10/23-10/25 - 4th Annual Gulf Coast Gathering
- Thread starter Wefings
- Start date
Wow, What another fantastic weekend of C Brat comradery! I know that Marc Grove of Wefings, has been working for at least 2 weeks on the food and logistics of this gathering--the 100th anniversary of Wefing's Marine.
John Bone, and his wonderful wife Sherri have also arranged their schedules so that they could make their lovely home available for our last 4 gatherings. John has been flying the European run, and arranged his schedule so that he was available for our gathering. Sherri has many responsibilities, including her project of "Wefing's Hardware Store" which she has made into an art Gallery and Artisan's work place in the old hardware store in downtown Apalachicola.
Anita Grove, Marc's Wife, is "THE" Apalachicola chamber of commerace--and a crisis arose this last week, where FDA is threatening to close Oystering in Apalachicola Bay for 4 months out of the year--during the height of the tourist season--and endangering 10% of the fresh oyster supply for the entire US.
The weekend started with a few rain showers. But nothing to dampent he spirits of those in attendance. Dinner Friday Night was a Low Country Boil by Marc. Lots of great spices, in the Corn, Potatoes, Shrimp, Crab, Sausage and other ingredients. Great Slaw, and desert of wonderful Key Lime Pie. The evening was rounded off by a rousing game of Pictionary--because a "Do Over" was allowed to John Bone--there was a tie between the guys and gals!.
Saturday Morning, coffee was ready at 8 AM, and the group gathered in the lee of the house, to keep Warm. Shortly Marc, had his Denver Omelts in the pans, and all were well fed. There was debate if it was wise to make a cruise--and we watched the hardy Kayakers of the Apalachicola RiverKeepers work against the current, so the decision was made that C Dory owners were more than up to the challange. John was the leader and the boats shaked through passages in the swamp and river.
Saturday night dinner was Mexican Style--corn or flour tortillas, and beans, strip stake, various chopped salsa's and spices were quickly consumed. Desert was caramal and chopped nuts, with lime over ice cream. There was a series of films apparently from some film festival about the environment--presented by the RiverKeepers, and then a long cold game of Bingo--with the grand prize of about $128 of cash, as well as some very original gifts and wrappings.
Sunday Morning, was Coffee again, with John's mothers' famous Pancakes. Folks started on their way home about 10 AM--and I suspect that all had made some great new friends, and a re-inforcement that the C Brats were some of the greatest people in the world.
This brings us to next year. Sherri said to us several times that next year she wants to put her feet up and let someone else do the work. Some of us have kicked around the various ideas, and need input from all that might want to attend. We will start a separate thread for this. But some questions were: "Spring or Fall?". A boat cruise, camping and boating, or some place where people could stay in hotels as well as boats; Marina vs state or national park vs a home? Apalachicola, Pensacola, Orange Beach area, or some places inbetween?
Marie and I have put on similar gatherings at our homes in the past. If our situation (with Marie's mothers health), allows it, our home and land could be a consideration. We don't have the wonderful type of entertaining facilities that John and Sherri have. We do have a pool, Jacuzzi, a few rooms in the house, RV facilities, and have 140 feet of waterfront, and can accomidate 16 to perhaps 20 C Dories. We also own almost half an acre next door, so there is room for a large tent if necessary, as well as plenty of parking. There are a number of interesting anchorages, as well as short cruises available, as well as restraunts, with wharfs etc in the Orange beach area, as well as Pensacola.
I have my photos ready to put up if we have an album.
John Bone, and his wonderful wife Sherri have also arranged their schedules so that they could make their lovely home available for our last 4 gatherings. John has been flying the European run, and arranged his schedule so that he was available for our gathering. Sherri has many responsibilities, including her project of "Wefing's Hardware Store" which she has made into an art Gallery and Artisan's work place in the old hardware store in downtown Apalachicola.
Anita Grove, Marc's Wife, is "THE" Apalachicola chamber of commerace--and a crisis arose this last week, where FDA is threatening to close Oystering in Apalachicola Bay for 4 months out of the year--during the height of the tourist season--and endangering 10% of the fresh oyster supply for the entire US.
The weekend started with a few rain showers. But nothing to dampent he spirits of those in attendance. Dinner Friday Night was a Low Country Boil by Marc. Lots of great spices, in the Corn, Potatoes, Shrimp, Crab, Sausage and other ingredients. Great Slaw, and desert of wonderful Key Lime Pie. The evening was rounded off by a rousing game of Pictionary--because a "Do Over" was allowed to John Bone--there was a tie between the guys and gals!.
