02/27 - 03/01 - St. John's River Gathering

More sign ups! Great! Sounds like we will have a fair amount of first time C-brats with a good mix of Cape Cruisers and C-Dorys of all types and sizes.


Thanks James for posting more information on the St. John's river for the group. Last week I went for a day cruise out of Astor to Silver Glen Springs.
Decided to try to make it up Blue creek by Astor. Turned out to be a nice route. Funny...after running on the St. John's for over 4 years I still find new water to run.

The dates are going to be Friday February 27th till Sunday March first 2015. Two group meals are planed for Friday and Saturday evening. This is a low key affair. Those that wish may arrive earlier and leave later.....in fact most do.
We will probably do a group cruise on Saturday for those that wish to tour a bit. More details later!

Harvey....no 4 foot tides at Hontoon State Park in Florida but my wife does dig out her long John's from time to time!

Tom Schulke
Out2C
2004 C-dory 22 commuter
 
If anyone is interestied in doing a somewhat longer cruise, an enjoyable route is to proceed down the St. John's River to cruise from Sanford 'north (downstream) to Jacksonville then back down the ICW to Ormond Beach. Ormond Beach is about thirty miles directly east of Astor (FL), and has a good launch ramp (although parking is limited).

When we did this route a year ago, we launched at Astor and cruised to Sandord, then back (north) to Hontoon, Astor, Myaka, Palatka, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Ormond Beach (with plenty of anchorages along the way). Very enjoyable.

Best,
Casey&Mary
 
Sorry it appeared I disappeared, I have been bounced off this sight a few times and recently figured my way back on. Joyce and I talked about maybe doing Salt Springs a day or two before the event, I mentioned I liked the idea but we needed a back up because of weather conditions on Lk George which is the entrance to Salt Springs. I have two spots in mind so if this is of any interest I'd be happy to chair this portion if anyone would like to add a day or two before the Hontoon event. Cliff "Ocklawaha Queen"
 
We had such a good time this year we decided to be volunteer dock masters for the month of February next year. We look forward to helping everyone get in to your slip.

Bill and Becky
 
Bill and Becky
I am spending a weekend here in your neck of the woods, Fernandina Beach Amelia Island. This is a really nice town. Our first time here.
 
Anne and I have thought of going from Green Cove Springs to Sanford and back
in middle to late February. This is supposed to be the most scenic and natural
navigable part of the St Johns, or so we've been told.

Though, we have firm commitments for March in Florabama and then the first part
of April on the May River near Hilton Head, we may be in a position to mingle.

I'll stay tuned in...

Aye.
 
Cliff......good to see you back on the Brats site....can I put you down for "Keeper of the Fire" again this year? Also have not forgotten about flying you over the Ocklawaha.....it's just that my plane is being repainted. Will not be done till December.

Don and Autumn....glad you make it again this year. Hope you have time to tell us about your trips this year.

Bill and Becky.....Wow....you sure must like Hontoon State park....but so do Joyce and I. We will make sure to say Hi in February as we spend a lot of time there. Lots of Blue Days!

Everyone.....if you can plan some extra time on the St. John's! Either before or after the gathering. It's one of the nicest rivers around. Hontoon island State Park is a real gem for boaters! Great rangers and volunteers. Stop in for a night or two.

At the gathering we take a free will offering for the food and supply's for our Friday night and Saturday night meals with all extra funds going to the support of new projects at Hontoon Island.

More later.....Thanks and "C" you on the St. John's!
Tom and Joyce Schulke

2004 CD22 Commuter Out2C
 
l'll do fire again but I'm sure hoping it will be seasoned this time. I really won't bother if its not, if you remember I had to stay on it every minute, I'd rather watch Matlock reruns than sit in the smoke again. Looks like we're gonna have a lot of new guests this year doesn't it.
 
Yes Cliff......the fire wood that we purchased at Hontoon was the worst I've ever seen. I'll be sure that they have seasoned wood this year. If not I'll pick some up elsewhere. I promise you.....no unseasoned wood and NO Matlock reruns....ever!

You did a great job last year!

It seems that most everyone that was there last year is coming back again and lots of new folks. I am sure with good weather we will have a record number of C-Brats.

Now......who do we put in charge of weather?

Thanks.....Tom :lol:
 
I'm curious if anyone from the PNW is considering going to this event or the area around this time. Just curious. Also, for long range planning, is this likely to happen again, in 2016?

Not ready to make any commitments but there is some interest on my part. Warm weather and warm water do have some appeal.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

0_CD_Cover_SlpyC_with_Classics_MBSP_2009_288.thumb.jpg
 
Your profile lists a 24' TomCat! And your just down the road. I was not aware of any others except for "Argo" in my hometown and "Destiny" down in Bonita Springs. I look forward to making your acquaintance at the gathering. We will be heading up a week to 10 days early since Betty has firm work responsibilities shortly after the event. Welcome to the C-Brat club. 8)
 
We just signed up for the gathering and looking forward to meeting everyone. We plan to launch at Lake Monroe Park Thursday and travel to Hontoon Island State Park Friday morning for the gathering. After the gathering our plans are to travel down river and eventually wind up in Jacksonville Beach.

I have two questions:

1. Hontoon Park indicated that the slips are first come first serve. Is this a busy season for the Park and if so should we plan on getting there earlier?

2. We plan to leave our rig at Lake Monroe Park. The Park attendant indicated that it is a safe place. Does anyone have experience with leaving their rig for a week on more at that Park?

Thanks,

Dick & Suzanne
 
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