Lurkers and wanna bees

[texasair]

Just in case it is not clear, Lurkers and wanna bees are welcome at the Mississippi River gathering the weekend after Labor day at the Alton Illinois marina. Boat not required.

I think this is the norm at all gatherings, although some gatherings are accessible only by boat. C-Brats love to show the boats and talk about their trips. Sharing ideas about modifications and gadgets is another big topic.

In 2008 we crashed the Lake Powell gathering with our small houseboat that we towed to Lake Powell from Texas and were welcomed by the C-Brats.
We had been considering getting rid of the houseboat and getting a 25 C-Dory and had a line on a nice one but wanted to see some boats and visit with the owners.
After a long visit with Bill and El discussing our needs and travel plans we decided to go with a 22 and for us that has proven to be the right decision.

We returned to the gathering at Lake Powell the next year with our new to us 22 Cruiser. Since then we have made many new C-Brat friends and have traveled the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas and other rivers as well as lots of coastal waters logging 1,000's of happy miles.

Thanks Bill and El

Tex and Sharon on "Bixby's Cub"

[Blue Rose]

As part of planning for our retirement, we knew we wanted to cruise but weren't sure what type of boat to get and had lots of questions, etc. so in 2012, we attended a C-Brat gathering as a "wannabe's". That turned out to be the best things we have ever done for ourselves. Each owner welcomed us aboard and proudly showed us their boat. It was fun and we got lots of great advice and ideas.

By the end of the gathering, we found out that C-Dorys are nice boats but that C-Brats are really great people!

Jim & Jeanine