Lake Kissimmee State Park February
2008
Lake Wales, Florida Editor
– Gail Barnes
On a warm sunny mid
February day the Treasure Coast Travelers made their way over to Lake Kissimmee
in Lake Wales, Florida. We enjoyed the
park so much last year that we had to return for a repeat visit. We had record attendance. Eight TCT members - Billy & Gail Barnes,
Ralph & Barbara Wilson, Billy & Joan Kraftchack, Norman & Annice Griswold,
Larry & Judy Dahns, Steve & Diane Rice, George & Ann Metz and
Joanne Stocking; 2 prospective members Henry & Dianne Johnson and Virgil
& Dolores Schuster; out of state visitors Vern Augspurgert and her friend
Karl visiting from River City Winnies of Ohio and Ed & Gloria Daubel from
the New York Winnies.
TCT
members were welcomed in our campsites by many animals - Sand Hill Cranes, deer
and turkeys. Within 5 minutes of our arrival,
a family of 10 turkeys – yes, real live turkeys - wandered through our
camp. Some of the turkeys had long
beards, huge breasts and a fan of tail feathers that would thrill the hunter in
your family.
Most of the group stayed busy during the
subsequent days and found little time to venture out of the park. A couple of our members visited Bok Tower
Gardens while others hit the path walking and exploring the park. Plans were made ahead for everyone to bring
their bicycles and ride the miles of roads in the park. Barnes, Wilsons and Schusters were off on
the bicycles, some member’s hiked trails, while others stayed in the sites holding
down chairs and playing games. If you decide to remain in your site you can
enjoy the quite pleasures that nature provides and its frequent visits from all
the animals. Lake Kissimmee is one of
the more beautiful state parks in Florida.
As
always our members provided wonderful side dishes to compliment the scrumptious
ham and fruit that was prepared by members Joan & Bill Kraftchak. Thanks Joan & Bill for all your
efforts. How did you manage to cook
that huge ham? It was great! Also thanks for the great breakfast
prepared by Norman & Annice Griswold.
This was just one of the great meals they have prepared.
NEW SCHEDULE –
NOTE CHANGES Campout Schedule 2008 October 17-19 Sun N Fun RV Resort Sarasota, Florida November 17-20 Sebastian Inlet State
Park Sebastian, Florida December 5-8 Manatee Hammock Titusville, Florida 2009 January 19-22 Okee-Tantie Campground
& Marina Okeechobee, Florida February 16-19 Lake Kissimmee State
Park, Lake Wales, Florida March 16-19 Highlands Hammock State
Park, Sebring, Florida
Ralph Wilson celebrated 75 wonderful
years. He also is a very active guy as
he and his wife Barbara ride their bicycles every morning five miles. Ralph is dedicated to his church, his wife
Barbara, his family and has shown over the past 5 yrs that he is pretty
dedicated to TCT. He serves as the best
“Wagon Master” ever. Congrats Ralph! By the way Ralph, the cat’s out of the
bag. I don’t think you will keep your
birthday a secret again.
Ann
& George Metz made a day trip to Lake Kissimmee to visit and bring over our
redesigned banner. We had many campers ask about WIT and our group once the
banner was displayed. Thanks Ann &
George for taking time to provide the banner for our campout. It was great to see Joanne Stocking who traveled
with Ann & George. Welcome back
Joanne.
TCT
officially welcomes two new members at this campout - Dianne & Henry Johnson
and Dolores & Virgil Shuster
both are year-round Florida residents.
Dianne & Henry are newlyweds of 4 blissful years and travels with
their adorable yorky, “Muffin.” Dolores
& Virgil have a few more years of marriage behind them and enjoy their two
“min pins.” A great big welcome to both
couples and we look forward to building long time friendships.
It
was great having visitors Ed & Gloria Daubel and Vern & Karl join
us. Just proves that the “Who’s
Inviting” in the WIT magazine works.
They both planned time in Florida visiting local chapters and we were
one of the lucky ones picked. Yall come
back now – Ya hear!
We
all played washer toss and enjoyed our on-going gender competition. Guys practice up for the upcoming
competition in March at the state rally. Who will take home the traveling
trophy for the 2008 year? Girls we know
the answer – right? Make them sweat!
Leaving
this park after just a couple of days, going home was difficult. This park ranks very high on our list of
memorable parks to visit. Everyone has voted to stay longer next
year.
Our
next campout will be held in Orlando as we travel to the Winnie Gators State
Rally. See you there and travel safe!
As you travel this summer
please be extra careful and stay safe.
We will plan to see everyone in October or November. Billy & I plan to hang around and take
care of some much needed home repairs and possibly find some time for couple of
quick trips.
Have a great summer and
keep in touch.
Gail