posted 01-22-2009 12:59 PM ET (US)            

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I will start this off:

Nick and Laurie Manukas...13' sport coming in Saturday morning til Sunday. Bringing the keg.

11 rooms left and 6 efficiencies.

posted 01-22-2009 01:24 PM ET (US)            

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To bad it is not scallop season. Got ALOT out of there this season. Say HELLO to Monkey Island

witsendfl

Jim K

posted 01-22-2009 01:29 PM ET (US)            

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I have reserved a room for Saturday.

Len

posted 01-26-2009 11:17 AM ET (US)            

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What pitch would that be? Tell everyone you are coming then never show up!

Dogs are not allowed but there is a kennel down the street.

posted 01-28-2009 12:37 PM ET (US)            

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Damn....moving to Tampa in 2 days and already he's getting testy! Do you really want Frank to supply us with White Owls again ;)

Only 5 or 6 rooms left and ? efficiencies. Hurry up people and sign up.

posted 01-29-2009 02:08 PM ET (US)            

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Hey Gang, I am holding off booking a room right now. My wife just had some nasty back surgery done and has a long recovery ahead of her. She may be getting around alot better by mid-march but for right now I am planning on taying close to home and not venturing very far. I will eep you posted though.

Frank, feel free to use the flag if I don't show. You can always ship it to me after the event if I do not make it. I have not completely ruled out coming yet but I need to keep my plans open for now.
Joe

posted 01-29-2009 02:50 PM ET (US)            

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Ps...2nd notice e-mail just sent out to all GCBWOA members. If you want to become a member(free) please e-mail me with your info. I will probably send 1 more notice when all rooms are booked and then a final reminder a few days before the event with a rollcall, etc.

FYI...their website: http://www.macraesofhomosassa.com/

posted 02-02-2009 07:16 AM ET (US)            

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The floor project is going well. Should be putting the final touches on the underside today. Hope to turn it over to work on the fiberglass top either tomorrow or the next day. There will be a lot of cosmetic finishing to do before I can reinstall the floor back in the boat.

We should be ready for the rendezvous by March. We will probably arrive there on Saturday morning, spend the day and return home Saturday night. I was wrong about the distance, it is 30 miles from our house. Still not a bad drive.

Jim and Joan

posted 02-03-2009 12:35 PM ET (US)            

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Believe it or not Kids...it is only 5 WEEKS away.

Better snap up a room and let us know you are coming. I am going to release what rooms are left(if any) in early March so I don't screw the hotel out of $$. Feb is a short month and we will be in March before you know it.

posted 02-04-2009 09:43 AM ET (US)            

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New owner of a 13 Sport. We live about 15 miles from Homossassa so you can count us in. Of course we do not need a room since we will come home to sleep. Looking forward to the get together.

WARNING: do not step foot on Monkey Island. A visitor that had a little too much to drink decided he was going to visit the monkeys on Monkey Island. He ended up getting beat up pretty good by the monkeys.

posted 02-04-2009 01:24 PM ET (US)            

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ToxicAvenger...are you by any means bringing Julie with you...or the sheep?

Folks we are going to be blessed by NJ's only superhero...I am blessed.

posted 02-05-2009 07:24 AM ET (US)            

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No Julie or sheep, maybe a couple of rug-rats, and the wife. How many people expected?

It was 19 degrees here this morning,brrrrrrrr!

posted 02-05-2009 12:01 PM ET (US)            

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Funny story- At my closing I met the bank lender we've been working with for 1st time face to face- guess what? he had a Whaler jacket....not bad for a banker-just kidding, Tom is his name, and he might make the trip. He's got a post classic, 30 something outrage dual merc's- but be nice!

Side note, the buyers of the River House, also had classics, a 20 outrage, and a montauk. They have regretted selling them. When they saw my Whaler, they knew it was the right home for them.

Funny, the choices we make in buying a boat affect those of us in that subgroup more than we probably realize.

Stef

posted 02-08-2009 08:36 AM ET (US)            

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The weather was beautiful yesterday. We had highs of 72. We took the boat out to Withlacoochee River, and it was pristine!

We are at that time of year when you have wild swings in the temperatures, from 30-70 in 4 hours.

From what I am aware they are working on the boat ramp next to McCraes. Hopefully, it will be finished and cleaned up.

posted 02-09-2009 10:32 AM ET (US)            

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Stefan said he has brats...well at least one that is ;)

I'll see what my rents will bring.

posted 02-10-2009 08:43 PM ET (US)            

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I have some macanudos. And I will bring some food.

Len

posted 02-11-2009 08:41 PM ET (US)            

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NO OUTSIDERS!- but Frank's right, kindness of those folks to let us use their wood, and their grill.

Nick, better be a band, or your arse will be in the river!

posted 02-12-2009 10:30 AM ET (US)            

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JJ,

We are located in Pine Ridge. We were just up to Rainbow this past Sunday with the Whaler. We went from the launch at Dunnellon to just South of the park.

Ready to go out in the boat?

posted 02-15-2009 08:35 AM ET (US)            

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The ramp is completed. There was alot of action going on at McReas.

