On Thursday, February 4^th Utopia (Kris and Rich Weiner), Christina (Chris and Len Burger), Mad Hatter (Shirley and Ed Hatter), and Jan’s Joy (Jan and Jamie Magirl) left Fort Myers for an RPYC cruise to the east coast of Florida.  On Friday, February 5^th, Carol and Rich Geib, and Lynn and Tom Laskey left aboard Severance Package to rendevous with the group.  While the ultimate destination of the cruise for most was the Miami Boat Show, the Magirls had limited time (They were due back for Mr. Edison’s birthday.), but wanted to do the locks, cross Lake O, and see a few east coast harbors.  The first night for all was spent in Clewiston at Roland Martin’s marina – definitely a unique experience!  On Friday the first group had a great Lake crossing – calm seas, but cool weather all the way to Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club where they enjoyed a great dinner.  The next morning everyone toured the grounds by golf cart, and awaited the arrival of Severence Package – who joined the group that afternoon.  That evening everyone watched Captain Ron on the Weiner’s boat, and Sunday left together for Old Port Cove, a grilled dinner, and the Superbowl.  Unfortunately, the Magirls had to leave on Monday, but had a good trip back to Cape Coral.  The rest of the group continued on to Coral Ridge Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale, rode the water taxis, and saw Avatar at the Imax Theatre.  On Thursday, everyone continued their journey to Williams Island Marina in Aventura, where Karen and Bob Thomas joined the group to attend the Miami Boat Show.  Friday everyone went to the Convention Center, and Saturday most went to the In Water Dealer Show on Collins.  Saturday evening the Laskeys left for commitments back home, while the rest of the boats attempted to celebrate Valentines Day, but ended up eating leftovers aboard!  FYI – the traffic in Aventura made it impossible to get to dinner!   The next day it was off to Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club.  After arriving, all met at the Harbor Master’s office (which is also a great outdoor bar), and were joined by Bob and Doris Ferry, and where Zack, the harbor master made the group his famous Zack Attacks.  Zack won’t divulge the recipe, but there is a lot of rum in them!  Following a few rounds of those, everyone returned to their boats to get ready for dinner in the grill room of the yacht club.  All got a good night’s rest, and Monday met in whites to play croquet.  After the Weiners beat everyone, it was time for a great buffet lunch at the Club – so much no one needed dinner!  After lunch it was time to say good bye to the Thomas’s and Ferrys, who were returning home for other commitments.  Tuesday, it was  off to West Palm and Palm Harbor Marina, a great new marina at the foot of the Flagler Bridge.  West Palm just underwent a great waterfront renovation, and this marina is a terrific addition.  The Burgers were joined by old boating friends staying in the area, and all went to Bradley’s for a great dinner.  Wednesday everyone rode their bikes across the bridge for a tour of the spectacular homes in Palm Beach, and a guided tour of the Flagler Museum – another wonderful part of Florida history.  That evening all enjoyed heavy hor d’ouevres in the marina’s boater’s room, and watched The Boynton Beach Club on their large screen TV.  Thursday, 2/18 it was off to Admiral’s Cove Marina in Jupiter, where some enjoyed the hot tub, steam room, and spa offerings before dinner at The Bayside Grill.   On Friday the Christina, Mad Hatter, and Severance Package left for Palm City and the Harborage Marina, while the Weiners proceeded north to The Moorings in Vero Beach to visit with their daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons.  On Saturday, the Christina, Mad Hatter, and Severence Package enjoyed another great Lake crossing to Roland Martin’s Marina, where Ed and Shirley Hatter hosted a wonderful spaghetti dinner.  Following a great breakfast at Roland Martin’s, it was time for the final ride home.  The Weiner’s went to River Forest East in Stuart for the day where they met friends for dinner, and continued their last leg of the trip home on Monday. 

 

The trip was truly unique due to the record number of cold fronts, wind, and cold weather days (We only wore shorts one day!), but it holds a lot of fond memories and challenges met for all that participated!