10/21 - 10/23 - 5th Annual Gulf Coast Gathering

stlof · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 6:14 pm Post subject:

Hats off to Anita, Marc, Dominic, Danny and Shug for a great event. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed everyone's company. Great to see old frieds and greet new ones in the beautiful town of Apalach.

thataway · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 6:29 pm Post subject:

Marie and I want to add our thanks to all who made this a great weekend! I don't know if we have an album up yet or not. I am still traveling. and spending more time sight seeing than down loading photos, so it may be a week before I get them up. Any one who wants a DVD of the originals, please let me know.

The Gumbo was great, Marc is always in great shape with the breakfast omelets-this year a special greek/oyster omelet was the special! The pig was roasted in a plywood box--and delicious. The brisket was outstanding, and the chicken was good as usual. The oysters are always outstanding in Apalachicola. Danny's grills were quite the hit. Dominic's efforts were above the call of duty, and as I heard it he missed out on dinner when going to help Marc get a boat ready for delivery on Friday night. (Marc also missed his own dinner--that is dedication!). Behind the scenes (and in front) was Anita, Marc's lovely wife.

But this year, there was something very special--and we shared it with some of the local residents. That was the music. Marc had arranged for a band--actually two bands...One variation involved Marc on the bass guitar for a number of sets. There were some might talented folks playing. There was also some local "talent" on the dance floor.

This is far more than just a few C Dory owners sitting around and telling tales. Marc and the gang make it a real event which is memorable!

Thanks to all who made it happen--and we are looking forward to the next one. Support your local C Dory and Ranger Tug dealer!

Wefings · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 7:23 pm Post subject:

Sign me up for one of those DVDs ! Thanks for the kind words , we really had a blast . Hope you and Marie are enjoying the St. Johns .
Marc

texasair · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 11:29 pm Post subject:

Thanks Marc and crew, I love seafood and the seafood was outstanding. First time in the area and was I was impressed. Next trip will I bring the boat and the bride.

Enjoyed seeing a few old friends and meeting some new ones.

Tex

Ashley Lynn · Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2011 8:46 am Post subject:

Sorry I missed this year's gathering.

Looking forward to seeing the pictures, and there is always next year Very Happy

Wefings · Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2011 11:36 am Post subject:

Yeah,where were you guys ? We missed ya.
Marc

volsman · Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2011 11:38 am Post subject:

Thanks Marc and everyone for the great weekend. We had a wonderful time. C-Brats are always welcome at our dock. Looking forward to seeing some of you soon and next years gathering. Carl & Jo Ann

Handsome Hal · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:10 am Post subject:

Howdy' I'm Handsome Hal; better known to my mother has Harold Johnston. I live in Onawa, Ia. and have been a boater most of my life. I recently purchased a beautiful l6 ft. C Dory and I'm planning a trip down the Miss. River to New Orleans next summer. I'm going solo because my wife of 50 plus years ,is not! In fact she has mentioned to the kids that perhaps they should have me committed. I would appreciate any advice that makes sense by those who have done it ie: maps, time of year, equipment, ect. I plan on leaving from somewhere around LaCross and sometime around August l5. Beyond that I have no plans except to stay alive. I have enjoyed the C Brats from the sidelines, now it's time for me to "man up" and move center stage front. Look forward to your comments. Sincerly, Hal Johnston

volsman · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 2:01 pm Post subject:

Your biggest problem with the Mississippi is fuel. There are some over 200 mile legs between fuel.There is not much after you pass the Ohio River for recreation boaters and what little there is is diesel. That is why most people coming south turn down the Tenn -Tom and come out at Mobile. Also barges and whirlpools can be a problem. Fall is the best time --Spring has rain and floods.

Captains Cat · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 6:57 pm Post subject:

Good luck with your trip but I hope the moderators move this to a thread of it's own. Has nothing to do with the gathering in Fla.

Charlie

bcassal · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 8:53 pm Post subject:

We had a terrific time meeting all of you. We enjoyed the conversation, the cruising, the eating & the music! Thanks so much to Marc & Anita for their excellent hospitality & we hope to see you again.

Before we went home, on Sunday afternoon we cruised to Port St. Joe & back again. Beautiful trip! Thanks for suggesting it Marc!

Bruce & Joyce

cruiserlessvinny · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 9:15 pm Post subject: Handsome Hal

Hey Hansome,
I solo canoed Ol' Muddy from Thebes Point Ilinois to Natchez Mississippi "back in the day".

Other than keeping enough fuel on board I can't imagine having trouble in a 16' C-Dory. The current is fast so fuel consumptioned can be managed while maintaing headway and speed.

I used to have a set of charts for that stretch of river but I figure it's all electronic now.

Here are some bullet points for your adventure:
1)Stay the heck out of the way of the barges (they have a 1/4-1/2 mile blind spot in front of them. No worries with the whirlpools.
2)Stay away from the ends of the dikes (amazingly powerful eddies) and stay just on the river-side of the eddylines on the inside of the bends to avoid the barges.
3) There are some enormous sand bars for fantastic camping spots.

Have ablast and ignor your nay-sayers.
Zap

jennykatz · Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2011 9:00 am Post subject: boat show

HI Marc good seeing you at FT Lauderdale boat show I hope that couple buys your Ranger tug .Anyway thanks for the Honda advice
It was like old home week for me I saw so many sales reps and friends that I had not seen for many years since getting out of part time boat sales gig

Bill and Brenda Russell · Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2011 9:17 am Post subject: GULF COAST GATHERING V 2011

Marc & Anita Wefings

Man O Man the gatherings just get better. Brenda and I appreciate the tiring labor of an exhausted Marc. Next year we are not going to scatter like a covey of quail into the Spanish moss after breakfast on Sunday. Brenda and I will stay for the clean up.

Buying a 22 C-Dory in 2004 has enriched our lives giving us a different perspective of people and places.

Bill and Brenda Russell

damason · Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2011 10:57 am Post subject:

Marc & Anita Wefings Laughing

Marlene and I sure did enjoy the Gulf Coast Gathering. I think this one was the best we ever had. We next year will come early and stay later and help clean up on Sunday.

If we travel home on Monday we have smooth sailing as the fisher people are all at work.

Again - Thanks so much. You are fine family people.