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Fishstix2
Joined: 29 Aug 2019 Posts: 44 City/Region: Cape Coral
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: PiraC
Photos: PiraC
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Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2020 7:29 pm Post subject: Hontoon event |
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Hello fellow a CBrats. We are recent new cones to c Dory with our purchase of a 255 Tomkat. We are planning on attending the Hontoon event in order to meet fellow Doryites and gain a bit more knowledge about our purchase. We won’t be dragging the boat this time.
Can anyone enlighten us to what we need to bring in order to participate as much as possible in all the festivities?
We would love to go on one of the day cruises if anyone is willing to take on two pirates! More than happy to help pay for fuel and beer!!!
Looking forward to our first CDory gathering. Thanks in advance for any info,
Rick and Anita Hallman _________________ Rick and Anita
PiraC
TomCat 255 |
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gulfcoast john
Joined: 14 Dec 2012 Posts: 1001 City/Region: PENSACOLA
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2010
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Cat O' Mine
Photos: CAT O' MINE
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Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2020 8:55 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Rick and Anita, and welcome to this friendly and helpful club!
We’d be glad to have you guys aboard for any day trip at the Hontoon Hoot. And to tell you everything we know about this great boat, which won’t take long.
We’re always learning. And laughing.
If you have an adequate tow truck and trailer, don’t be afraid of trailering to Ed Stone ramp, which is deep and steep. The river is mostly idle speed in the interest of the manatees for our group. It ranks among the least challenging boating conditions in the eastern part of the continent, in our (no doubt poorly informed) opinion.
We’ll defer to our host Tom on C-Otter (Avidmagnum) re what you should bring. This Gathering is unique in that Hontoon Island State Park Marina has a small parking lot across the narrow St John River, where you take a park ferry (captained mostly by volunteers) across the river. The last ferry is at 6PM, which is close to bedtime for many if not most of us. Depending on where you are staying, it might be OK with Tom and the Park to park in the small lot. Ed Stone county park is a 3-4 mile hike away with no sidewalks and lots of fire ant mounds.
We are at Calusa Island Marina in Goodland, less than 2 hours from Coral Gables across Alligator Alley. PM me for my cell phone number if you’d like to visit us here before the Hoot. We might load up Friday before dawn (tough tides), or Monday. Whatever.
This Gathering is a fantastic forum for sharing tips and trips among those who cruise the nations’ waterways on small trailer boats and make the best of it. Glad you’ll be joining us!
John and Eileen _________________ John and Eileen Highsmith
2010 Tom Cat 255, Cat O' Mine
Yamaha F150, LXF150 |
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Avidmagnum12
Joined: 23 Mar 2013 Posts: 684 City/Region: Ocklawaha
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2011
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Otter
Photos: C-Otter
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Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2020 9:28 pm Post subject: |
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Rick and Anita
Like John said if you have a trailer bring your Tomcat. Close lodging can be a problem at this late date but there should be some lodging in DeLand. I posted a schedule a page or two back so check that out. We have a few pot luck dinners so bring a dish to pass for those. Day visitors can park in the Hontoon lot. Be sure to sign up under the events on the C-Brat website and also at https://form.jotform.com/60634279765163
If after looking over the Hontoon Gathering link you have any further questions please send me a PM and I’ll give you my phone number. Glad to talk......
See you at Hontoon! Tom _________________ Tom and Joyce Schulke
2011 CD 25 "C-Otter" 07/2015 to present
2011 CD 25 "My Girl" 06/2015 renamed C-Otter
2004 CD 22 Commuter "Out2C" 03/10 to 06/15 |
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thataway
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 20988 City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
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Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2020 2:08 pm Post subject: |
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One correction to the Ferry schedule; although the last "Official Ferry" is somewhere around 5 or 5:30 PM this time of year. One of the Volunteers always takes a group back to the mainland at the end of the campfire. If not, then one of us can take you back in their dinghy anytime (within reason).
Park hours are given as open until Sundown (March 3 Sundown is 6:26 PM EST,)The official statement is an hour before sunset is the last ferry, except the last Ferry at 6:30 in summer hours.
Often people who do not have boats or Ice chest/refrigerator, bring a desert or a speciality bread or hors d’oeuvres to be shared. "Dinner: 5:15
Have your dish to pass at the serving table at 4:45. "
There is always a place to put a boat, if that is a concern.