We went down the Homasassa and saw at least 20 Manatees. The weather hit about 83 so there were quite a few boats out.

Yesterday was a run on the Withlacoochee. If there is time the Withlacoochee is a must see.

posted 02-15-2009 08:45 PM ET (US)            

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Hey Team - I'll check on room availability and if any are left I'll try to show up for this one...

Al W.

posted 02-16-2009 01:10 PM ET (US)            

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Team - I have a room for Friday/Sat... God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be there...

Al

posted 02-20-2009 02:09 PM ET (US)            

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I thought that grill was someone else's that were kind enough to let us use it?

Len

posted 02-20-2009 10:43 PM ET (US)            

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I have 2 magmas, I will throw them in the CRD.

Len

posted 02-23-2009 08:37 AM ET (US)            

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If you checka out the link that is posted about McCraes they show a grill, at least it looks like a grill in the slideshow.

Last week we went down Homo.. and a kayaker was close to Monkey Island. He started screaming over at us that there were monkeys on the island in utter amazement. I had to yell at him, since he was about 2 foot away from the island, not to get any closer. You could see the monkeys were getting ready for their next uninvited guest. Luckily for him he heeded the advice given.

Where is everyone coming from? It would be nice to know who lives where. I will start. Pine Ridge, Florida, incorporated 2005. It is about 15 minutes Northeast of Homosassa which places us close to the Withlacoochee and Gulf of Mexico or Crystal River.

posted 02-23-2009 08:45 AM ET (US)            

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An excellent link for viewing the weather for the area is below. You can also zoom in and view the rivers, and various waterways. Enjoy!

http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/?lat=28.92966080&lon=-82.47852325&zoom=10

posted 02-23-2009 08:48 AM ET (US)            

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Try this link again......

http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/?lat=28.92966080&lon=-82.47852325& zoom=10

posted 02-24-2009 01:27 PM ET (US)            

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I AM RELEASING THE REMAINING ROOMS ON THURSDAY!!!!!

Hurry the heck up if you want a room, you can always cancel 48 hours in advance if not gonna make it.

posted 02-27-2009 10:24 AM ET (US)            

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Ok rooms are realeased. Due to some confusing paperwork, there are actually 4 rooms left for sat night because Janis is in an Efficiency. For those looking to go up Friday as a daytrip, look below for those attending. We have so far:

Me-Sat-13'
Parents-Sat
Pat-Sat-20 OR
Len-Sat-16 Scout
Frank-Sat-21 OR
Stefan-Sat-18 OR
Janis-Fri & Sat-13 or 22 OR
Al-Fri & Sat-21 OR
Jerry-Thu, Fri & Sat-17' montauk

Daytrippers:
Jim Day-170
JJ&Pop-20 OR
Toxic-13'
Dave Neal-17 newport
Dave Braswell-17' montauk
Madmax-32 OR
Eric Hanick-?

I hope to get a few more stragglers and hopefully Joe morgan will chime in on his plans. The hotel owner has a 13' but they will be away while we are there(might be a good thing ;) or else they might have attended. What about the couple in the Dauntless last year?

I am telling people to meet at the ramp at 10am. By the time we get unloaded and trailers stowed, it should be 11ish. I would like to gunkhole east towards the cowpens but have a local(Eric, Toxic, Jim?) show us the area to the north and south where we have not yet ventured getting to the pens about 1+ish. I was also thinking that we could do a poker run either during this time or on the way back to the hotel which we normally get to around 5ish with the last hand at the Tiki. It will be the world's first slow speed no wake Boston Whaler poker run. I will bring the cards in case ya'll want to do it.

posted 02-28-2009 06:30 AM ET (US)            

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Nick & Gang,
This gathering looks like it will be much bigger and better than last year's. I am still on the fence whether to make the trip. Good news is my wife's back surgery went very well and she is doing great. She still has a rough time with long car rides. We mad a 3 hour trip to visit my son at college last weekend and she was hurting for several days. I really don't think she is ready for the 7 hour ride each way and I really wanted her to make the trip this year. Although she would not mind if I came alone again, I think I may cancel on this year's gathering.

Keep in mind I may change my mind at the spur of the moment or the wife may just beg me to get out of her hair. I will make up my mind for sure in the coming week. Thanks
Joe

posted 03-01-2009 11:55 AM ET (US)            

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Ok...hope you can make it Joe.

Laurie's friend Pat is also coming up and staying, she was there last year as well. My neighbor and her friend are also coming up but does not have a boat. He is gonna bring up a few dive tanks so no need to lug yours down Frank, unless mine is ready ;)

posted 03-05-2009 11:40 AM ET (US)            

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Nick - are we planning to do a dive?

"He is gonna bring up a few dive tanks so no need to lug yours down Frank, unless mine is ready ;)"

If so, I'd like in...

AL

posted 03-07-2009 09:06 PM ET (US)            

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Nauti,
If you go into the gulf fishing and you have push pole you will be happy. Your depth finder will be flashing a lot of time time. STAY in the channel at speed unless you are setup for skinny water.

