03/06 - 03/08 St. John's River Florida CBGT

So glad to hear that C.A. and Bettie are returning to the gathering. Jan and Lee on the "Tully B" enjoyed meeting them both at last years gathering and look forward to the coming gathering and seeing them again.
 
Each year I have seen this come up, and watched it with interest. Again, this time getting closer to pulling the trigger on a southerly venture. There are still some impediments, but you all make it sound so fun, and I am sure it can be exciting. It is not out of consideration, but for 2018 I have another big trip planned (in the process) and it would compete financially and possibly time wise. Seems it would make sense to be down south early and catch this event and then start working my way back north.

Will be watching in envy.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Harvey, DO IT! This is one of the better gatherings in my book. Plan to stay at least a week after the event. That's when the real fun happens! The only negative about this, is the time of year. Coming from Wisconsin in March is dicey. Still prone to snow and ice storms for the first half of the travel down! But it's on my schedule again this year none the less. Colby
 
colbysmith":2h0xjc11 said:
Harvey, DO IT! This is one of the better gatherings in my book. Plan to stay at least a week after the event. That's when the real fun happens! The only negative about this, is the time of year. Coming from Wisconsin in March is dicey. Still prone to snow and ice storms for the first half of the travel down! But it's on my schedule again this year none the less. Colby
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Colby, I would love to but it is only 3,055 miles one way from here, and we could have the same stuff over the mountains, through the woods and not even to grandma's house. I agree, it sounds great. Lots to consider.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Yeah Harvey, You would be traveling from one corner of the country to the other! At least I'm somewhat in the middle so usually not more than about 2000 miles to any gathering! But if you can swing it, I don't think you would be disappointed. Colby
 
Colby, You are right. I know I would not be disappointed. Have not been at any C-Dory gathering. I enjoy the socialization and meeting faces for all the names I know. The family keeps on growing and it seems like I just can't keep up with all the new faces.

Back when I was a newbie, the factory was doing a big sponsored dinner at their place of business -- yes, the factory, and we ate a huge meal, had a big party in among the fresh fiberglass partly finished hulls, stacks of parts and acres of floor space that held the several hundred feet of tables required for the sit-down dinner. There were a few speeches, (Mighty few AND short, and a ton of door prizes.) and everybody there was new to me. After some time I learned the names from this site, and started putting faces with names, and there were folks there from all over, like Florida, Texas, California, Carolina's, Tennessee, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Alaska. It was like a national convention of CBRATS. I digress. Sorry, but it would be something to have a get together like that again.

Of course the St Johns will have people with their boats, like Friday Harbor, and that is great too. Can't wait for more CBGT's.

I am just now looking at the Snake/Columbia trip you just finished and think it needs to be done again, 2018. Keep tuned.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Regarding St. John's River at Hontoon State Park. Potlucks with plenty of food. Very nice state park, with nice docks and electricity. Can explore on your own or join some other boats. Silent Auction with proceeds going both to help the park and things like a memorial bench for lost C-Brats. (Two years ago, I won a coloring book that I now take to every gathering I go to, official or not. (More than just my C-Dory! LOL) I ask those in attendance to color a fish or whatever and sign their name and boat name. I'm not so much into coloring books, but it's a neat thing to remember all those I come in contact with!) A few talks given on various things important to our boats. Campfire at evening. This past year we even had a short memorial service for two of our C-Brats that passed away. One of the larger gatherings. My first time two years ago, 40+ boats. Last year 30+ boats. It is worth the distance, if you have the time! Colby
 
Great to see a good early signup for the Hontoon Island CBGT. The boat ramps on the St. John’s river are open again as the flooding has subsided. The park manager, Ken has informed us the the docks are open and they are working diligently to get things fully operational. We are going to spend a week or so starting Thursday or Friday helping out. The camp ground is still flooded but the day use area is or will be open soon. Be assured that everything will be 100% in March. It’s would be great if the levels stay up a bit for us. Makes a lot of side trips possible including the one to DeLeon Springs. In any case I do plan to lead a group after the gathering up river as far as we can go plus some side rivers. Looking forward to being back on the St. John’s with fellow brats.

I’ll report from Hontoon next week. Everyone have a great thanksgiving....we have much to be thankful for.

Tom
 
Rosanne and I plan to be there Sunday afternoon (before the gathering starts), then hang around for 5 days after the gathering. And of course follow C-Otter around during those 5 days! :mrgreen: Colby
 
Great on the Up River trip. If others want, and the water is deep enough, we would love to go up the Econlockhatee wild River. Not many powered boats and a lot of gaters.
 
After a month at Marshfield Clinic in recovery mode following major surgery we are finally home and Hank is making great progress regaining his strength and getting used to his new lifestyle.

So, we are ready to commit to the March gathering. Our early winter plans are still in flux, but it looks like March will find us among a great group of friends along with the joy of meeting new ones.

Start saving "stuff" for the silent auction.

Hank and Pat
Meri Aura
 
We have gone to two C-Brat gatherings in Friday Harbor - the problem being we have a Rosborough. Would we be welcome to this one?

Have been to the Keys a number of times, but never this far north on the water. Is there much to do or see in this area?

Thanks,

John Coppedge
The Mighty Wench
Cleveland, OH
 
John, I for one would enjoy seeing your Roseborough. Two years ago one of the previous C-Brats came with a Tug. I trailer my C-Dory down there from Wisconsin, and feel it's worth my trip, not only for the socialization with the other C-Brats at the main event, but for the "cruising" along the river after the event. If you don't mind the drive, I think you would enjoy the area. I'll let our host for the event, C-Otter, say rather or not you would be officially welcome to come. Colby
 
John, In no way am I speaking for the host of the gathering, but from personal experience I assure you that you will enjoy boating on the St. John’s river and the area. I am a member of C-Brats but sold my C-Dory and got a Rosborough. Have now sold it and may buy the C-Dory back again. Have reservations to spend Feb. at Hontoon and am considering staying a couple of week more to attend the gathering without a C-Dory. Plan to boat the St. John’s then in my Portabote. You can not go wrong coming to boat the area as you can see old Fla. at it’s best. Good luck hearing from the host and meeting some great people at the gathering. I am at Hontoon Resort for the month of Feb. since I now live on the Tennessee River. St. John’s is more fun than the Tn. for small boat cruising. For discussion of St. John’s my cell is (256) 318-4608. Ron
 
John....As the host of the event I’m inviting you down to the Hontoon Island Gathering. You’ll find a lot to explore on the St. John’s. Make sure you sign up.

The water has gone down a couple of feet from the flooding after Hurricane Irma. The park will reopen tomorrow. The day use area and marina only. The campground still has some flooding but some of the cabins should be usable soon. We have three boats here tonight including the C-Otter. Staff from other Florida parks were here helping today by cleaning up brush and downed trees. Joyce cleaned the museum and I did some pressure washing. Plenty of work to go around!

If the water stays at higher levels in March the Econlockhatee is on top of the list of goals for the upriver trip. I’ve even bought a Torquedo 1003 for the dingy and sold the Suzuki 2.5. I’m going green.....naaaaaa

Till next time....Tom
 
We will make every effort - sounds like fun. The crowds at Friday Harbor sure were.

Thanks for the information - I will be checking it out.

Thanks again

John Coppedge
The Mighty Wench
Cleveland, OH
 
Hi my name is Jim toteno...I dont have a C Dory as of now but looking....I do have a 22' Sea Ray Weekender....would you let me do the run with you guys...I would love to be a part of it and will trail all of the C Dorys..please let me know..thanks
 
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