Saturday Morning, coffee was ready at 8 AM, and the group gathered in the lee of the house, to keep Warm. Shortly Marc, had his Denver Omelts in the pans, and all were well fed. There was debate if it was wise to make a cruise--and we watched the hardy Kayakers of the Apalachicola RiverKeepers work against the current, so the decision was made that C Dory owners were more than up to the challange. John was the leader and the boats shaked through passages in the swamp and river.
Saturday night dinner was Mexican Style--corn or flour tortillas, and beans, strip stake, various chopped salsa's and spices were quickly consumed. Desert was caramal and chopped nuts, with lime over ice cream. There was a series of films apparently from some film festival about the environment--presented by the RiverKeepers, and then a long cold game of Bingo--with the grand prize of about $128 of cash, as well as some very original gifts and wrappings.
Sunday Morning, was Coffee again, with John's mothers' famous Pancakes. Folks started on their way home about 10 AM--and I suspect that all had made some great new friends, and a re-inforcement that the C Brats were some of the greatest people in the world.
This brings us to next year. Sherri said to us several times that next year she wants to put her feet up and let someone else do the work. Some of us have kicked around the various ideas, and need input from all that might want to attend. We will start a separate thread for this. But some questions were: "Spring or Fall?". A boat cruise, camping and boating, or some place where people could stay in hotels as well as boats; Marina vs state or national park vs a home? Apalachicola, Pensacola, Orange Beach area, or some places inbetween?
Marie and I have put on similar gatherings at our homes in the past. If our situation (with Marie's mothers health), allows it, our home and land could be a consideration. We don't have the wonderful type of entertaining facilities that John and Sherri have. We do have a pool, Jacuzzi, a few rooms in the house, RV facilities, and have 140 feet of waterfront, and can accomidate 16 to perhaps 20 C Dories. We also own almost half an acre next door, so there is room for a large tent if necessary, as well as plenty of parking. There are a number of interesting anchorages, as well as short cruises available, as well as restraunts, with wharfs etc in the Orange beach area, as well as Pensacola.
I have my photos ready to put up if we have an album.
Bob couldn't have said it better.
Denise and I are very pleased to have been part of the festivities.
Our thanks to Marc and John for a very memorable experience.
Bob, you and Marie can count on us for help with the next one.
Many thanks to all the Brats that became part of our lives on the 4th annual Gulf Coast Gathering and we look forward to the next one.
Capt Dan
Denise and I are very pleased to have been part of the festivities.
Our thanks to Marc and John for a very memorable experience.
Bob, you and Marie can count on us for help with the next one.
Many thanks to all the Brats that became part of our lives on the 4th annual Gulf Coast Gathering and we look forward to the next one.
Capt Dan
Another Great Party at Jon's . The Wefing crowd did it again . We ate Alligator ,shrimp, Oysters, Pork , etc etc. Then for dessert Key lime pie and some sort of banana icecream conncoxtion . I need to go excercise and go on a major diet after being with marc and his culinary magic.
Thanks again for the 4th gathering fo c-brats Jim and Loree
Thanks again for the shrimp it took 2 hours to clean them all We will have them with friends this week .I gave Mike some also .
Thanks again for the 4th gathering fo c-brats Jim and Loree
Thanks again for the shrimp it took 2 hours to clean them all We will have them with friends this week .I gave Mike some also .
Just had to add a GIANT thanks from Patty and me to Anita and Marc, Sherry and John for another great gathering. Aside from all the great food and playing boats, it's gotten to feel like a family reunion. Except you C-Brats are more fun to hang out with 
. We'll look forward to joining wherever it happens next year. And I do think after 4 years it's time to take some of the load off our generous hosts.
. We'll look forward to joining wherever it happens next year. And I do think after 4 years it's time to take some of the load off our generous hosts.Oh my what a wonderful time was had by all…the hospitality was overwhelming and the fellowship of like minded people was warm felt.
I want to think our host Marc and Anita Grove and Jon and Sherri Bone for another outstanding outpouring of Southern Hospitality. Marc you can have kitchen rights at my place anytime you wish to prepare another batch of your Banana Foster.
Special thanks to the support volunteers; Roger (C-Lover) who worked his bum off prepping and washing up for the next round of Marc’s culinary wonders. Bob (Ashley-Lynn) and Allen (Simplicity) for shucking oysters for us all…eating only three to every one they placed on the public tray. Nancy (Ashley Lynn , Skip (Fishwife), & Shirley (Tanker16) for a wonderful game of Bingo..Artic Style. Below is the fruits of my winning bingo card.
