posted 08-27-2007 02:11 PM ET (US)        

Lastly this would make a great sunday run for those who can do sunday as well. We drop in a couple boats(mainly slow speed zones) at Jig's Landing in Bradenton on the Braden river(off Rt 70). Only way to get there is trailer(unless you want to jump a damn) but no HP restrictions. You take an 45-hour cruise(Ultra scenic) up river to one of the wackiest restaurants in the USA called Linger Lodge(Google it), grab lunch and motor back to ramp by noon-1pm. Can't really make a whole trip out of it because is not fun for a whole day.

I know some just did the St John's river but that was summer and this is for fall. No hijacking or changing the plan...vote for what trip(Venice or Alafia) and what date, majority wins. By majority it can be by the # of people who live south(Venice) or North(Alafia) that might win the vote to save on travel time. Then again maybe you want to travel south from the north and see something different..hence why a vote. Then again this is not a democracy so I can always veto and pick as El Presidente and I am pretty much 30-45 mins from both Venice and the Alfia so it really does not matter to me. ;)

Trip#1-Alafia River and possibly Tampa Bay area.
Trip #2-Venice area mostly ICW but access to beaches and Gulf.
Date A-Oct 6
Date B-Nov 3

posted 08-31-2007 11:21 AM ET (US)            

We meet at the Hyatt or boat ramp next to it in sarasota(Centenial) about 10am. We go south down the ICW until we hit the Venice inlet which is at least an hour, probably more. Inside the inlet is an island where we can beach the boats and BBQ....head home.

posted 09-02-2007 04:55 PM ET (US)            

We'll see what choice what happens as we get closer. I am already driving my wife crazy wanting to get out of this chair.

posted 09-11-2007 12:31 PM ET (US)            

Ok we have:

Me & Laurie
Frank & Sandy
Len & Margit
Brian and Kimberly
Where2 & Lobsta woman
Inhernet & ??
Myakka & ??
Erik & wife
Spongebob & ??

posted 09-11-2007 02:46 PM ET (US)            

fno - no pump but a great Perc/Oxy cocktail. I just started PT. How is your wing?

posted 09-11-2007 03:02 PM ET (US)            

I'll check in to driving the RV down there or perhaps a motel??

posted 09-17-2007 02:48 PM ET (US)            

What time are you thinking? And are you planning some cruising around before beaching at Snake Island?

posted 09-27-2007 11:38 PM ET (US)            

I hope to see ya'll soon.

If anybody needs a halfway point, my place is available.

posted 10-02-2007 11:13 PM ET (US)            

Fun places for the whole family:

What is "wholes first name?"

· Venice is known as the sharks tooth capitol of the world. We dont need any other old azz snagletooth rednecks either. On a calm day you can anchor a couple miles off the Venice Fishing Pier and dive for these ancient marvels.
Sharkeys bar and restaraunt too...

· Head "carefull frank" north to Sarasota Bay and Little Sarasota Bay, both are great inshore fishing locations. Whatever species you’re after, they are there. Venture south to Lemon Bay in Englewood. Venice's central location is angler’s dream.

· If you enjoy offshore fishing, it doesn’t get much better than this. You are only minutes from the Gulf of Mexico through the Jetty’s.

· Roberts Bay just outside the channel has a great water sports activity area. Take the family skiing, tubing or knee boarding for the day, continue building those lasting memories.

· A short boat ride north to Midnight Pass Beach will provide a great day for the whole family. Relax on the beach, look for shells or enjoy the warm Gulf waters. Don’t forget to bring your dogs.

· As you head north under the Albee Road Bridge keep an eye out for Beggar the Dolphin, don’t miss out on this close up photo opportunity, keep your hands in the boat!! I am the example...

Dining Musts:

· Just past Snake Island toward the Venice Jetty’s you will see the Crow’s Nest. Stop in for a more upscale waterfront dining experience.

· Head just north of the club and you will find Pop’s Sunset Grille and Pelican Alley, two well known local waterfront stops.

· Just before you reach the Blackburn Point swing bridge you will find the Casey Key Fish House. This great Key West style restaurant brings you back to the old Florida lifestyle.

· The Spanish Point Pub provides a superb outside waterfront dining experience. The two large docks are awfully inviting on those warm Florida days.

· Stop by our Sarasota club to enjoy Turtles Restaurant and the Turtle Beach Pub, they are ready for you.

· On your way down south, pull up to Venice’s own Marker 4 Restaurant. The food and fun flow freely. Mike, stay at the dock by yourself and count your sheep droppings...

· For those of you heading to Englewood you must stop at Marker 17A for a Greek taste sensation. Think of Nick..Don’t forget your bathing suit the pool water is always just right.

· You can’t leave the Englewood area without stopping at Rum Bay Restaurant on Palm Island. This set back island restaurant accentuates what the Florida lifestyle is all about. I was refused there.....

posted 10-17-2007 11:21 AM ET (US)            

Other thing is we don't really WANT to see Swell but he did crash our New Port Richey gig. Janis I think is tie with Swell but Chris definately takes the cake on cancellations.

Back from my Jersey 20th reunion...looking forward to seeing some REAL friends.

posted 10-17-2007 04:48 PM ET (US)            

Frank
Glad the arms better, mine is still sore at times from my May overboard mishap. X-rays and an MRI showed nothing, they say a bad sprain but 5 months later I think there's more.
My boat is critter free and garage kept.

See you guys on the 3rd.

posted 10-18-2007 11:12 AM ET (US)            

Frank I have a 16" Husky so just a polesaw for now. Bring what you want to shoot...maybe we'll get a shot at Mooch..or Swell for that matter. You bringing the dogs? What day you coming down?

posted 10-18-2007 02:29 PM ET (US)            

Anyone know if dogs are allowed on Snake Island? I doubt it but wanted to know for sure.

posted 10-25-2007 12:09 AM ET (US)            

WTF, Who encouraged the NPR event?
Who TF is "we"?