I checked Airbnb, and there are many places which are very close to the Hontoon landing, at bargain prices. I don't know about availability. _________________ Bob Austin
Thataway
Thataway (Ex Seaweed) 2007 25 C Dory May 2018 to Oct. 2021
Thisaway 2006 22' CDory November 2011 to May 2018
Caracal 18 140 Suzuki 2007 to present
Thataway TomCat 255 150 Suzukis June 2006 thru August 2011
C Pelican; 1992, 22 Cruiser, 2002 thru 2006
Frequent Sea; 2003 C D 25, 2007 thru 2009
KA6PKB
Home port: Pensacola FL |
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Molly Brown
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 409 City/Region: Punta Gorda
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2003
C-Dory Model: 24 Tomcat
Vessel Name: MOLLY BROWN
Photos: Molly Brown
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Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 9:32 am Post subject: |
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Molly Brown has been on the water since Monday. We’ve only seen C-Otter but didn’t have a chance to visit since they were on a schedule with family in tow. We headed north from Ed Stone so apologies to Blue Days, Hontoon hosts, for not coming by but we’ll see you soon. Currently in the Haw Creek State Preserve at the southern end of Crescent Lake. Friday mornings low to be 35 but next week is looking better every day....80’s for high and 60’s for lows so that should make our northern brethren happy 😃
Getting excited for the meet up,
James and crew _________________ James, Betty, Luna cat and Moki dog on the TomCat Molly Brown
Started the Great American Loop 03/2024 |
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colbysmith
Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 4657 City/Region: Madison
State or Province: WI
C-Dory Year: 2009
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Traveler
Photos: C-Traveler and Midnight-Flyer
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Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 11:45 pm Post subject: |
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We managed to get out of Wisconsin after the big blizzard forecast fizzled. However, that's because the track moved south. Not what I really wanted to hear. Still, I made a good decision thinking that we would be going thru that area while it was rain rather than snow. And that's exactly what happened. So we are on schedule to launch at Ed Stone on Friday right after lunch. For those of you that are already there, hows the water level looking? I'm still thinking about heading to DeLeon Springs as soon as we get launched if it's not too late in the day. Colby |
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Water Bill
Joined: 31 Mar 2007 Posts: 131 City/Region: Lake Keowee, SC
State or Province: SC
C-Dory Year: 2018
Vessel Name: Mystery Girl (Ranger Tug R-23)
Photos: Mystery Girl and C-Swell
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Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 7:17 am Post subject: |
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Colby,
Water level has come up a little over the last week or so. I think you should be able to get to DeLeon with your 22. Might even be doable in a 25.
Bill _________________ Bill Roche
Mystery Girl, 2018 Ranger Tug R-23 2017 to present
C-Swell, 2003 C-Dory 22 2007 to 2017
Boston Whaler Super Sport 17 1986 to 2007 |
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Avidmagnum12
Joined: 23 Mar 2013 Posts: 684 City/Region: Ocklawaha
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2011
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Otter
Photos: C-Otter
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Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 8:04 am Post subject: |
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Here’s how we decide if it’s OK to go to DeLeon Springs. When you launch at Ed Stone check out the clearance at the HW 44 bridge. 16’ or less you are good to go. More than that you’re at risk. We had 15’8” on Monday and it was an easy trip to DeLeon.
For everyone coming to Hontoon. Please get your provisions before you launch. The camp store has snacks but not much more. There is a deli across the River. A couple restaurants near the HW 44 bridge and some near Sanford.
Saw a dead manatee in the river but we don’t know what happened. Lots of birds and gators 🐊. Watch out for the minimum wake zones especially by marinas.
We have 9 signed up for boat inspections starting on Tuesday. Any other takers send me a PM.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon. Tom |
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gulfcoast john
Joined: 14 Dec 2012 Posts: 1001 City/Region: PENSACOLA
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2010
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Cat O' Mine
Photos: CAT O' MINE
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Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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We plan on launching at Ed Stone tomorrow before noon, so that we can hopefully steal Colby's favorite parking spot before he gets there.
Otherwise we wouldn't get up that early.
Come and enjoy the very best C-Dory Gathering in all of Florida!
John |
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colbysmith
Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 4657 City/Region: Madison
State or Province: WI
C-Dory Year: 2009
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Traveler
Photos: C-Traveler and Midnight-Flyer
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Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 10:33 pm Post subject: |
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Luck for me John, I've got two or three favorite spots. lol! If we have that bridge height less than 16', I think we will do the DeLeon Springs thing. (Bill & Becky, thanks for the PM. Like you, I do that last dash at hull speed. And if I have to, I may run it on the kicker. Rather muck that one up than the main! ) Plan to leave Tallahassee tomorrow morning by 8am. So if all goes as planned, still looking at Ed Stone at 1p. If anyone else is interested in following me up to DeLeon Springs, if we do decide to do that, let me know by text or FB messenger. (I won't be checking email again before tomorrow night or possibly Saturday.) Or just be in the area of Ed Stone park when we launch. Not a definite decision yet, but leaning that way. Colby |
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fiddlerami
Joined: 18 Feb 2019 Posts: 4 City/Region: Beverly Hills
State or Province: FL
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Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 1:36 pm Post subject: Rare opportunity |
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I have just listed my 16' C-Dory Cruiser on the "for sale" page of this site. I live only about an hour from the Hontoon Island state park. Come see us, pick up our almost new C-Dory and join the rest of the C-Dory folks at this coming March get-together. |
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WeekiTiki
Joined: 12 Jun 2019 Posts: 412 City/Region: Weeki Wachee
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2003
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Just Cruisin'
Photos: WeekiTiki
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Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 2:35 pm Post subject: |
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I'm sure the answer is in the previous eight pages
Do y'all do any cooking off your boats?