Judy and I had a wonderful vacation week in the panhandle of Florida and the culmination of it with our fellow C-Brats was like icing on the cake. We look forward to doing it again in the spring or fall of next year wherever it ends up being held.
I want to think our host Marc and Anita Grove and Jon and Sherri Bone for another outstanding outpouring of Southern Hospitality. Marc you can have kitchen rights at my place anytime you wish to prepare another batch of your Banana Foster.
Special thanks to the support volunteers; Roger (C-Lover) who worked his bum off prepping and washing up for the next round of Marc’s culinary wonders. Bob (Ashley-Lynn) and Allen (Simplicity) for shucking oysters for us all…eating only three to every one they placed on the public tray. Nancy (Ashley Lynn , Skip (Fishwife), & Shirley (Tanker16) for a wonderful game of Bingo..Artic Style. Below is the fruits of my winning bingo card.
Judy and I had a wonderful vacation week in the panhandle of Florida and the culmination of it with our fellow C-Brats was like icing on the cake. We look forward to doing it again in the spring or fall of next year wherever it ends up being held.
:lol: Many thanks to Marc, Anita, John, and Sherri for the wonderful time for our C-Brats 2009 "Family Reunion". It is soooo good to see all of the wonderful people again.
I was reading Dr. Bob's post about where will we possibly go next year. I am very happy with our past place but am open to going elsewhere if it is necessary. It might be good to visit some other places to enjoy some variety. I am willing to volunteer my help Dr. Bob if you host it at your place.
I might suggest staying at he Port St. Joe Marina, 340 Marina Drive, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456 - 850-227-9393. I have stayed there many times and they really do roll out the red carpet for you.
Guest slips available, enough space to dock 20+ C-Dorys.
Winter rates $1.00 per foot - summer rates $1.50 per foot.
Electricity, water, ice, bathrooms, showers, gas, diesel, free pumpout.
Dock Side Cafe at the marina (excellent sea food).
Park with public boat ramp.
Truck/boat trailer parking area.
Piggy Wiggly grocery about 1000 feet away, Motels nearby.
Move gallery, coffee shop, dry cleaners, within walking distance.
Good fishing, Scalloping, Tennis courts, Golf course (18 holes).
Put your head together and come up with some additional ideas.
I was reading Dr. Bob's post about where will we possibly go next year. I am very happy with our past place but am open to going elsewhere if it is necessary. It might be good to visit some other places to enjoy some variety. I am willing to volunteer my help Dr. Bob if you host it at your place.
I might suggest staying at he Port St. Joe Marina, 340 Marina Drive, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456 - 850-227-9393. I have stayed there many times and they really do roll out the red carpet for you.
Guest slips available, enough space to dock 20+ C-Dorys.
Winter rates $1.00 per foot - summer rates $1.50 per foot.
Electricity, water, ice, bathrooms, showers, gas, diesel, free pumpout.
Dock Side Cafe at the marina (excellent sea food).
Park with public boat ramp.
Truck/boat trailer parking area.
Piggy Wiggly grocery about 1000 feet away, Motels nearby.
Move gallery, coffee shop, dry cleaners, within walking distance.
Good fishing, Scalloping, Tennis courts, Golf course (18 holes).
Put your head together and come up with some additional ideas.
First of all I want to thank everyone who made the event a success . It was lots of fun and the pleasure is ours! We appreciate our customers more than you might think and have not totally ruled out having it here again .
Dave ,Port St. Joe might be a great idea as I can probably work something out with them that would be good . Its a neat bay and the Port Saint Joe/Cape San Blas [and surrounding areas] are great to explore . Scalloping ends in Sept. but that is one of my favorite pastimes . Might have to do a scalloping event sometime between July 1 and the second week in Sept.
I am enjoying seeing the pictures appear on the site and am looking forward to more !
Marc
Dave ,Port St. Joe might be a great idea as I can probably work something out with them that would be good . Its a neat bay and the Port Saint Joe/Cape San Blas [and surrounding areas] are great to explore . Scalloping ends in Sept. but that is one of my favorite pastimes . Might have to do a scalloping event sometime between July 1 and the second week in Sept.
I am enjoying seeing the pictures appear on the site and am looking forward to more !
Marc
Here's the album for you guys. Sorry it's late.
Simplicity
New member
Alan and I just got back from Apalachacola and had a WONDERFUL time. Enjoyed meeting new c-bratters and seeing the ones again from last year. Marc, John and their spouses did a great job and we really enjoyed the company and food. After the gathering we cruised upriver to Lake Seminole on Sunday, then to Bainbridge on Monday. We cruised back to Apalachicola on Tuesday darting the rain squalls and stopped in Boss Oysters for some seafood (can't get enough) and then loaded the boat and drove home.
