CALOOSA WINNIES
November 2007 Outing
By Nancy Miller

November 1 – 4, 2007 was the kickoff weekend for our camping season at Riverside RV Resort near Arcadia, Florida. We had a record 18 coaches in attendance including 5 visitors! Members attending were Chuck & Ruby Bagby, Bob & Jackie Coy, Bill & Sue Fuss, Bud & Paula Geng, Al & Cathy Goebel, Kathryn Griffin, Phil & Shirley Halstead, Jack & Lorene MacGregor, Jerry & Nancy Miller, Jim & Jane O’Neill, John Peacock, Carol Mastro, and Barbara Wood. We were delighted to welcome new members that  joined our group at GNR and also at this campout;  Paul Revell, Jack & Ceil Hanna,  John & Ella Thornton, Ed & Lucille Brodeur, Walter & Belinda Feldgoise, Bobby & Sallie Lesesne, Bob & Chris Ross, Harlan & Barbara Evans.  Other visitors joined us for the day Friday, Gary & Gail Darner. They have ordered a Navion and are anxiously awaiting their new arrival!

Jerry Miller assisted drivers as they arrived at the campground with parking, and under a sky with occasional rain showers, everyone was settled in before Happy Hour commenced at 4:00PM. Stories of summer travels was the topic of conversations, and soon dinner was ready. Hosts for the weekend were Millers and Halsteads. Swedish Meatballs and a variety of side dishes provided by the members was served, and an ice cream social complete with all the toppings was dessert. After dinner several card games were set up as well as dominoes for our entertainment.

Friday morning dawned another beautiful day and the hosts – with helpers – served a pancake breakfast. A “Rally Roundup” meeting was held to discuss our plans for decorations at the Winnie Gators State Rally to be held March 6 – 9, 2008. The theme is “Fiesta Del Sol” which gave us lots of ideas to work with. After a couple hours of discussion we were set on what we needed to prepare ahead. At 2:00pm it was time for Beanbag Baseball. Last spring we ended our season in a tie with the men and women teams at a tie for games won. So this was THE playoff!

John Thornton, new Caloosa member, playing bean bag baseball

 Unfortunately for the women, the men trounced us and we don’t want to talk about the score! However, there will be other opportunities for the women to save face! At 4:00pm we shared in Happy Hour and caravanned for dinner to Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill, and a delicious meal was served. Back at the clubhouse the game of the evening was Bingo – Paula Geng was a multiple game winner!

Saturday morning we awoke to a “cold front” – if you can call it that in Florida – the temperature was in the 60’s and we were REALLY happy to see it! Breakfast was pot luck and what a great variety of food!! No one would go away hungry – we have THE BEST cooks! At 10:00am the business meeting was held, some of the details for State Rally preparation were discussed as this time we had the men in the meeting so they could be up to speed on the plans. We shared various tips on Rving which is always informative for everyone. Our next campout will be combined with the Funtime Travelers which will be fun for all as we celebrate Christmas. Soon it was time for Phil Halstead and his helpers to fry turkey for our Thanksgiving celebration dinner! His team gathered around his coach and watched the process! A wonderful spread of dishes prepared by our cooks surrounded the turkey and most of the dishes were empty as we finished the meal! We had guests join us for dinner, Cliff and Brigitte Gilmore, members of the Chardonnay Travelers, CA. We’re always glad when they can join in with us! The rest of the evening was spent playing cards and games.

Sunday morning we all met for our traditional breakfast of donuts, bagels muffins, fruit, and what ever was left from the day before. Soon it was time for departures, we really enjoyed each other company and look forward to an exciting camping season!

If you are traveling in our area we invite visitors to spend the weekend with our group. We can guarantee you a good time with great food and activities! Please check the Who’s Inviting Travelers section for our schedule!

 Nancy Miller
239-574-2511