CALOOSA WINNIES  

December 2006 outing

Local Chapter
By Nancy Miller

 Christmas was celebrated early at the Caloosa Winnies campout November 30 – December 3, 2006 at Little Willies RV Resort, in Arcadia, Florida. Co-hosts for the weekend were the officers, Jerry & Nancy Miller, Bill & Sue Fuss, Jim & Jane O’Neill. The weekend started with warm, sunny weather on Thursday with Happy Hour, as we shared information about our summer travels. We were delighted to welcome new members Jim & Sally Rayburn, and Charlie & Ellen Zucker.  Other members attending were Chuck & Ruby Bagby, and Lee & Zeline Wishing. Our Potluck dinner for the evening included “Walking Tacos”, a GNR specialty, along with wonderful dishes prepared by members, followed by an Ice Cream Social. After dinner some of the group played cards and games. 

Friday morning bright and early was the Pancake Breakfast with all the trimmings, served by the officers. Our activity for the day was a journey to Solomon’s Castle, a really unique attraction! Mr. Solomon built a “castle” from old scrap printing plates and rooms full of sculptures made from

 scrap materials. Each sculpture was unique in design and all had titles! On the property was the Boat in the Moat Restaurant which Mr. Solomon built and it really was a “boat” in a moat complete with a mother alligator and babies! We all enjoyed lunch and a tour of the other parts of the property. Later back at the campground some of us played Ladder Golf, provided by the Zuckers. After Happy Hour, we caravanned to Reef & Beef Restaurant for a great dinner. The remainder of the evening we learned some new games thanks to the Zuckers, which created lots of laughs!

      Saturday morning was our Potluck Breakfast – it’s always amazing we have so many different dishes to choose from! The business meeting followed, with much discussion on our plans for decorations at the Winnie Gators State Rally in March, 2007. A Christmas craft project was next on the agenda with the ladies making a decorative wreath from grapevines. After lunch we brainstormed on decorations for the Rally backdrop and table decorations. With all the creative minds thinking – we came up with several great ideas, and members volunteered to take on special projects.      At Happy Hour we had a “White Elephant” exchange and everyone took home a prized possession! We also donated Christmas gifts to be distributed to church requesting donations for underprivileged children. “Santa” collected a huge bag for Christmas delivery! Dinner was Ham and Scalloped Potatoes prepared by the hosts, along with dishes provided by the members. Later in the evening we sharpened our skills at playing Dominoes and enjoyed the camaraderie. 

Sunday morning breakfast was donuts, bagels, fruit and all the trimmings before we said our farewells. Everyone decided our January 4 – 7 campout at Sun ‘N’ Fun RV Resort at Sarasota sounded like fun, along with getting our Rally decorations completed.

Anyone traveling in our area is WELCOME to join us – check the “Who’s Inviting Travelers” section for the dates & places for our group!

Contact: Nancy Miller
239-574-2511