Mike and Boo- Thanks for the tip on Wingate lodge. It was our kind of marina. Laid back and the rate was the best yet. $5.00 inc electricity and smoking wi-fi.
Liked it so much we stayed there Sunday and Monday night.
We must look pretty poor or they liked our boat, because the guy next to us in a (30ft?) sea ray was charged $25.00.
I have posted some pictures of the gathering and will be posting the river cruise.
We will be happy to help in any way we can on the next gathering, wherever it might be. We like Port St. Joe also, but won't be here May-September possibly. Hoping we are in Alaska next summer
Mike and Boo- Thanks for the tip on Wingate lodge. It was our kind of marina. Laid back and the rate was the best yet. $5.00 inc electricity and smoking wi-fi.
Liked it so much we stayed there Sunday and Monday night.
We must look pretty poor or they liked our boat, because the guy next to us in a (30ft?) sea ray was charged $25.00.
I have posted some pictures of the gathering and will be posting the river cruise.
We will be happy to help in any way we can on the next gathering, wherever it might be. We like Port St. Joe also, but won't be here May-September possibly. Hoping we are in Alaska next summer
Thanks Mike.
I put a few photos up. If anyone wants the original size (large files), I would be happy to send them a CD or DVD. A few of the pictures had a little photoshop, when they were compressed, so originals may not have any photoshop enhancements.
Unless you have airconditioning in the C Dory, I would suggest against any gathering during June thru September. Also there is much more chance of hurricanes during this time. I would suggest April/May or October as the best months along the gulf coast.
We like anchoring out, but I realize that there are C dory owners who prefer marinas, or even hotels, so there always have to be compromises.
We have been most fortunate to have had the wonderful facility that John and Sherri have provided for our use the last 4 years.
I put a few photos up. If anyone wants the original size (large files), I would be happy to send them a CD or DVD. A few of the pictures had a little photoshop, when they were compressed, so originals may not have any photoshop enhancements.
Unless you have airconditioning in the C Dory, I would suggest against any gathering during June thru September. Also there is much more chance of hurricanes during this time. I would suggest April/May or October as the best months along the gulf coast.
We like anchoring out, but I realize that there are C dory owners who prefer marinas, or even hotels, so there always have to be compromises.
We have been most fortunate to have had the wonderful facility that John and Sherri have provided for our use the last 4 years.
Dr. Bob,
I was waiting with anticipation for your pictures of our gathering and as usual I was not disappointed. You do a terrific job of covering the event. There were birdhouses there?...I don't know how one could be on site for 4 days and not see them, but I didn't until your picture. I am going to have to start opening my eyes wider.
As to any future gatherings in the panhandle, Judy and I are like you, in that we so enjoy cruising and exploring and dropping the hook for the night or having a great meal at a restaurant or onboard. We are open to everyone’s interest and I am sure we can do it all.
I feel that you and Marie would be outstanding host, but I don't think our next gathering should be entirely on your doorstep, and that the group should expect you or anyone else to serve up breakfast and dinner for 3 days. What Marc and John have done for the past 4 years can not be repeated by any single member of this group nor should it be expected.
My suggestion is simple. With your and other members who live in the Pensacola area local knowledge we put together a marked chart of the amenities in the area, ie: hotels, marinas, restaurants (reachable by water) or short walk from a nearby dockage, ramps, trailer parking and of course your house. Then you decide if you would like to have the gang over on one of the days for a throw down.
Knowing that you have dockage for those who would like to avoid the hook or marinas could call port, but would not be expecting curb service every day, only using a little bit of electric and maybe a hot shower.
I think that this basic core of a plan would be a workable start for putting together a very enjoyable agenda that would allow for more cruising time. Just parking the boat for 3 days with a short cruise is not enough boating time in my opinion.
I look forward to hearing from others so we can get started on the next event. If spring is the choice of the group as a whole, then it is not that far away....unless you live up north, then it is like..Forever.
I was waiting with anticipation for your pictures of our gathering and as usual I was not disappointed. You do a terrific job of covering the event. There were birdhouses there?...I don't know how one could be on site for 4 days and not see them, but I didn't until your picture. I am going to have to start opening my eyes wider.
As to any future gatherings in the panhandle, Judy and I are like you, in that we so enjoy cruising and exploring and dropping the hook for the night or having a great meal at a restaurant or onboard. We are open to everyone’s interest and I am sure we can do it all.
