would be there? Their answer surprisingly was they watch the website and the local papers to see where we’ll be next! That’s more than some of our own skiffers do. This one couple in particular was staying at the same hotel, so I asked them to join the party.
It was
getting around noon so I started the poker run by handing Tom Wark the first
card and the cards for the rest of the stops. Tom took the packet and was off to
Venetian Gardens for the second stop. In the meantime back at the ramp, our
newest flat bottom (Russ Matos) and crew from the Toys for Tots run ran the
trailer off the end of the ramp. I was busy getting them free while the rest of
the skiffs waited for them to join up. Once the trailer was free, the boats were
on their way. My three nephews who were visiting with us for the holiday had no
problem getting rides with Doug Apy, Phil Jordan and Mike Howick. Thanks guys,
it was good to get a break……
Back at
the poker run, Dick Daly was first to the second pick-up and was running to the
third spot which was off the Dead River Vic’s restaurant. Cliff Ennis was first
to the third stop and was running with the cards to the fourth stop off Big
John’s. I have to point out; the gang was always waiting for the group to gather
before they took off for the next stop. Proof of it was when they came running
past Hickory Point for the last card pickup, they were all running together.
Well let me back up and correct myself. Long before I saw the boats I heard them
coming up the back stretch from the park. When I first caught vision of the
boats it was Roger Harris and Cliff Ennis running and the rest of the pack
chasing them. A minute or so later here comes Dick & Linda Daly cruising along
quite nicely along the shore enjoying the ride. That was a pretty sight and the
sounds drew the visitors of the park to the waters edge. The last pickup was at
Paradise Marina approximately 4 miles east of the park.
My phone started ringing and it was Tom Wark asking if I saw the Daly’s! I told him they were cruising along the shoreline to the next stop. Tom informed me they were all waiting for them because they had the last card! I’m sure when Dick arrived, they gave him the devil.
As the
boats were arriving back to the park, there was time to give the park visitors a
little show, and the skiffs obliged. Sure is tough sitting on the dock waiting
for your boat to come in but mid December, I’ll be back in my own ride again.
Time to eat the remains of the picnic, see who had what hand, and put the boats on the trailers. Dick Daly won best hand and Rus Matos and crew took second. Another enjoyable event completed.
See you next week at the Toys for Tots run in Palatka, Fl.
