Funtime Travelers
December 2002 Outing

The following article is submitted by Anne and Dean Crewdson, Co-Secretaries, Funtime Travelers, Local Florida Chapter:

It appeared the Funtime Travelers were in for another "unFlorida" weekend when we gathered at the Encore Superpark, Sarasota South, December 6, 7 and 8, 2002.  Were we going to have a repeat of the torrential rains we had all weekend last month? Nine coaches arrived Friday during misty, rainy, and chilly weather.  But we were lucky this time that bad weather lasted only Friday and by late Saturday morning the sun was shining and temperatures turned warm.  So much so that two of our members, Kathy Bolan and Ellen Tupper, decided to go for a swim in the 86 degree pool water.  Besides the nine coaches registered for the weekend we were joined by Lois and Arnold Tackett for supper on both Friday and Saturday evenings.  Arnold has been under the weather during the past few weeks but decided to come out for some of the activities.

Hosts for the weekend were Helen and Ward Marlatt and Anne and Dean Crewdson.  Supper on Friday evening was held at the 44th Bomber Squadron at the Venice airport.  We arrived in time to order early bird specials or items from the regular dinner menu.  After dinner Kathy Bolan led a caravan through Venice to view holiday lights and decorations.  We then returned to the campground for games in the clubhouse.

A potluck breakfast began our Saturday activities.  The chapter meeting was held afterwards.  Some items discussed were:  Winnie-Gators State meeting to be held January 17-19, 2003, at Tropical Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL;  Toys for Tots donated by the chapter will be delivered to the local Marine Corps Center by the President;  the new Vice President will locate new/different campgrounds for future chapter campouts;  get well wishes were extended to Irene Dickelman who experienced a bad fall, breaking her arm in several places and sustaining cuts and  bruises.

A wine and cheese cocktail hour was hosted by the Crewdsons after lunch to bid farewell to the past officers and welcome the new officers.  Artice and Larry Moore surprised us with a visit and gave us some highlights of the Lewis and Clark caravan they will be leading next year.

Before we knew it, it was time for us to caravan to the Saltwater Cafe in Nokomis for supper.  As part of the chapter's Christmas program each couple attending supper was given $10.00 to say Merry Christmas and thank you from the chapter for a great year of fellowship.  We returned to the campground for a Chinese/Scottish gift exchange and then dessert and coffee.  Those who could still stay awake decided to play dominoes before calling it a night.

On Sunday morning a continental breakfast was held before goodbye's and happy holiday wishes were extended.  Members expressed their thanks to the hosts, Marlatts and Crewdsons, for providing a happy year end campout.

Contact:  Ward and Helen Marlatt, Co-Presidents
               941-753-9273
               e-mail:  cwhcmarlatt@msn.com