Is there a grill and do we need charcoal?
Are there any combined meals that I need to bring something for?
Got to fire up my stove on the boat and see how the thing works I suppose.
Is coffee going to be available on the island side?
Or do I bring my kayak and paddle over to the deli? _________________ Weeki Wachee
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Avidmagnum12
Joined: 23 Mar 2013 Posts: 684 City/Region: Ocklawaha
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2011
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Otter
Photos: C-Otter
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Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2020 2:48 pm Post subject: |
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Yes
Yes
Yes No
Yes
Good idea
Yes
You can do that...😇
C-Brats 2020 Hontoon Island Gathering
Tuesday:
Continued arrivals. Check in and then Check out other boats. Plus, there’s exploring the island, canoeing, kayaking,
cruising or just plain relaxing on the beautiful St. John’s River.
Dinner: 5:15 Be sure to sign up
Have your dish to pass on shore at the serving table at 4:45. Burgers and hot dogs will be ready at 5:15.
Campfire after dusk: Bring your chairs and enjoy the company and stories of fellow C-Brats. There will be a 50/50 raffle.
Wednesday
8:30 bring items to the tables for the silent auction. Auction begins at 10:00. Ends at 2:00
8:45 Skippers’ Meeting -- Cruising options, manatee protocol and more
9:30: Anchors and anchoring ; Led by Dr. Bob
10:30: What’s in your Ditch Bag?
2:00 End of Auction, pay and pick up your winnings by 3:00
Dinner: 5:15
Have your dish to pass at the serving table at 4:45. Chicken will be here and ready to eat at 5:00 – 5:15
Campfire after dusk: Bring your chairs and enjoy the company and stories of fellow C-Brats. There will be a 50/50 raffle
Thursday
9:30 Nature presentation by Jim Morris, Park Services Specialist
10:45 Galley Gadgets & Boat Gear Bring your favorites to show and tell. Vote on the best ones. Prizes!!
1:00: Guided nature hike led by Becky Smith
Dinner 5:15 – Share left overs and use up what’s in your boat.
Have anything you want grilled at the grill by 4:45. Other dishes to pass at the serving table at 4:45.
Campfire after dusk: Bring your chairs and enjoy the company and stories of fellow C-Brats |
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gulfcoast john
Joined: 14 Dec 2012 Posts: 1001 City/Region: PENSACOLA
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2010
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Cat O' Mine
Photos: CAT O' MINE
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Posted: Sat Feb 29, 2020 7:25 pm Post subject: |
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I count 17 C-Dorys plus Honorary Waterbill on his R-23 here tonight at the Hontoon hoot, which doesn't even start til Tuesday. I am often purty good at counting numbers under 20 as long as I am barefoot.
I stole Colby's fav parking spot in an effort to force him into the UnWanted Migrants Overflow Parking Lot, but it didn't work. Drat.
Host Tom on C-Otter was not WAY too far wrong when he said to prepare for 30 degree weather as well as 90 degree weather. 34 degrees low so far and only 89 predicted next Wed, so he needs to learn to be MUCH more precise for attendees to get properly prepared.
We're all sorry that Jack from Alaska couldn't make it this year, but at least it gives some other boat a shot at the Who Traveled The Furthest Award. In past years, no one else ever had a chance. Now it's Billings, Montana vs two from Illinois so far as I know.
It's almost 7:30 PM, so within the next 6-8 hours Dr. Bob's new dance strobe lights and techno-rock music will stop and we can all get some sleep.
It still disturbs me how hundreds of vultures circle over this Gathering at dusk every evening, but Pat Clow (The Bird Lady) says not to worry about it, so we won't.
Happy Adventures!
John |
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colbysmith
Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 4657 City/Region: Madison
State or Province: WI
C-Dory Year: 2009
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Traveler
Photos: C-Traveler and Midnight-Flyer
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Posted: Sat Feb 29, 2020 8:12 pm Post subject: |
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John, I'm not sure, but I think Billings MT is farther than Illinois. My bet is the distance thing goes to CatClaw!
Quote: | I stole Colby's fav parking spot in an effort to force him into the UnWanted Migrants Overflow Parking Lot, but it didn't work. Drat |
Actually, I got my favorite spot, right between you and Bob. Nobody will even think about messing with my measly F150, when there are two honking real trucks on each side of me!
As for the Turkey Vultures, you'll probably have more problems with the Hontoon Alligator and Water Moccassin, since you took their slip!
Tyboo, can we get a photo album for this thread? Thanks. Colby |
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