South Florida Winnie-Gators

The last campout of the season was held at Jolly Roger RV Park in Marathon in the Florida Keys with 18 member and three guest rigs attending. Our weekend started out a little on the wet side because of Tropical Storm Barry, but this did not bother us at our favorite campout location. We still managed to get into the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy the wonderful bay water floating on our “noodles”. For dinner, most of our members ventured to the Key Colony Inn where we enjoyed delicious seafood. We had quite a few guests for this campout. We welcomed our State Presidents Linda & Dan Tuzzolo; Bob & Joan Gill’s grandson Jarrett; John & Marijo Bierie’s daughter Bridget Heap and her children McKenna and Wyatt; two return visitors Dick & Sandie Williamson and Jim & Karen Dunn, who were voted in as members.

It was still raining Friday morning. A few members traveled down to Key West, enjoying the beautiful scenery and water views along the way. In the afternoon, we had a champagne toast to Andre & Andrea Meyers new motor home, a 2008 40-foot Ellipse with four slides. We wished them many happy and safe miles. Happy hour was held in the pavilion where we had our 50/50 raffle. The lucky winners were Jim Wilson, Karen Dunn and Linda Cheatum. Ed & Jan Miles provided our evening meal of grilled fish sandwiches and chips. Damaris Travers prepared her famous delicious cole slaw. The chefs were Ed Miles, Bob Gill, Joe Sholtes, George Shaughnessy and Marcel Drapeau. Bruce Cheatum was an all around helper. For dessert, Marcel made his yummy funnel cakes, assisted by Bob Gilll and Bruce Cheatum. Our entertainment for the evening was Chase the Ace won by Ed Miles. Chuck Seager was not present. This game always results in rampant jocularity!

Saturday morning weather was an improvement, 85 degrees and sunny. We dined on our world famous Winnie McMuffins and Hash Browns cooked by George Shaughnessy and Bob Gill. Helpers were Bruce & Linda Cheatum, Joe & Marlene Sholtes, Edna Heins and Marge Shaughnessy. There is no end to the help within this chapter!

Our happy hour Raffle Babes were quite a surprise. We were introduced to the hula sisters, Ed (Comonawannaleia) Miles and Ken (Leiawannacomonya) Perry. The riotous antics of these two “hula babes” was hilarious. Raucous laughter could be heard for miles. Lotsa fun! Bartender Joe Sholtes also kept everyone supplied with their favorite refreshments.

Another meal was provided by Ed & Jan Miles and consisted of Shrimp and Veggie Kabobs grilled “on the Barbie”. Grill masters were Marcel Drapeau, Bob Gill, George Shaughnessy and Joe Sholtes. Corn on the cob, rice and salads were prepared by Dan & Linda Tuzzolo, Becky Bunn, Bob Gill, Lee Macdonald, Sylvia Smith, and Peter & Virgin Vandervlugt. For dessert we were treated to a delicious cake provided by Ray & Joan Heath celebrating their 50^th Wedding Anniversary.

Our evening was spent sitting on the seawall enjoying the soft, warm breezes off the Gulf of Mexico.

Sunday morning breakfast was bagels with cream cheese and mimosas, followed by our monthly meeting. Some members had to leave but a few of us stayed behind to enjoy the area a few more days. We said our good byes for the summer as many headed out for travels up north and on to the GNR.