Jan 2005 Outing Report

By Lee Macdonald

 

Our first outing of 2005 was held at Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee .  Daytime temperatures were in the high 70s with it cooling to low 60s at night. It was delightful and typical of Florida this time of year.  20 rigs arrived by Thursday and the remaining 5 came in on Friday including Gene Kisner guest of Bill and Lynn De Sepio . The park caters to rallies providing ample somewhat shaded full service sites and a pleasant Rec Hall and kitchen. Rod Coe, campground manager, extended a warm welcome to us all, gave us a brief history of the park and information on tours and caravans.  Many of the group ventured out to Joe ’s Crab House and enjoyed seafood Thursday evening. 

Friday most of the morning was spent visiting and catching up on news. Some went shopping in the many stores in the area.  We were treated to a Champagne Toast and tour in the afternoon by John and Janie Nunes, our new members, who recently took possession of their beautiful new 2005 Journey. Happy hour followed over at the Rec hall. We all enjoyed supper of hobo spaghetti and meatballs prepared by Lee Macdonald , Jan Miles and Marlene Sholtes .  We topped it off with ice cream sundaes for dessert.  Entertainment followed consisting of a rousing game of Bunco capably lead by Virgin Vandervlugt and Florence Allen. Buddy Webb was the big winner with the most Buncos and Games.

Saturday morning WC Herndon and George Shaughnessy whipped up stacks of pancakes which were served with fresh blueberries, bananas, butter and syrup.  Charlie Travers kept the pots full of fresh coffee coming as he usually does all weekend long. The dishes were cleared away and work continued on the shirts we are decorating to wear at the State Rally in March and again at GNR. 

Happy hour was fun and the Disney bedecked Raffle Babes sold a lot of tickets for our monthly raffle. Nineteen super prizes were won by lucky ticket holders. 

Helen & WC Herndon prepared our club’s roast pork tenderloins for our dinner. Members brought salads and veggies accompaniments and we all sat and enjoyed a hearty meal.  We were able to finish dinner early enough so that many could venture out and enjoy the Old Cars and activities at Old Town located next door to the campground.

Sunday morning at dawn many of us awoke to the whooshing sound of gas burners and were delighted when we looked outside and saw a procession of hot air balloons.  About a dozen passed directly overhead and we exchanged greeting waves with the occupants and gave our cameras a workout.

We held our meeting after donuts and coffee during which the 2005 Officers were installed.  They are President Rick Bunn , Vice President Charlie Travers , Secretary Lee Macdonald , Treasurer Damaris Travers , Board of Directors Chairman George Shaughnessy and Members Florence Allen, Barbara Drapeau , Bob Gill , WC Herndon , Ed Miles and Marge Shaughnessy . The officers and board members do a great job in planning our outings but it is the support, effort and cooperation of all our members working together that make this such a fun filled chapter. 

Having reached the end of our outing we said our good-bys and wished each other well until we meet again.