I feel that you and Marie would be outstanding host, but I don't think our next gathering should be entirely on your doorstep, and that the group should expect you or anyone else to serve up breakfast and dinner for 3 days. What Marc and John have done for the past 4 years can not be repeated by any single member of this group nor should it be expected.
My suggestion is simple. With your and other members who live in the Pensacola area local knowledge we put together a marked chart of the amenities in the area, ie: hotels, marinas, restaurants (reachable by water) or short walk from a nearby dockage, ramps, trailer parking and of course your house. Then you decide if you would like to have the gang over on one of the days for a throw down.
Knowing that you have dockage for those who would like to avoid the hook or marinas could call port, but would not be expecting curb service every day, only using a little bit of electric and maybe a hot shower.
I think that this basic core of a plan would be a workable start for putting together a very enjoyable agenda that would allow for more cruising time. Just parking the boat for 3 days with a short cruise is not enough boating time in my opinion.
I look forward to hearing from others so we can get started on the next event. If spring is the choice of the group as a whole, then it is not that far away....unless you live up north, then it is like..Forever.
Agreement here,
We should not expect Bob and Marie to do all the work. There are enough of us nearby to help out with planning and leg work. There are lots of good places to tie up and eat over here, in fact I'll bet there are 50 vacant slips at Homeport Marina (Lulus) right now. If we ate supper there I'll bet we could spend the night for free. Maybe we should get together a planned route taking us from marina to marina or host with a new destination every day. Just a thought. We could get in more boating hours that way and keep Mike happy!
I would be willing to find someplace that would welcome us for one of the nights.
Roger will be here in a few minutes, I'll ask him what he thinks
Dan
We should not expect Bob and Marie to do all the work. There are enough of us nearby to help out with planning and leg work. There are lots of good places to tie up and eat over here, in fact I'll bet there are 50 vacant slips at Homeport Marina (Lulus) right now. If we ate supper there I'll bet we could spend the night for free. Maybe we should get together a planned route taking us from marina to marina or host with a new destination every day. Just a thought. We could get in more boating hours that way and keep Mike happy!
I would be willing to find someplace that would welcome us for one of the nights. Roger will be here in a few minutes, I'll ask him what he thinks
Dan
I think Dan's idea is excellent. A lot of those facilities in that area are really, really cool.
I vote we go in Oct. rather than early spring, some of us are contemplating putting together a Tenn-Tom cruise in March-April.
Tennessee River to Mobile. More on that later, but anyone whose interested pipe in.
I vote we go in Oct. rather than early spring, some of us are contemplating putting together a Tenn-Tom cruise in March-April.
Tennessee River to Mobile. More on that later, but anyone whose interested pipe in.
We had a great time . Thanks Mac, John and gang. Another wonderful year to remember. Your parties will be hard to top. We got home yesterday afternoon. We suggest Comfort Inn Pensacola Beach for a gathering next year. It has rooms, marinas, and food. Also, large patio outback for group. Just a thought. We have a blog of our trip at http://tripsbyadventure.blogspot.com/ with pictures. Also, there are some pictures on our facebook page -- carl woodall
Bill and Brenda Russell
New member
Hello Everyone
Here it is Nov. 30 and we finally have our country internet up and running.
We always look forward to the Gulf Coast Gathering in October and like others feel that Wefings should continue as our sponsor of the web site just to promote our boats and spur sales. Marc and John are great host and we want to continue our warm relations with them.
However, the members could shoulder planning and logistics. There are many cities that are boater friendly offering dockage, water, power, pump out and SHOWERS at no charge to attract business.
March is our normal time for the first cruise of the year. Launching at Paris Landing State Park and head south down the TomBigbee for a week or so.
Bill and Brenda Russell
Here it is Nov. 30 and we finally have our country internet up and running.
We always look forward to the Gulf Coast Gathering in October and like others feel that Wefings should continue as our sponsor of the web site just to promote our boats and spur sales. Marc and John are great host and we want to continue our warm relations with them.
However, the members could shoulder planning and logistics. There are many cities that are boater friendly offering dockage, water, power, pump out and SHOWERS at no charge to attract business.
March is our normal time for the first cruise of the year. Launching at Paris Landing State Park and head south down the TomBigbee for a week or so.
Bill and Brenda Russell
Bill's idea comes to mind we could have a "cruise" from one point to another: There are ways that the trailer logistics can be worked out by a two couples who arrive early, and our Excursion seats 8 comfortably--plus driver, so we could have it at the destination and then drive 8 back to teh beginning to pick up their tow rigs.