The run from our perspective.
We got to the bus at around 11;00 a.m. and there were a few boats (3) already there. It was super easy to find for our first trip out there.
The weather was awesome!!! not too hot, not too windy, Perfect breeze to give fresh air and keep the lake waters calm.
Laura and I pulled up to the lake shore and parked on the Hyacinths where we promptly got stuck. But it was expected since our boat was LOADED down woth all sorts of supplies. I brought 5 or 6 tarps - every one of which ended up getting used for everything from a table cloth for the buffet, to a rain awning during the light rain that came thru, to even a protector/cushion to keep the big fire grating from scratching the paint on BigD's boat. (you can keep that Tarp BigD)
When we first arrived, a kind old gent walked over from his boat and politely informed us that there were going to be a ton of airboaters meeting here later on. I knew he was one of us from that comment. It was Dave from Panther Airboats. What a cool guy!
Laura and I began unloading our gear and scouted the site for the best place to set up a camp. We chose a spot with hard clean ground, no ant nest nearby, a couple of firepits already dug and good trees to lean on, sit under & shade everyone and supply good shelter if bad weather found us. I nailed my big map to a tree for all to use. During afternoon & evening, I saw many over at the map studying it. I'm happy that so many were able to get some use out of that thing.
Some old timers in kick-butt little one seater airboats told us the story of the milk bus as they flirted with Laura. But they left long before the main group of boaters showed up.
It was not long before Cntry, A1mudpuppy & the new basket-bombshell showed up. Airboat4Fun introduced himself and LIVED UP TO HIS NAME!!! Let me tell you - That guy can DRIVE an airboat!!! He was camping over at THomas Landing and We hitched a ride on his killer boat over there to take a tour. Laura had the video camera rolling when he did some 360's in a mud flat, and never lost forward motion - meaning the boar was proceeding on course with the prop first at one point! Dang. that was scarry and so much fun!!! Laura wants to upload the video, but has limited internet connection at her new job. It may take a little time till that is available.
Back at the bus, I saw Rick's boat arrive, but it was only Rick aboard. I was fearing that I'd have to add another skirted stick-figure to my map of the marsh! It turned out that he had parked at the south end of the TONS of boats there.... and I only saw him as he was moving his boat up to the other end of the group. Theresa just walked the line of boats.
The food was AMAZING! I never had such a tasty burger Faron! And the sausages were indeed good. Thanks to all who brought some chow!
We were having such a fun time enjoying the moonset and the nighttime stars, the campfire and the cool breeze off the lake, we decided that we'd skip the marsh ride. Instead, after all the boats had left, we sat in our comfy chairs watching the guys frogging in Tiger Creek Marsh across the lake. The lake was almost perfectly calm that night. We took a quick ride around the edge and out across the lake. It was downright beautiful.
Reluctantly and for some unknown reason, we let BigD & BPS talk us into following them back to Camp Mack. Laura and I were on the edge of deciding to go camping right there on the spot. But once the boat was loaded back up we could not get back to the ramp fast enough. What a great feeling to drive out on such a large open lake on such a calm moonless night!
Back at the ramp we found our laid-back 'no-rush' mentality again. We got to see Stan go swimming unexpectedly and the hole in his motor. I swear there must have been a sniper with a .50 cal rifle out there somewhere. That is what the hole looked like. I was very impressed that SOMEONE (not sure who) carried such a heavy duty towing rig with them. And yes there was a live little bass laying in the back of Stan's boat at the ramp. Funny thing is about that... it was laying up there along with a small shiner. It looks like the shiner jumped into the stern of the boat and the bass followed. I flipped them boath back into the water so they could resume their chase.
Even though we skipped the marsh ride, both Laura & I agree that this was the most fun SouthernAirboat outing ever. If the pattern continues, the next one will be better still.
And we noticed that the list of things that need fixing before the next ride is getting to be a VERY short list! And the boat is performing better and better each time.
Thanks to all who were involved, and if you missed this one... Make sure you make the next!!!
matt.