Dan, it was indeed a pleasure meeting you. The Southern Airboat Family grows every day, and these rides are like family reunions.
There were a LOT of new faces there for this one. This was no ordinary meeting. Many thanks to the FAA for having the event that drew so many of us together.
I'm really bad with names, and I met so many people Saturday - I apologize if I've left anyone out....
Safari Rick - YOU ROCK! Thanks for hanging back when the group ride left from our stop on the shore of Lake Harney. You did not have to do that at all, but you stayed to make sure no one was left behind. That's what it's all about! Airboaters with a conscience.
Seminole Club Dan - Now, I understand that you and the Dan who made this post are different Dans, right? Meeting so many that day I get easily confused!!! But dang if you did not make some jaws drop when it was determined that it was a bad starter, and you flick out a Nextel and within seconds tell us a replacement starter is on the way. And then only minutes later, here comes a guy walking up the beach with a starter in his hand. Downright Amazing.
I'm a little confused as to who the guy with the starter was... He had something to do with the Seminole Airboat Club. His wife (fiancé?) is Laurie Michaud - the information hub of the club. I hope this get's straightened out so the correct person gets the credit for turning what could have been a day marooned in the hot sun into only a slight delay in our enjoying the ride with the gang.
The guys from Debary who posted asking questions about what they should look for in their first airboat were there.... THANKS for coming out!!!!! I saw you speaking with some of Florida's best of the best airboaters, sponging information and learning about the sport. Once you guys get your boat, you're going to be a great addition to the gang as well. Heck, you already a great addition even as you learn, because the questions you are gonna ask will benefit everyone.
Wade - you're lookin' really good and it was extra nice to see you there at the lodge AGAIN. We always meet up there and no where else! It's OUR stomping ground!!!!

I can't wait till we are both there at the same time and we BOTH have full tanks of gas so we can go riding.
Jeff Lesarra (the frog gig guy) was there with his new product - the mini-boat "Skeeter Hawk". Jeff, I know you read this board, but you've GOT to post more about that little boat!!!! It drew a crowd just sitting in the parking lot.... AGAIN. EVERYONE wants to hear more about that fun little boat. 2 cyl... 2 stroke. Out all day on a portable 7 gallon plastic boat tank. DANG!
Rick - I know you had a chance to take your grandkids down south Redfishing. We know you HAD to do that. Family first. No arguements there. But you really missed a good one, and we missed you there.
Bandit - It's unfortunate that you made a turn and the rest of the group took a different turn and you became seperated. Two things about that... From what I've heard, all thought you were waving off to go exploring on your own - you were not left behind on purpose. Second, it makes a statement for your skill as an airboater that you made your way out and about by yourself and ON YOUR OWN. Kicked out of the nest - so to speak. It's a big place out there with a lot of intimidating trails. YOU DID IT BUDDY!!! That says a lot for your fortitude and boating skill. And besides... you were smart enough to find us and had a chance to share in some of the delicious food. AND you got to get your own scenic tour apart from the group. That's a special treat.
Airboat4fun and Bravo - Thanks for hauling our carcasses on your boats. It was our pleasure and honor to be able to ride with you guys. Our boat is broken right now, and money a little tight to get'r fixed. But we love airboating and our airboating friends. We weren't going to let a "lack of airboat" keep us from enjoying what le love so much! There were SO MANY offers from our friends - (both new and old) to give us a ride, we could not take up everyone on their offers. But every invite for us to ride on your boats means the world to us. I hope we did not insult anyone by declining an invitation. This group absolutely ROCKS!!!!! (Our next boat is going to be a 5 seater... repayment for those rides and ride offers will be coming soon!!!!)
Cntry & Stan - you guys never cease to amaze me with the food you cook. Out there in the middle of no where.... miles from civilization, there were about 25 or 30 people eating food BETTER than that served in the finest restaurants. And the "atmosphere" was not faux painted on the walls.... it was REAL. And REAL GOOD too! It just can't be beat.
Basketcase & Mrs Wizard... I'm so glad you guys made it up to this part of Florida to see what the riding is like here. It's different from the 'glades for sure! Different does not mean worse... just a different kind of beautiful. Congrats on the new job and I can't wait till you get to move a little closer. Within a very short year, the basket boat and the new moodmobile will be doing a lot of riding and exploring together, I'm sure.
It's so much fun riding with the Southern Airboat Gang!!!!
I'm sorry we could not make "The Ride - Day 2" And we're gonna have to miss the next one due to a family obligation. Both Laura and I are looking forward to reading about the day-2 ride and seeing photos from it as well.
Standing by, keeping an eye out for news of the next ride. There was 3 rides in May for Southern Airboat. I can't wait to see what June & July have to offer. Juse will be our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of riding with you guys! Getting bigger and better all the time.
Thanks for the fun day EVERYONE.
matt.
Edited for dang typos!!!!