Our latest Bimini Basin Raft up began Friday with seven of the eight signed up boats showing up and braving the windy conditions to settle at anchor in the Basin. Hors’douvres  were shared that evening and along with the traditional conversations.  Saturday saw us waking up to a full pancake, sausage and coffee breakfast prepared by Co leaders Gary and Kathy Tapken. Of course, we also had Bloodies and Mimosas to spice things up. After breakfast we broke up into groups and talked about everything under the sun. Our last boat arrived (the Fuechsels) and completed our raft. Others came by land (the Pancoasts with the help of the shuttle craft-) and some by kayak (the Perrys-with a little help from Pat) Lunch was on our own and lead us to a spirited game of Trivial Pursuit.  We split up into three teams and the competition was on. We used period questions (yes from the old days) and I think we were all surprised at how little we remembered! The team of Jim Barnhart, Herb and Helen Schneider and Chuck and Carol Fuechsel pulled away at the end and were awarded the hand made (by Debbie Roush) Golden Raft!

Dinner was spiral cut ham, macaroni salad and baked beans. A great dinner. We talked into the evening when Chuck Fuechsel brought out his guitar and captivated us with his songs (some were risque’) and his playing. What a great way to finish the evening. There was some talk about a brief affair between Bob Thomas and Buddy (some photographic evidence is on the site) but things settled down by late evening!

The next morning was started with left over ham and rolls, Kathy’s home made crumb cake and the prerequisite Bloodies and Mimosas.  Jim and Bonnie Barhart arranged for all of their batteries to go dead overnite to give the guys something to occupy themselves with. After a while and the strangest collection of cables wires and extension cords, the batteries were brought back to life and the boat started up.

The raft broke up about tennish and everyone was on their way. Another successful Bimini  Basin Raft up.

Pat & Debbie Roush

Gary & Kathy Tapken