See you all Saturday. Janis, Saturday night;o]

Len

posted 03-08-2009 07:05 AM ET (US)            

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Nauti
Do take Len's advice stay in the channel until way out, that river can be a trick to navigate, not hard, but you must stay focused and in the channel until you know it. I will see if I can fine the marker number where you can turn northward.

Have not been able to commit to this event this year, may try and come over just for one day, if I can get my boat to run, she has not been off the trailer since last August.

posted 03-09-2009 10:27 AM ET (US)            

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Where Frank is talking about is about 1/2 up the river ONCE you can get on step. There is a real skinny part and he bumped it last time we were up but I think we were also in a pretty low tide. All of the river if posted, you NEED to stay in the channel. Last year I was just idling outside the channel in my 13 and hit a rock that stopped me dead in my tracks. Luckily I was just idling.

I am sending out a final E-mail today. I am also gonna start a rollcall on a seperate thread, please chime in and tell us you are showing up and when, etc. Keep this thread open for chat. Janis ascrounged up some goodies from Whaler for our "ceremonies" on saturday night. Hence why it is kinda important to know just how many boats we have and people as well. We don't want anyone going home slighted ya know.

posted 03-10-2009 04:16 PM ET (US)            

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It is a must to stay in the channel. If you vary the slightest, major damage! Of the three local waterbodies, Homosassa is by far the most dangerous. We rank the best as:

Withlacoochee
Crystal River
Homosassa

If anyone is up to a run on the Withlacoochee on Friday morning let me know. It is about 35 minutes north of Homasassa.

posted 03-13-2009 12:01 PM ET (US)            

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well I though I could at least do a day thing, only 45 minutes from there, but, have a bunch of stuff to do for our European trip coming up very soon, so my wife says do the stuff now. Enjoyed last year,and got to know many people. Heck, I even have one of Janis's BW stickers that was given out on my rear window. Hopefully next year.

Terry and Nancy

posted 03-15-2009 08:30 PM ET (US)            

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Well it was a really good time for all.

Here are the pics if any of you need full size images let me know which ones.

http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y104/an86carrera/Homosassa%2009/ ?action=view¤t=DSC_0275.jpg

Thanks to all for coming, and I hope you all made it home safe.

Len

posted 03-16-2009 10:10 AM ET (US)            

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A few more pictures from the rendezvous.

http://s121.photobucket.com/albums/o205/jjandpop/?action=tageditmany

posted 03-16-2009 01:20 PM ET (US)            

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I had a great time too. My Linda and son came up Sunday to share the day. We went swimming and listened to music back at the shed.
Great time and good having new faces (not that we old farts are bad : ) )
Keep the spirits going. : )

Thanks for all people pitching in and Nick you forgot to put the banner on monkey island.

posted 03-16-2009 01:25 PM ET (US)            

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I asked and the monkeys were not interested.

Glad the shed had music on Sunday considering this is the 2ns year we got screwed out of a band.

posted 03-17-2009 06:17 AM ET (US)            

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Len, What is the secret to post from Photobucket? The link I posted works if you copy it and paste it as a URL.

Jim

posted 03-17-2009 06:45 AM ET (US)            

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http://s121.photobucket.com/albums/o205/jjandpop/?action=tageditmany

Here is the secret:
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/ubbcode.html

posted 03-17-2009 06:47 AM ET (US)            

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http://s121.photobucket.com/albums/o205/jjandpop

There IS something wrong with your link??

posted 03-17-2009 07:21 AM ET (US)            

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Excellent time folks! We really enjoyed the time and look forward to attending next year. Being newcomers to this event we were treated like everyone knew us for a long time. Especially like to thank Janis and Boston Whaler for their participation. Tohs, we forgive for not having a full deck! ;)

Len, excellent pictures!

I am sure everyone had a great time going out to the Gulf Sunday? Did we miss anything?

posted 03-17-2009 08:29 AM ET (US)            

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great time- never thought I'd show up even later than last yr...oh well- at least all set up for next time-thanks Pat!- yup- I agree Nick- once again Shed closed early w/ no band- Sunday band was jamming-couldn't stay long though w/ Mel pretty wiped out w/ a tot running hayware, and the bun in her oven...

Maybe next yr, look at Crystal River, or another area if the Shed's not going to cooperate w/ us?!

posted 03-17-2009 11:04 AM ET (US)            

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Although Crystal river is much larger, it is much less exciting but plenty of bars and hotels. Not sure we would be allowed to BBQ and have a bonfire which is such an integral part of this rendezvous. Plus at $85 a night, one of the best bargains around and American owned.

Too bad ya moved Stefan, would not mind another Hooter's run.

posted 03-18-2009 07:34 AM ET (US)            

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Len,
The last one you show worked well. It opened all of the photos I posted from many rendezvous we attended. Hope all will enjoy them. Copies are available!!

We enjoyed the Homosassa event and the many new people we met. If you do this again we will of course attend. We will probably spend several more days there next year.

Nick, you can add our names now for next year. Thanks for all your effort in putting it all together.

Jim and Joan

posted 03-24-2009 09:06 PM ET (US)            

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I guess we all had a "Swell-time"

Awesome and wondefull and maybe burned a quart of gas.
These 3 liter EFI's are the envy of all!