03/07 - 03/09 - 2023 Hontoon Island Gathering

Great news! Hontoon Island State Park is open for day use only.

There will NOT be any ferry’s running but Dr. Bob will have a boat that we can use to bring guests across.
The parking lot is open for vehicles….not trailers.
The boat ramp at Ed Stone is open.
There will be only one restroom open on the island. NO SHOWERS!

There are plenty of areas to anchor for the night nearby. For those that have paid for a slip I’ve been told that we can expect a refund. For those that need a marina there are 3 between Ed. Stone and Hontoon.

So things will be a little simpler this year only. If your up for an adventure….this is it. Silent auction will be postponed till next year. Meals will be on your own. Sorry… no nighttime campfires.

We will have discussion groups, boat and kitchen gadget competition.
C-Dory tours and great fellowship. Can’t ask for much more than that.

After the gathering I plan on heading upriver to Lake Harney and the elusive Econlockhatchee River. Will anchor out along the way. If anyone wishes to follow be ready to go Friday morning.

We will only have enough day slips for about 20 boats so please sign up now if you are coming.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten something but I’ll post more in a few days.
 
We just received an email from Florida state parks saying the hontoon island state park is closed through December 2023 due to hurricane damage. They cancelled our reservation... any backup plans?
Burt and Debbie
Following C's
 
Hi Burt,

The campground is closed but the marina opened last Monday for docking between the hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm. Most of the trails have been cleared and are open. The restroom near the playground and pavilion is open. Everything Tom mentioned in his latest post is doable.

Bill
 
Folks, Read Avidmagnum12, Tom Schulke's posts. He is the guru and is making this event still happen.

Those who have taken "tours" before and after the main event, khow what fun it is cruising with Tom and Joyce on Sea Otter. The major difference, is that you will sleep at anchor, than at the dock. No power at night. You have to provide your own food.

The main events are still happening. We are going to provide "ferry" service only for C Brats, with my Caracal Cat, even thought there is no ferry running for the public.

Come and enjoy Hontoon. It will still be a great gathering!!!
 
It’s not an 😊Adventure till things go wrong. Thats a saying that I heard often on our Great Loop Trip. Yes….we had mechanical issues, plumbing leak, bent propellers but you just keep on going till you “cross your wake”. The same goes with our Hontoon Gathering. This will be our tenth uninterrupted year. We’ve seen heat, blowing cold rain and covid but C-Brats are a tough bunch.

As Dr. Bob stated things will be different this year but that doesn’t mean it won’t be the best one ever. I’m actually excited about the minor challenges that we may face. Backing into the slips every day, anchoring every night and hauling extra provisions…..

I have heard the the washer and dryer are working at the park….so we should be able to do laundry. Good news.

We will communicate on Channel 72.

Again there are 3 marina’s near by. Make arrangements if you need one.

If you have any subjects that you would like to share your knowledge on please contact me. Dr. Bob and Golfcoast John have already volunteered.

If anyone needs information on good anchorage spots or anything else. PM me.

Just think….all that refunded docking money can buy more gas for your boat.😁
Tom
 
Tom I didn't have my MMSI number handy when I filled out that JOT form. Is there a way to get back into it? Otherwise, my MMSI number is also in my profile information here on C-Brats. Colby
 
FYI...

Sanford Marina on Lake Monroe sent me an email that slips are not currently available for the immediate future due to hurricane damage.
We'd planned on spending the night there after Betty runs the Gemini Springs Half Marathon, at which point she was to rent a car to return home while I continue on the the gathering.

James
 
An additional inquiry says the fuel dock is open but the ships store is closed. Also the day docks on the other side of the marina remain blocked off.

James
 
Colby…I forgot my Mmsi number….no big deal.

James ….thanks for the heads up on Sanford.

It’s been an interesting year for many marinas here in Florida.

St. Augustine had some closed docks and one in Palatka still has sunken boats in it.

Tom
 
A couple of questions. 1. Does both the washing machine and dryer work and will they be available? I think Tom and/or Bill said it did, but just double checking. I would be concerned that the motors and wiring was submerged.
2. Will we have access to shore power during the day, and will the park be charging for that? (I'd like to recharge my batteries during the day.)

Also, check out the following thread on my full cover. I'll be bringing it along if anyone would like to make an offer on it.

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.ph...ghlight=&sid=9c467f82964ababec4451caddd261278

Two more weeks and we'll be launching at Ed Stone. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Colby
 
Near record highs this upcoming week. Last night got down to 49 but in a few days the lows will be in the 60’s. Water levels seem back to normal. Hwy 44 bridge was at 16.75 feet.

James
 
About 2 weeks till the Hontoon Island gathering so a few updates and reminders.

For those launching at Ed Stone park be sure to park as far away from the boat ramp and save the closest spots for day boaters.

No ferry service at Hontoon Island. Docks open from 8am till 4pm so use a different marina or anchor out.

Use channel 72 for docking at Hontoon.

No silent auction’s or group meals this year……just to difficult with the conditions on the island. The camp store is also closed….bring what you need.

We will have talks on Wednesday and boat gadgets on Thursday. Tuesday is arrival day and fellowship with other C-Brats.

There will be manatees in the area so be careful.

On Friday Joyce and I will be traveling for about a week on the St. John’s. Anyone that wants to join us is welcome. Just be sure to have everything you need. Supplies are not to be found easily.

Expect temperatures from 30 degrees to 90 degrees and plan accordingly.

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon….Tom
 
A note to those that want to look at C-Dorys at the gathering who are without boats.
We will do our best to transfer you across the St. John’s to and from the gathering from the park parking lot. If you have a hand held radio call on 72. If not contact me before the gathering by PM and I’ll give you a number that will get you a ride across.

 
Power and water at the dock is working and laundry machine is up and running. Mystery Girl is here but it appears Bill is back in South Carolina for a bit. After talking to a couple rangers, John (a volunteer) and the park system building engineer it appears it’s going to be a while before things are back to normal. Website says they are down till the end of 2023. I initially thought that was a bit exaggerated but not so sure now.

James
 
Two more days and Rosanne and I will be leaving home for our journey south. Looking forward to seeing any others that make it to the gathering. I will have my old full boat cover along if anyone is interested in it. See my link regarding it here: http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?p=370372#370372.

Also I plan to bring along two prop hubs that came off my 22 with the Mercury 115 EFI 4-Stroke. Anyone that wants them is welcome to them. Let me know if you want them, otherwise I'll be leaving them in the truck. Colby
 
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