Space Coast Winnies

February 2008 Outing

By Ken Buckley

The Space Coast Winnies had their February meeting at the facility of the Florida Flywheelers, located in Fort Meade, Florida. This was a five day event in which we had ten coaches attending, and it was co-hosted by Diane & Don Hawthorne and Jo-Anne & Ken Buckley. Our special guests were Dick & Mikki Dodge, Winnebago Eastern Area Representatives.

The purpose of the Florida Fly Wheelers is to preserve a part of our heritage for all future generations and historians to enjoy. Its members restore, maintain, and display antique engines, automobiles, tractors, farm and agricultural equipment, heavy equipment, steam engines, and practice heritage crafts to preserve the farm and rural small town life of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Upon arrival, most members strolled through a huge flea market that was part of this facility until their feet gave out. Also, as part of this facility included a colonial-era village with people dressed in period costume, and antiques of all types. Of particular emphasis were farm tractors that went back to the early 1900's, tracker pulls for kids and adults, daily parades, and daily and nightly entertainment.

The members met every morning for coffee and danish then they left to partake in the daily events of the Fly Wheelers. On Thursday night, members cooked hot dogs and hamburgs under difficult conditions, as it was raining and we had to eat under the awnings of two motorhomes put together. On Saturday night, the campout co-hosts prepared a "hobo soup" that was enjoyed by everyone.

Each evening, members got together to play cards, and on Friday night, members bowled against each other using Thumper & Iva's WII video game. Sunday morning members said good-by and we all departed Fort Meade, Florida.

Paul Ragona

321-633-5645