Okeechobee Landing, Clewiston, Fl. February 2005

Barbara Wilson, Editor

It’s hard for me to realize that some of us are about to hit the road again. With the short camping season caused by the hurricanes, it seems like most of us have just got things unpacked and here it is time to pack it back up again. I personally feel that I am a pro now with all the packing and unpacking going on, however I am not sure which I enjoy the most. One thing for sure though I am glad I can do both. If this newsletter catches up with you before you leave, travel safe and we will catch up with you in October.

This month Treasure Coast Traveler’s returned to Okeechobee Landing in Clewiston. This campground suffered a good bit of damage from the hurricanes, but have managed to get their camp sites back in shape. We had a beautiful weekend with the weather cooperating to the fullest. It was bright, sunny with a little breeze that made the day time perfect for getting a head start on a little suntan. When the sun set though long sleeves and a jacket were necessary. But all in all was gorgeous weather.

We had eight rigs in attendance: Gail & Billy Barnes; Art & Odette Hayes; Bob & Joyce Somerday; Frank & Claudia Mays; Dick & Shelia Lemoi; Ralph & Barbara Wilson; Frank & Fran Daidone; and prospective members John & Lou Klaiber. Several rigs arrived on Thursday so they could have extra time for visiting and relaxing.

Friday members gathered at the bocce ball field. Games ended a little early so that we all could have an early Happy Hour, after all it was 5 o’clock somewhere. Thanks to Billy & Gail Barnes and Bob & Joyce Somerday for sharing highlights of their trip to Mardi Gras in New Orleans (article below). Later we all gathered around Frank & Claudia Mays proverbial campfire for Claudia’s homemade chili, a salad to die for that was made by Joyce Somerday and deserts provided by Sheila Lemoi and Barbara Wilson. Thanks guys for your contribution to our figures. They did however assure everyone that all calories had been removed. Thanks to everyone that made this day so enjoyable.

Saturday morning everyone rolled out of bed to enjoy a fabulous breakfast at Frank & Fran Daidones. Fran made pancakes & sausage and served a mouth-watering fruit cup along with juice and coffee to the sixteen of us. Thanks guys it was yummy! As soon as we finished eating, many of us strolled over to the clubhouse for the little flea market that is held only on Saturday morning while others went for a drive to see the local scenery and to scope out prospective campgrounds. That evening we all made our way to Sonny's Bar-b-Cue for our dinner. Actually no one complained since this gave the ladies a break from having to prepare the Saturday night pot luck.

The weather was a little chilly for some of us so we decided to visit indoors and share hurricane stories in a warm and cozy environment. Others toughed it out and played cards outdoors behind the clubhouse. Brrrr…now you know I was one that visited indoors.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to John & Joanne Huff who celebrate their first year of wedding bliss. Happy Anniversary guys!

GET WELL WISHES

TCT members wish a speedy recovery to John Huffes Aunt who is recovering from injuries from a recent fall and also to Gail Barnes mother who is recovering from heart problems.

CONDOLENCES

TCT wants to express condolences to Ann & George Metz in the passing of Ann's Aunt; and to former members Ken & Darlene Collette in the passing of Ken's mother.

Our next campout will be held at South Bay RV Campground in South Bay, Fl. Remember, this particular campout will be during the week instead of on the weekend. We hope that this will not hurt our attendance.

Sunday morning is always a busy time for everyone as we prepare to depart the campground, but we made time to gather at the Barnes’ for coffee and chatter. This gave us a chance to say goodbyes to the members that will be away for most of the summer months.

WIT MARDI GRAS TOUR by Gail Barnes

Mardi Gras 2005 was a blast! This trip started with great anticipation over 6 months prior to departure. We sent our check in and the waiting game began.

We left Florida in some of the coolest weather that we have ever had and soon discovered the weather conditions were not going to change, but worsen. We scrambled for sweat shirts and jackets along with rain coats for our departure to New Orleans.

After stopping a couple nights in route we finally arrived at the KOA in New Orleans around noon on Wednesday. We were greeted by our WIT Hosts Shirley and JC Johnson and co-host Carol Rayburn. After settling in we met the folks that we would be spending the next seven days with. We were given goodie bags with mementos of Mardi Gras past and a schedule which built our anticipation of what was to come.

Later we met at the bus, which by the way was a god-send as the traffic in New Orleans was unbelievable. We started the tour at Rivertown Mardi Gras Museum and enjoyed a welcome dinner at the Captains Quarters. This was our first sampling of good things to come. Shirley announced that our guest speaker, Dr. Russo was their dentist, friend and member of both Thoke and Rex Krewes. He spoke on the selection process of the float riders and the selection process of the Kings & Queeens. The surprise of it all was that he invited us to tour the two dens where the floats were put together.

Many great things took place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We had a fabulous Jazz Brunch buffet at the Court of Two Sisters Restaurant in the old French Quarters, a riverboat ride, sampled fried turkey prepared by the local WIT chapter and Jambalaya prepared by one our host’s friends and we were even welcomed to New Orleans by the city Mayor of Harahan. Visiting the cities attractions National D-day Museum and the New Orleans School of Cooking just rounded the days out. One thing for sure, we never got bored.

Our first parade was the Endymion parade. We were all very excited and not having any idea of what to expect, positioned ourselves for viewing and for catching the throws from the floats. We all came home with plenty of mixed colorful beads. The next day and the following days were the same. Every now and then we would catch a very special necklace, bracelet or trinket. Those are the ones that made the soreness in your arms seem worth while.

Days passed by and you didn’t want it to end but as they say "all good things must end" and this was one of those good things. Even though you were exhausted you pulled yourself up and participated. Our final dinner was so great. We all were just pooped out but our Hosts kept the dance floor hot. Shirley and JC really went the whole way to make out trip most enjoyable.

Would I recommend this trip, most certainly? We had a great time. It was well planned and every day was exciting.